The People

Korea is one of the most homogeneous countries in the world, racially and linguistically. It has its own culture, language, dress and cuisine, separate and distinct from its neighboring countries. Hard work, filial piety and modesty are characteristics esteemed by Koreans. They are proud of their traditional culture and their modern economic success. Education is highly valued as the path to status, money and success.

Meeting and Greeting

The bow is the traditional Korean greeting, although it is often accompanied by a handshake among men. To show respect when shaking hands, support your right forearm with your left hand.

Korean women usually nod slightly and will not shake hands with Western men. Western women may offer their hand to a Korean man.

Bow when departing. Younger people wave (move their arm from side to side).

Names and Titles

It is considered very impolite to address a Korean with his or her given name. Address Koreans using appropriate professional titles until specifically invited by your host or colleagues to use their given names.

Americans should address a Korean with Mr., Mrs., Miss + family name; however, never address a high-ranking person or superior in this manner.

Korean names are the opposite of Western names with the family name first, followed by the two-part given name. The first of the two given names is shared by everyone of the same generation in the family, and the second is the individual's given name. Example: Lee (Family) + Dong (Shared Given) + Sung (Given). Dong Sung is the individual's given name. Address him as Mr. Lee or Lee Sonsaengnim (which means "teacher"). 

Body Language

Koreans consider it a personal violation to be touched by someone who is not a relative or close friend. Avoid touching, patting or back slapping a Korean.

Direct eye contact between junior and senior businesspeople should be avoided. This is seen as impolite or even as a challenge.

Do not cross your legs or stretch your legs out straight in front of you. Keep your feet on the floor, never on a desk or chair.

Always pass and receive objects with your right hand (supported by the left hand at the wrist or forearm) or with two hands.

To beckon someone, extend your arm, palm down, and move your fingers in a scratching motion. Never point with your index finger.

Corporate Culture

Koreans expect Westerners to be punctual for social occasions and business meetings. Call if you will be delayed. However, you may be kept waiting up to a half hour. This is not a sign of disrespect, but reflects the pressure of time on Korean executives.

Professionals meeting for the first time usually exchange business cards. Present your card and receive your colleague's card with both hands.

Building trust and relationships is vital to establishing a successful business relationship. This requires patience. Koreans prefer to do business with people they know.

The first meeting is to establish trust, so business should not be discussed. Be formal in meetings until the Korean delegation loosens up.

Negotiations are generally long and require several trips. Be prepared for business meetings to go well beyond business hours.

Koreans generally start negotiations at an unreasonable position and prepare to compromise. Koreans are tough negotiators and admire a firm, persistent negotiator, but refrain from being too aggressive.

A low, deep bow from Koreans at the end of a meeting indicates a successful meeting. A quick, short parting bow could mean dissatisfaction with meetings. Send a meeting review outlining all discussions and agreements to your Korean counterpart after you leave Korea. Make several visits during negotiations and after business is established.

"Yes" is not necessarily “yes.” Koreans avoid saying "no." Try to phrase questions in a manner that doesn't require a "yes" or "no" answer. Example: Instead of saying "Could we sign the agreement by next Friday?” say "When is the earliest date that we could expect to sign this agreement?"

Dining and Entertainment

Sharing a dinner is vital to building friendships that foster trust. Your business success is directly related to your social relationships.

Do not pour your own drink, but do offer to pour others'. It is common to trade and fill each other's cup. To refuse is an insult. Women pour men's drinks, but never another woman's drink. A woman may pour her own drink. Leave some drink in your glass if you don't want a refill.

Wherever you see a "No Tipping" sign, do not tip. Koreans find tipping offensive, although tipping is now becoming expected in Western hotels.

Always allow your host to seat you. The seat of honor is the seat looking at the front door. If you are seated in the seat of honor, it is polite to protest slightly.

Koreans do not like to talk a lot during dinner. Periods of silence are common and appreciated at a dinner. The meal usually comes before socializing at a dinner party.

It is polite to pass or accept food or drink with your right hand while your left hand supports your forearm/wrist.

The person who invites pays the bill for everyone. However, it is polite to offer to pay. When two people are dining, usually the younger person pays for the older person.

Prepare to sing a solo number after dinner, no matter what kind of voice you have. Any song is acceptable, as long as you sing with spirit.

After dinner, the host may invite his guests to go drinking. Don't refuse this invitation.

Dress

Koreans dress well, and you should dress accordingly to show respect for them. A formal suit and tie is almost always appropriate. Koreans dress up for city activities, especially in Seoul.

Women dress modestly. Prepare to sit on the floor; avoid straight, tight skirts.

Gifts

Gift giving is very common in Korea. Offer and receive a gift with both hands. Wrapped gifts are never opened in the presence of the giver.

Reciprocate with a gift of similar value when receiving a gift from your Korean colleague. Koreans like regional United States gifts and Indian/Western artifacts.

Wrap your gift nicely. Bright colors are preferred for wrapping gifts. Yellow and red or green stripes are a traditional Korean wrapping paper design. Avoid wrapping gifts in dark colors or red.

Always bring a small gift for the hostess when invited to someone's home. Give: small gift, candy, cakes, cookies, flowers, fruit. Do not give liquor to a woman.

It is common to exchange gifts at the first business meeting. Allow the host to present his gift first. Give: liquor (good quality scotch), fruit, desk accessories, small mementos, gifts from France or Italy

(which often indicate status). Do not give: expensive gifts (Koreans will feel obligated to reciprocate with a gift of equal value),

knives or scissors (they signify "cutting off" a relationship), green headwear, gifts with red writing (denotes death) or gifts in a set of four (denotes death).

Helpful Hints

Never use words like "fellow," "guy," "this man" or "that man." This is considered demeaning. Koreans are not Chinese. They are distinct from other Asians in food, language and culture. Expect Koreans to ask personal questions. This is viewed as showing a polite interest in your life. Deny a compliment. Don't say "thank you." It is impolite and shows a lack of humility. Never expect Koreans to admit to not knowing an answer when questioned. They may give an

incorrect answer or an answer they think you would like to hear to make you feel good or to save face. Don't talk about Koreans or their customs or culture within earshot of a Korean, even if you are saying

good things. Do not talk about politics.

Especially for Women

Foreign women may have difficulty doing business in Korea. Although women are becoming more accepted in the Korean businessplace, Korean men generally prefer to negotiate with men.

Korean women seldom shake hands. A Western woman can offer her hand to a Korean man, but should not to a Korean woman.

Foreign businesswomen should always act elegant, refined and very "feminine.” Laughing and loud talking are frowned upon.

Generally, women wait for Korean men to make the first move.

While North Korea is still attempting to transition from a planned economy to capitalism, South Korea has a thriving, trillion-dollar economy, the 4th largest among Asian countries. Because of this, South Korea is an ideal place for business people to develop new clients and colleagues for expanding into Asian markets.

As with any international business interaction, knowing the ins and outs of proper business etiquette will be key to your success. Because just a few missteps could cost you a business deal, practicing proper Korean business etiquette will impress your Korean colleagues, demonstrate your finesse in the business world and help you solidify a lucrative new business relationship.

Korean Business Meeting Etiquette

Korean business meeting etiquette is highly ritualized, as the Koreans' appreciation of conformity, rules and order dictates specific ways of doing business in Seoul and throughout South Korea. Here are some Korean business etiquette tips to help you appropriately interact with your foreign colleagues:

Avoid saying 'no' directly. Instead, indicate disagreement or reluctance by inhaling air through closed teeth, tipping your head backwards and/or saying 'maybe.'

Break up your speech with pauses for questions and to facilitate translation. Try to pause between points you articulate allowing your colleagues time to listen to the Korean translation, digest your information and ask you questions. It is also important to remember that Korean businesspeople will likely ask you many questions (often a similar question in a variety of ways), so be patient.

Present business cards with both hands. Include a Korean translation of your business card on the flipside, as this will show your colleagues that you are willing to go the extra mile to do business with them. As in Japan and China, when receiving business cards in Korea, be sure to carefully read them before putting them away. Shoving business cards into your pocket without reading them (or writing on business cards) is considered disrespectful and will offend your Korean colleagues.

Send proposals and meeting agendas ahead of time so that your Korean colleagues can review them. As with your business cards, be sure that each business document is available with a Korean translation. This demonstrates respect for your Korean colleagues and ensures that they understand your goals for the meeting.

Other helpful etiquette tips for Korean business meetings include:

Acknowledge those with the highest status first, then acknowledge those who are the oldest, as it's important to show respect for status and age.

Expect your Korean colleagues to deliberate in a group before making decisions. Collectivity and teamwork are valued in Korean business transactions.

Hire a Korean interpreter if you aren't fluent in Korean or if your colleagues don't speak English. Wear a dark-colored, conservative business suit to Korean business meetings. Do you need Bilingual   Korean Professionals  for your Company? Visit Foreign Staffing, Inc

Values Honored in Korean-Speaking Countries

Many elements of Korean business etiquette are shaped by the values that Koreans respect. Some of these include:

Certainty and Structure Collectivity and Teamwork Conformity Endurance Loyalty Obedience Respect for Authority

First Meetings

1. When meeting a Korean business person for the first time, it is best to be introduced by a third party,

rather than introducing yourself.

2. Shaking hands is now common even among Koreans. A bow may or may not precede the handshake.

3. The exchange of business cards is a vital part of a first meeting. It is also important to emphasize one’s

title so that, right away, the correct authority, status and rank are established and understood. The recent

Western trend toward eliminating titles has created some problems for some companies when dealing

with Korean businesses as Koreans generally prefer to deal only with someone of equal rank as opposed

to someone of lower rank.

4. Use both hands if possible when presenting and receiving a business card. If that is not possible, use

your right hand and support your right elbow with your left hand.

5. Business cards should be treated as an extension of the person. Therefore you should read it carefully

and then place it on the table in front of you. To put someone’s card in your pocket or to write on it, etc. is

to show disrespect to the person.

 

Business Meetings

1. It is important to make an appointment a few weeks in advance of a business meeting. Most business

meetings are scheduled mid-morning (10 AM to 12 PM) or mid-afternoon (between 2 and 4 PM).

2. Punctuality is important as it is a sign of respect. If you realize that you may be a little late, it is best to call

ahead to say so. That said, don’t be surprised if top Korean executives arrive a few minutes late for

appointments due to their extremely busy and pressured schedule.

3. It is also not unusual for Korean executives to cancel appointments with little or no notice. The

cancellation may be due to an unexpected and unavoidable situation. However, if it’s happened before, it

may be a signal that they don’t really want to do business or need to delay the process for some reason,

and you were expected to have realized that.

4. Gift-giving is a common practice when doing business in Korea. The gifts given at the first meeting are

intended to acquire favours and to build relationships. Wait until your host has presented his gift and use

both hands to accept it. The gifts exchanged should be of similar value, with that of greatest value going

to the most senior person.

5. To enhance communication and reduce the possibility of misunderstanding due to language, you may find

it helpful to send written materials - brochures, marketing materials, proposals, etc. - in writing to your

Korean counterpart some time prior to the meeting.

Contracts are seen as a starting point rather than as the final goals of a business agreement and as the parameter within which the working relationship will be conducted. Koreans prefer that contracts be flexible so that adjustments can be made as the project/work evolves. Even those who are aware of the legal implications regarding the signing of contract, often still view it as less important than the interpersonal relationship between the two companies and find it difficult to understand why, despite the excellent relationship you’ve been having, you are not willing to overlook or change elements of the contract as you go along. It is important that you be aware of how your Korean colleague/partner views the documents in order to avoid misunderstandings while

ensuring that he/she is equally aware of your position.

Names

1. When addressing a Korean, use his/her title along with her/his family name unless you’ve been invited to

do otherwise. If there is no title, use Mr/Mrs/Miss with the family name.

2. More and more Koreans use a Western (usually English) name as a courtesy to foreign

colleagues/clients. However, you may want to make sure to also know their Korean name since, for

example, Harry Kim may not be known as such among his Korean colleagues and trying to find a Mr. Kim

is a Korean corporation is like looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. It can help if you know his

exact title and department.

General Etiquette

1. Modesty and humility are important in Korean culture and therefore it is best to avoid over-selling yourself

or your company’ previous business achievements. When interviewing Koreans, you may want to keep

this characteristic in mind ? the interviewee will either understate her/his abilities and achievements in the

belief that you will be aware of them and that anything else would be rude or, in an attempt to live up to

perceived Western expectation, he/she may exaggerate what would not be stressed normally in a Korean

context.

2. In order to show respect, some Koreans still do not make eye-contact for any length of time when in the

presence of an authority figure. However, this is changing and you should make direct eye-contact when

addressing business professionals and clients, as doing so is expected and is interpreted as an indication

of your honesty and interest.

3. The decision- making process in Korea is done collectively and up through the hierarchy and therefore

does take more time than you may be used to. Try to be patient, and even if you’re not feeling patient, try

not to show it.

4. Avoid criticizing someone in public, even if you have seen a Korean colleague do so. Criticism, especially

of colleagues or Korean subordinates, should be conducted in private so as to reduce or prevent loss of

face.

5. You may also want to avoid opposing someone in public as this, too, can mean a loss of face. Try

thinking of alternative ways of going about expressing your opinion or concerns.

 

Business Relationships

1. Once you have established contact with a Korean business partner or client, it is important to nurture that

relationship.

2. Gift-giving is a common practice when doing business in Korea. The gifts given at the first meeting are

intended to acquire favours and to build relationships. Wait until your host has presented his gift and use

both hands to accept it. The gifts exchanged should be of similar value, with that of greatest value going

to the most senior person.

3. It is also common to give gifts to your Korean business partners to mark major holidays such as Chuseok

(Korean Thanksgiving) and Lunar New Year. Christmas is another time when it is common to give gifts to

clients and partner companies.

4. If you are not based in Korea, do make a point of visiting the client/partner on every business trip here.

5. Koreans worry that foreign businesses are only here to make a quick profit and run and therefore it is

important to demonstrate that you have a long-term commitment to the market and to the relationship.

6. Koreans business people devote a great deal of time, energy and money in getting to know the people

with whom they are dealing in order to build long-term relationships. You willingness to participate is often

interpreted as a measure of your sincerity and commitment.

7. People who went to the same school be it kindergarten, middle-school or university, share a special

relationship. The one who graduated first is the ‘senior’ (sonbae), while the one who enrolled later is

referred to as ‘my junior’ (hoobae). There will always be a kind of mutual ‘I owe you’ relationship between

sonbae and hoobae regardless of whether they attended school at the same time or many years apart.

Developing an understanding of Korean culture and its influence on business practices is essential to your firm’s success in Korea. While polite Canadian manners will almost always be recognised as courteous behaviour – and Koreans do not expect foreigners to be experts in their culture – efforts to learn about Korean customs and language will be well received, and will assist you in building stronger business relationships.

Confucian InfluenceKoreans hold to firm Confucian traditions, which emphasize respect for education, authorities and those who are older. Although modern Koreans may not adhere to Confucian principles as rigidly, these principles continue to underpin many customs and business practices.Given this Confucian influence, Koreans intuitively establish hierarchical relationships based upon the age, position, status and educational background of other people relative to themselves. Do not be surprised by questions about your age, marital status or educational background. Although these questions are considered by many Canadians to be personal in nature – and unrelated to business – they are a tool used by Korean businesspeople to place you within this hierarchical structure.Given the importance and value that Confucianism places on relationships, beyond their family, many Koreans are loyal to others associated with their own company, alma mater, hometown or place of worship. Koreans are comfortable doing business with people to whom they feel personally connected. Keeping this in mind, mutual intermediaries can be very helpful in establishing business connections; cold calls will only rarely produce results.

Korean NamesA Korean name consists of a family name, usually of one syllable, plus a given name, usually of two syllables. The family name comes first (Kim Tae-Woo, for example). Until one gets to be on very good terms with a counterpart, it is best to use the family name preceded by a title such as Mr., Mrs. or Miss, whether speaking directly to the counterpart or speaking of him or her to another Korean. When addressing a counterpart in settings that call for great respect or formality, you should use your counterpart’s formal title and surname (Chairman Lee, for example). Some Koreans who have spent significant time overseas may have adopted a western first name, and prefer that it is used over their family name. Some Koreans view their name as a very personal thing, so a suggestion to work on a first-name basis may be slow to be offered.

MeetingsFor appointments, it is considered polite to arrive on-time or just a few minutes early. Koreans generally keep a full schedule, which early arrivals can disrupt. Arriving late is not recommended, however, as it can be viewed as a snub by your host. If traffic or other problems delay you, call ahead to inform your host that you are running late.At an initial meeting, be prepared to begin with some small talk, including discussion on whether you are making a first visit to Korea, your impressions of the country, as well as your family, favourite sports (golf is a clear favourite among Koreans) and other interests.You should also be prepared to socialize with your Korean business partners on a personal level outside of regular business hours. It remains extremely common to build business relationships through informal social gatherings that involve heavy drinking and eating. While it is not unusual to discuss business during these social gatherings, they are primarily aimed at building a stronger personal relationship that will underpin your business dealings.

Business CardsThe exchange of business cards is helpful in determining rank within the hierarchical structure, and allows Koreans to quickly determine their counterpart’s position and title. The exchange of business cards is important, and plays an essential role in initial meetings. While still standing, Canadian businesspeople should politely hand a business card over with two hands, and receive one in return. Do not simply drop the card into a pocket upon receipt, but instead take a few seconds to review names and titles. If you are sitting down, place it on the table in front of you for the duration of the meeting. Koreans will place cards on the table in the order of the seating plan, a sensible practice that allows names to be kept straight during meetings.Canadian businesspeople travelling in Korea should carry business cards that include Korean text. At the same time, given sensitivities surrounding Korea’s historical relationship with Japan, avoid exchanging business cards that include Japanese text while in Korea.

Bowing and HandshakesKoreans are accustomed to bowing to those senior to them as a form of greeting and to show respect. The junior person initiates the bow, bending from the waist to an angle of between 30 and 45 degrees from vertical. The more senior person will acknowledge by returning a less accentuated bow. Bowing in Korea is not as pronounced as in other countries, such as Japan.As when exchanging business cards, it is considered polite to give and receive articles using two hands rather than one. This is carried over into the handshake by extended the right hand and cupping the left hand below and around the right elbow. While it is considered polite for Canadian businesspeople to extend a simple handshake when greeting and taking leave, they should not be surprised by a two-handed handshake and a bow during the course of an initial meeting.

orean Society & CultureKorean Family Values

The family is the most important part of Korean life. 

In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter, and to approve the marriages of family members. 

The eldest son has special duties: first to his parents, then to his brothers from older to younger, then to his sons, then to his wife, and lastly to his daughters.

Family welfare is much more important than the needs of the individual. 

Members of the family are tied to each other because the actions of one family member reflect on the rest of the family. 

In many cases the family register can trace a family's history, through male ancestors, for over 500 years.

Confucianism

The teachings of Confucius describe the position of the individual in Korean society. 

It is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards one another based upon their relationship. 

The basic tenets are based upon five different relationships: 1) ruler and subject, 2) husband and wife, 3) parents and children, 4)brothers and sisters and 5) friend and friend

Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority, and sincerity.

 Korean Ancestors

Ancestors are based on the male family line.  Children are raised to believe they can never repay their debt to

their parents, hence the popularity of ancestor worship.  They hold ancestral ceremonies for the previous three generations

(parents, grandparents, and great grandparents) several times a year, particularly on Chusok and New Year's Day. 

On Chusok, people cook and set out food to celebrate their ancestors.

The Concept of Kibun

Kibun is a word with no literal English translation; the closest terms are pride, face, mood, feelings, or state of mind. 

If you hurt someone's kibun you hurt their pride, cause them to lose dignity, and lose face. Korean interpersonal relationships operate on the principle of harmony. 

It is important to maintain a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere at all times, even if it means telling a "white lie". 

Kibun enters into every facet of Korean life.  It is important to know how to judge the state of someone else's

kibun, how to avoid hurting it, and how to keep your own kibun at the same time. 

In business, a manager's kibun is damaged if his subordinates do not show proper respect. A subordinate's kibun is damaged if his manager criticizes him in public.

Nunchi is the ability to determine another person's kibun by using the eye. 

Since this is a culture where social harmony is crucial, being able to judge another person's state of mind is critical to maintain the person's kibun. 

Nunchi is accomplished by watching body language and listening to the tone of voice as well as what is said.

Etiquette & Customs in South Korea

Meeting Etiquette

Greetings follow strict rules of protocol.  Many South Koreans shake hands with expatriates after the bow,

thereby blending both cultural styles. The person of lower status bows to the person of higher status, yet

it is the most senior person who initiates the handshake.  The person who initiates the bow says, "man-na-suh pan-gop-

sumnida", which means "pleased to meet you."  Information about the other person will be given to the person

they are being introduced to in advance of the actual meeting.  Wait to be introduced at a social gathering.  When you leave a social gathering, say good-bye and bow to each

person individually.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Gifts express a great deal about a relationship and are always reciprocated. 

It is inconsiderate to give someone an expensive gift if you know that they cannot afford to reciprocate accordingly. 

Bring fruit or good quality chocolates or flowers if invited to a Korean's home. 

Gifts should be wrapped nicely. 

The number 4 is considered unlucky, so gifts should not be given in multiples of 4. 

Giving 7 of an item is considered lucky.  Wrap gifts in red or yellow paper, since these are royal colours.

Alternatively, use yellow or pink paper since they denote happiness.  Do not wrap gifts in green, white, or black paper.  Do not sign a card in red ink. Use both hands when offering a gift.  Gifts are not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a South Korean's house: 

It is common for guests to meet at a common spot and travel together. 

You may arrive up to 30 minutes late without giving offence.  Remove your shoes before entering the house.  The hosts greet each guest individually.  The host pours drinks for the guests in their presence. The hostess

does not pour drinks.  The hosts usually accompany guests to the gate or to their car

because they believe that it is insulting to wish your guests farewell indoors. 

Send a thank you note the following day after being invited to dinner.

Table manners

Wait to be told where to sit. There is often a strict protocol to be followed. 

The eldest are served first.  The oldest or most senior person is the one who starts the eating

process.  Never point your chopsticks.  Do not pierce your food with chopsticks.  Chopsticks should be returned to the table after every few bites

and when you drink or stop to speak.  Do not cross your chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick

rest. 

Do not pick up food with your hands. Fruit should be speared with a toothpick. 

Bones and shells should be put on the table or an extra plate.  Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something

is.  Refuse the first offer of second helpings.  Finish everything on your plate.  Indicate you are finished eating by placing your chopsticks on the

chopstick rest or on the table. Never place them parallel across your rice bowl.

Business Etiquette and ProtocolRelationships & Communication 

South Koreans prefer to do business with people with whom they have a personal connection. 

It is therefore crucial to be introduced by a third-party.  Relationships are developed through informal social gatherings

that often involve a considerable amount of drinking and eating.  Individuals who have established mutual trust and respect will

work hard to make each other successful. South Koreans treat legal documents as memorandums of

understanding.  They view contracts as loosely structured consensus statements

that broadly define agreement and leave room for flexibility and adjustment as needed. 

Under no circumstances insult or to criticize in front of others.  Sensitive matters may often be raised indirectly through the

intermediary that first made the introductions. South Koreans are extremely direct communicators. They are not

averse to asking questions if they do not understand what has been said or need additional clarification. 

This is a culture where "less is more" when communicating. Respond to questions directly and concisely. 

Since there is a tendency to say "yes" to questions so that you do not lose face, the way you phrase a question is crucial. It is better to

ask, "When can we expect shipment?" than "Can we expect shipment in 3 weeks?", since this question requires a direct response.

Business Meeting Etiquette

Appointments are required and should be made 3 to 4 weeks in advance.

You should arrive on time for meetings as this demonstrates respect for the person you are meeting. 

The most senior South Korean generally enters the room first.  It is a good idea to send both an agenda and back-up material

including information about your company and client testimonials prior to the meeting. 

The main purpose of the first meeting is to get to know each other. Meetings are used to understand a client's needs and challenges.

They lay the foundation for building the relationship.  Do not remove your jacket unless the most senior South Korean

does so.  Have all written materials available in both English and Korean.

Dress Etiquette

Business attire is conservative.  Men should wear dark- coloured, conservative business suits with

white shirts.  Women should dress conservatively and wear subdued colours.  Men should avoid wearing jewellery other than a watch or a

wedding ring.

Business Cards

Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions in a highly ritualized manner. 

The way you treat someone's business card is indicative of the way you will treat the person. 

Have one side of your business card translated into Korean.  Using both hands, present your business card with the Korean side

facing up so that it is readable by the recipient.   Examine any business card you receive carefully.  Put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio. 

Never write on someone's business card in their presence.