5 keys to success in Korea

Korea's rapid economic growth attracts foreign companies. We reveal the 5 basics to consider before setting up.

The cultural gap between Europeans and Koreans remains significant. If the growing country is a gold mine for those who succeed, it is better to be prepared for it.

Korea is moving fast. “Pali Pali” (1) repeat the Koreans. Be ready to respond quickly to requests from your interlocutors. Better answer now. Make quick decisions.?Mobilize your teams on the project.?Do not approach your development in Korea unless you have established the conditions for a rapid response. While this seems obvious, its implementation is not.?Stay available.

The interpersonal relationship takes precedence over the contract.?Take the time to get to know your interlocutor. Korean is faithful in friendship, less in business. Agreements are required to evolve, to be regularly discussed. This is not bad faith. Korean live in the present moment and manage opportunities.?Be flexible.

Hierarchy is of particular importance.?Invisible,?it is nevertheless present everywhere, in business life as in everyday life. If there are four levels of politeness in the Korean language, it's not for nothing. Make no mistake about it.?Respect it.

The group takes precedence over the individual. And yes, unlike our western culture. The advantage is that?projects can be implemented in record time. It took Samsung two years to release its smartphone after Apple launched the iphone. ?Enjoy it.

A yes does not necessarily mean yes. But a consideration of your request. I can only strongly advise you to?rephrase the answer in order to obtain validation.?Remain vigilant.

I still remember that fabulous meeting at Samsung's?headquarters a few years ago in Suwon, south of Seoul, between a team of French engineers and a team of Korean engineers, when the first came out satisfied with the acceptance of the Koreans. while the latter leave satisfied with the understanding of the French for their refusal. The moral is that both teams came out of the meeting satisfied... I let you imaginewhat happens next.?Have someone accompany you.

(1) ??Quick Quick??

Guillaume Bages, Oct 2021