A Glimpse into the South Korean Networking Culture

Many of us in the United States are familiar with how networking works.? But what about other countries and cultures?? As part of the research for my new book Forging Bonds in a Global Workforce, we interviewed people from around the world about networking in their cultural contexts.?

Chelsea Choi is originally from South Korea and is currently studying philosophy at Brandeis University in the United States. She discussed with us how networking works in her culture.?

Andy Molinsky: When and how do employees at a company socialize in the Korean workplace?

Chelsea Choi: Although I cannot represent the whole socializing culture in South Korea, there are a few notable cultures that South Koreans mostly share. For instance, it is common to have a dinner party at a Korean BBQ restaurant to congratulate certain events. After a big project, people in the same office can enjoy drinking together during dinner. Recently, I know that the younger generation values their own time, and this might be bringing some changes to these types of cultures. Other than that, I believe bringing morning coffee and having coffee breaks together seems to be also quite common.

One interesting thing is that small talk seems to be less common in South Korea compared to the U.S. Although I cannot generalize the networking culture in the U.S., I feel like a brief small talk between people (especially when you first meet the person) is regarded as something that is a good start to getting to know each other. I think in South Korea, we mostly start getting to know each other by asking to have lunch/dinner/coffee together one-on-one and start talking for a longer time. On many occasions, we talk about things that are directly related to work, personal life, and background.

Andy Molinsky: What kind of food and drink is typically served at office parties?

Chelsea Choi: As I mentioned before, drinking coffee in the morning is quite common. Also, alcohol is essential in South Korean society: It is seen as joy. As such, alcohol is often present in many gatherings, including office parties and dinners.

Andy Molinsky: Who typically pays for food and drink at a social gathering?

Chelsea Choi: I think it depends on the situation and how official the social gathering is. If it is an office event and a manager is present, I think they will pay with the office budget. However, if not, either they will split the bill or the older people will pay. Korea has a culture of older people paying for younger people’s lunch or dinner. Although it doesn’t apply in all cases, it is often regarded as a social norm.

Andy Molinsky: What are some of the most typical drinks in South Korea?

Chelsea Choi: For coffee, it is iced americano. For alcohol, it is Soju, which is a type of liquor.? Beer is also pretty common. ?

Andy Molinsky: In a professional setting, how common would it be to drink a large amount and get drunk??

Chelsea Choi: In South Korea, I think it is quite common to drink a bit with colleagues. I think many people consider it an effective way to become comfortable with one another. Although whether this culture is healthy is a separate discussion worth discussing on its own, it is oftentimes regarded that it helps make the conversation flow easier and contributes to the atmosphere becoming more lively.