Etiquette in Korean trade show

How to meet Korean buyers successfully

If you want to do business in Korea, trade shows are very easy way to enter Korean market. Korea is becoming a very hot spot for global companies to expand business mixed with K-cultures, smart infrastructure and passionate people. Even we are still in Covid-19 era, history has been showed that pandemic will go away anyway.

So I would like to recommend how to meet Korean buyers successfully when you join trade shows in Korea. If you know 4 etiquette rules about meeting Korean, they would welcome you and come one step further to your business.

1. Not shaking hands with other hand in pocket

Source: Chosun.com

In Korea, it is extremely impolite to shake hands with someone while your other hand is in your pocket, especially if the person your shaking hands with is more senior or older. This is regarded as disrespect for the other person or party. As an example of this, one time, a very famous global business leader met with the president of Korea. When he shook hands with the president, he kept his left hand in his pocket, which many Koreans took as being extremely rude.

2. Reading a business card thoroughly upon receiving it

Korea has its own etiquette when it comes to exchanging business cards. Use both your hands when exchanging business cards with Korean, and say your name and title as the exchange is taking place. It can also be accompanied by a slight bow followed by shaking hands. Be sure to thoroughly read the card before putting it away. Not reading the business card before doing so will insult the other party.

3. Not crossing arms while talking

Another causal action that is generally avoided in Korea is crossing your arms in front of another person. It doesn't matter if the person you're with is younger or older, if you cross your arms while talking, this indicates that you disapprove of what the other person is saying. It can also be interpreted as a sign of sternness toward the other person.

4. Not crossing leg in front of seniors

Crossing your legs might be a comfortable way to sit, but this casual sitting style is considered impolite in Korea when you're sitting in front of someone who is your senior buyer or your boss. It is more inappropriate for men as Korean men customarily keep both feet on the floor. Unless you're sitting by yourself, remember that keeping both feet on the floor is good manners in Korea.

With the soaring popularity of Korean culture around the world, more and more global business leaders are watching Korea not only as a land of squid game but also as a new land of business opportunity. So I hope these manners make a big success in the future with Korean partners.