South Korea Sociocultural Report

Essay by axlianoCollege, UndergraduateA+, December 2008

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South Korea is located in Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the East Sea and the Yellow Sea and Seoul is the capital (Kwintessential, 2008). There are very significant cultural difference between South Korea and United States that are important to understand and accommodate. A significant portion of these differences have at their root a very clearly defined power structure. Issues of respect also tend to stem from this power structure, and it is key to understand this.

In the present presentation we are going to information about South Korea as:Local customs.

Culture and Ideological beliefs.

Business Habits.

Corruption Perception Index (CPI) and Stability.

And the Most significant differences that may affect business interaction.

Close attention to this information can help to have a successful transaction when doing business with South Korea companies.

The Kwintessential website (2008) informed the following:South Koreans greetings follow strict rules of protocol.

They 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.

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...