WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?

As a foreigner, you are expected to be on time for both business and social events. But do not be distressed if your Korean counterpart is late.

Do not get down to business too quickly. Koreans may ask you questions that seem somewhat intrusive, such as how old you are (age is still respected in Korea) or if you have any children. These questions help them to place you in their hierarchy. If you do not want to answer a question that you think seems too intrusive, evade it by changing the subject as gracefully as possible.

Good topics of conversation include Korea’s cultural heritage, the Hangeul alphabet, kites (very popular in Korea), and food. Sports—particularly golf and figure-skating—may be a good topic of conversation with some Koreans. Seoul hosted the Summer Olympics in 1988, and South Korean athletes have won many medals in archery and speed skating.