Country guide
South Korea Business etiquette and meeting customs
Asia/Seoul
What kind of meeting?
Strict punctuality
Arrive on time or a few minutes early — being late makes a poor impression.
Meeting Culture
Recommended duration60+ min
Communication StyleHierarchical, group-oriented
Greeting StyleBow and handshake
Daily Schedule
Work Hours09:00 – 18:00
Breakfast07:00 – 08:00
Lunch12:00 – 13:00
Dinner18:30 – 20:00
Sleep00:00 – 07:41
Tips for Meetings
For the kind of meeting you chose above.
Dress Code
Business formal
Tone
Hierarchical, group-oriented
- ·Use both hands when exchanging business cards
- ·Age and title determine speaking order and seating
- ·Decisions often require group consensus before finalizing
General Tips
- ·Age and seniority dictate protocol
- ·Exchange business cards with both hands
- ·Hweshik (team dinners) are important for bonding
- ·Nunchi — read the room and social cues
Cultural Notes
- ·Hierarchy affects scheduling
- ·Hweshik (team dinner) culture
- ·Average sleep: 7h 41m (lowest among major OECD economies)
Meeting someone from South Korea?
Find the best timeCultural information is for general guidance only and may not reflect every individual's practices.
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