South Korean Business Culture

Nikita Bondarenko 지음

뿌쉬낀하우스 2025년 04월 01일 출간 국내도서 : 2024년 04월 05일 출간

작품소개

책소개

이 책은 한국에서 10여년간 거주해온 경영컨설팅회사 YNBC 설립자 니키타 본다렌코가 집필한 한국의 경제와 문화에 대한 영문 도서이다.
저자 니키타 본다렌코는 한국의 경제 성장부터 정체성, 교육 시스템, 과학과 종교 등 한국 문화에 대한 전반적인 내용과 한국에서 사업을 하려는 외국사업자들에게 필요할 한국의 사업 에티켓, 추세, 사업문화들을 자세히 정리해 놓았다.
이 책은 한국 경제성장과 문화에 관심있는 외국인들뿐만 아니라 외국인의 시선으로 본 한국의 문화에 호기심이 있는 한국독자들에게도 흥미로운 책이 될 것이다.

목차

Foreword ........................................................................................................................... 10
Dedicated to Dear Readers in Different Parts of the World ......................................... 14
Introduction The Origin of South Korea ............................................................. 17
The Ancient Korean States and the Path to Modern Prosperity ....... 18
Chapter 1 : The Rise of South Korea ................................................................. 26
1. Increase in Investment ........................................................................ 30
2. Dictatorship with Self-restraint ......................................................... 32
3. The Steps of Modernization ................................................................ 34
4. New Goals .............................................................................................. 38
5. Energy Development in South Korea ................................................ 40

Chapter 2 : Korean Character ................................................................................ 44
1. Want to Get to Know Your Korean Friends Better? ....................... 47
2. Gestures You Should Be Aware of in South Korea ........................ 48
3. Polite Communication Style in Korean ............................................ 52
4. National Peculiarities of Korea .......................................................... 53
5. Development of South Korean Mentality ......................................... 55
6. Korean Table Etiquette ........................................................................ 64
7. Foreigners in South Korea .................................................................. 71

Chapter 3 : History of the Korean Education System ............................ 78
1. First School and University ................................................................. 78
2. History of Education: the First Exams .............................................. 80
3. Craving for Knowledge: New Learning Centers ............................ 80
4. The History of Education of the Modern Period ............................. 82

Chapter 4 : Development of Science in South Korea ............................. 86
1. The Development of Sciences in the Era of the Crust
(10th-14th Centuries) .............................................................................. 87
2. Water Clocks and Other Inventions (15th -16th Centuries) ............ 88
3. Western Influence (17th-18th Centuries) ........................................... 88
4. The development of Science in Korea in the
(19th-20th Centuries) .............................................................................. 89
5. Dr. Hwang Woo-suk's Scientific Achievement ............................... 90
6. Korea and Basic Sciences: Vector of Development ..................... 92

Chapter 5 : South Korean Religion ..................................................................... 98
1. Christianity ............................................................................................. 99
2. Orthodoxy ................................................................................................ 99
3. Catholicism .......................................................................................... 100
4. Protestantism ...................................................................................... 100
5. Buddhism ............................................................................................. 100
6. Branches of Buddhism ...................................................................... 102
7. Shamanism............................................................................................102
8. Confucianism ....................................................................................... 103
9. The Neighborhood of Different Beliefs .......................................... 104

Chapter 6 : Miracles of the South Korean Economy and
Development ......................................................................................... 106

Chapter 7 : Business in South Korea .............................................................. 124
1. How Businesses Operate in South Korea ...................................... 125
2. Features of Doing Business in South Korea ................................. 128
3. Specific Features of Doing Business in the Republic of Korea,
Including Cultural Aspects and Business Customs .................... 130
4. Translation Difficulties ....................................................................... 132
5. Startups ................................................................................................. 134
6. Promising Areas .................................................................................. 136
7. Where Does the Funding Come From? .......................................... 137
8. Acceleration Programs ...................................................................... 140
9. Startup Infrastructure: Hubs and Coworking ............................... 141
10. There are 4 Main Forms of Business in South Korea for Foreign
Busines
ses ........................................................................................... 143
11. Pros and Cons of Doing Business in South Korea ....................... 144

Chapter 8 : Business Etiquette ........................................................................... 148
1. Negotiations ......................................................................................... 150
2. Business Protocol ............................................................................... 154
3. Behaviour During Negotiations ....................................................... 156
4. Restaurants in South Korea ............................................................. 157
5. What to Never Do in South Korea .................................................... 159
6. Greeting ................................................................................................. 160
7. Handshake .......................................................................................... 161
8. Posture .................................................................................................. 162
9. Gestures ................................................................................................ 163
10. Habits .................................................................................................... 164
11. Smoking ................................................................................................ 165
12. Speech ................................................................................................... 165
13. Unspoken Rules of Nonverbal Etiquette ....................................... 166
14. Nonverbal Etiquette and Modernity ................................................ 167
15. Business Contacts .............................................................................. 167

Chapter 9 : The Role of Han and Nunchi in Business .......................... 172
1. The Concept of Han and Its Impact on Decision-Making ........... 173
2. Nunchi in Business Relationships and Communication ............ 176
3. Balancing Tradition with Modern Business Strategies .............. 180

Chapter 10 : South Korean Business Culture ............................................. 184
1. Traditional Art as a Reflection of Values ........................................ 186
2. Cultural Significance in Business Interactions ............................ 188
3. Artistic Inspiration in Marketing and Branding ............................ 189
4. Innovation and Adaptation in Modern Business .......................... 190

Chapter 11 : The Significance of Guanxi in South Korean
Business .................................................................................................. 194
1. The Role of Social Gatherings and Events .................................... 197
Chapter 12 : Drivers of Economic Growth ...................................................... 202
1. New Economic Strategy .................................................................... 203
2. Growth Based on Innovation ............................................................ 205
3. Areas of Strategic Investment .......................................................... 206
4. How Businesses Were Born in South Korea ................................. 208
5. The Childhoods of the Owners of Leading Companies
Worldwide ............................................................................................. 209
6. Businessmen with Individual Control ............................................ 211
7. How Lee Kun-hee Turned Samsung into an Empire of New
Management - Kor
ean Traditions and Western Methods .......... 214
8. The Most Powerful Conglomerate .................................................. 215
9. New Management .............................................................................. 216
10. Bribery and Other Problems ............................................................ 218
11. Change in Leadership ........................................................................ 219
12. South Korea - Skyscrapers ............................................................... 220
13. South Korea - Work and Hierarchy ................................................. 222

Chapter 13 : Crisis Management and Resilience ...................................... 230
1. Strategies for Crisis Management .................................................. 231
2. Navigating Economic Downturns in South Korean Business
Crisis ...................................................................................................... 239

Chapter 14 : Conclusion
How to Build Successful Partnerships with
South Korean Companies? ......................................................... 244
1. Thinking Through Your Business and Covering Every Possible
Detail ...................................................................................................... 245
2. Studying the Legal Formalities ........................................................ 246
3. Criteria for the Success of the Korean Negotiations .................. 253
4. Motivation in the South Korean Management System ................................................................................................... 254

Chapter 15 : Additional Information ................................................................... 270
1. South Korean Climate ........................................................................ 270
2. South Korean Holidays ...................................................................... 274
3. Currency and Financial Information ............................................... 306
4. Customs and Travel Regulations .................................................... 308

Appendices
1. Business Titles and Their Korean Equivalents ............................. 310
2. Chambers of Commerce and Industry in South Korea .............. 311
3. Business Organizations ..................................................................... 312
4. Governmental Bodies ........................................................................ 314
5. References ........................................................................................... 315

책 속으로

“In the following pages, you will find a meticulous exam¬ination of South Korean business practices, the role of Confucianism, the influence of chaebols, and the significance of interpersonal relationships in the business world. We delve into case studies, crisis management strategies, and lessons learned from past economic downturns, all with the intention of provid¬ing a holistic understanding of South Korean Business Culture.
While this book endeavors to provide a comprehensive view, it is important to acknowledge that the landscape of South Korean business culture is ever-evolving. Thus, I encour¬age readers to use this book as a stepping stone for their own explorations and discoveries. South Korean Business Culture is a dynamic and complex subject that continues to evolve, adapt, and influence the global economy.
I hope that the insights and knowledge presented in these pages prove to be insightful, enlightening, and useful for any¬one seeking to engage in business endeavors within the South Korean context. Whether you are a business professional, a stu¬dent, an entrepreneur, or simply a curious reader, I trust that you will find this book to be a valuable resource.
It has been an incredible journey to put this book togeth¬er, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to share it with you. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me in this endeavor, and I look forward to the impact and contributions this book may make to the world of business culture studies.” (p. 15)

“The foreign community in Korea is quite diverse but shares common features. One such characteristic is that the majority of these individuals, understandably, view themselves as temporary residents in Korea. They tend to remain isolated, socialize within their own circles, have limited contact with Korean society, and frequently lack even basic knowledge of the Korean language. Typically, they spend only a couple of years in Korea and then depart from the country permanently. The notion of immigrant communities does not hold true for Korea, with the exception of the local Chinese, although their numbers have been diminishing in recent years.” (p. 75)

“An additional culturally intrinsic element is “kun,” symbol¬izing inner strength and the ability to remain composed even in the most challenging situations. A leader who embodies “kun” signifies virtuous and dignified conduct. This attribute resonates deeply within Korean culture, as even Confucius remarked: “A noble husband always thinks about virtue. The commoner thinks about convenience.” A notable quality in leadership is “Jeongsin,” indicative of perseverance, mental fortitude, and an indomitable fighting spirit. It is worth noting that this attribute has played a pivotal role in Korea forging its unique identity, as exemplified by the international success of Korean pop music and drama.” (p. 126)

“Modern Korea is among the most successful economies in the world (GDP per capita in 2020 was more than $30,000), is a lead¬er in such areas as high-tech and shipbuilding, and is one of the leading Asian financial centers. The impressive rates of eco¬nomic growth, in my opinion, were due, among other things, to the peculiarities of the millennial Korean culture. Those who want to establish business relations with Korea should definitely take this into account.” (p. 149)

“South Korean business culture is distinguished by its har¬monious fusion of tradition and modernity. Despite the enthusi¬astic embrace of cutting-edge technology and innovation, the nation remains deeply anchored in its traditional values. The integration of “han” and “nunchi” with contemporary business practices represents a pivotal strategy for navigating the intricate landscape of South Korean business culture. Recognizing the significance of these cultural elements and their profound impact on decision-making, communication dynamics, and rela¬tionship-building is paramount. The capacity to harmonize tra¬dition with modern strategies exemplifies the adaptability and resilience of businesses in South Korea, enabling them to thrive in this dynamic and ever-evolving marketplace.” (p. 173)

“South Korean businesses have not merely embraced the aforementioned strategies in isolation; they have harmonized them into a comprehensive and mutually reinforcing strategy for managing economic downturns. The fusion of these strate¬gic elements is founded on a bedrock of cultural resilience and adaptability. The result is a modus operandi that has proved to be exceptionally robust in enabling companies to confront and vanquish economic tribulations with striking aplomb.
The experiences of South Korean businesses serve as a wellspring of wisdom for enterprises worldwide. The complex and interconnected strategies underscore the power of adapt¬ability, resourcefulness, and strategic acumen in the face of eco¬nomic adversity. South Korean business culture, intricately woven with historical narratives and economic pragmatism, emerges as an indomitable model for confronting the tempestu¬ous tides of economic downturns. The enduring lessons of South Korea’s economic journey are invaluable for businesses navigating the treacherous terrain of economic downturns across the globe.” (p. 241)

작가정보

저자(글) Nikita Bondarenko

Nikita Bondarenko, the Founder and Owner of YNBC, was born in Moscow, Russia, and has lived in South Korea for over 10 years, having grown up in the capital city of Seoul. He completed studies on Organizational Analysis with Stanford University and conducted advanced laboratory work and research for the development of high-end robotics solutions at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). In 2022, Nikita founded YNBC, a management consulting firm that has since expanded to over 38 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2023, he established the YNBC Research Institute, focusing on advanced research in IT fields, including Artificial Intelligence, Decentralized Finance, Robotics & Autonomous Solutions, and more. With over 100 published articles and research papers as of 2023, Nikita was the world's first inventor of a special management theory that integrates the concept of “Emotional Intelligence Metric,” abbreviated as “EIM,” as a central principle for enhancing and regulating employee productivity within the modern corporate landscape.