💼 Executive Secret: Korean Business Meeting Phrases & Etiquette (2026)
📊 Mastering the Korean Boardroom: Executive Phrases & Etiquette (TOPIK 5–6)
💡 Quick Answer: Meeting Etiquette in a Nutshell
To succeed in a Korean meeting, you must balance Hierarchy (위계) and Harmony (조화).
- The Core Rule: Use "~인 것 같아요" to soften disagreement.
- Seating Protocol: The "Sang-seok" (head seat) is always farthest from the door.
- Closing Move: Always end with "잘 부탁드립니다" to signal long-term cooperation.
한국 비즈니스 회의는 단순한 정보 공유의 장이 아니라, 서로의 '신뢰(Trust)'를 확인하는 의식(Ritual)에 가깝습니다.
☕ Brian’s Executive Insight: The Silence in the Room
In my 20 years leading Strategic Planning, I’ve seen many brilliant global partners fail during a simple negotiation. Why? Because they treated the meeting as a data battle. In Korea, meetings are often about Jul-chung (Compromise). When a senior says, "검토해 보겠습니다" (We will review it), they might be politely saying "No." Understanding this "Social Frequency" is what separates an employee from a leader.
📝 Essential Meeting Phrases (Executive Level)
| Korean Phase | Strategic Context |
|---|---|
| 의견 있으신 분 말씀해 주시겠습니까? | Opening the floor respectfully. |
| 그 부분은 다음 안건으로 미루겠습니다. | Politely avoiding a deadlock. |
| 회의록에 기록해 두겠습니다. | Ensuring accountability (important for RA/Planning). |
🤝 Protocol: The Unwritten Rules
- The 10-Minute Rule: Arriving "on time" is considered late in Korea. Arrive 10 minutes early to sense the mood (Nunchi).
- Seating Order: Always wait for the senior to sit first. If unsure, stand by the door.
- Business Card (명함) Etiquette: Never slide a card. Present it with two hands, oriented so the receiver can read it immediately.
🧠 Vocabulary for the Modern Professional
- 검토(檢討)하다: To review/examine. The most used word in Korean business.
- 상명하복 (Sang-myeong-ha-bok): Following orders from the top down.
- 유종의 미 (Yu-jong-ui Mi): Finishing strong; a beautiful conclusion.
- 겸양어 (Gyeom-yang-eo): Humble language used to lower oneself and raise the other.
💡 Executive’s Survival Tip: The Soft Denial
If you must disagree with a senior, never start with "No" or "I disagree." Instead, say: "좋은 말씀이십니다. 다만 (That's a great point. However...)". This preserves their Kibun while allowing you to present your data.
🚀 Go Beyond the Script
Knowing the phrases is just the beginning. Discover why "Review Positively" almost always means a polite refusal.
Read Ep 1. The Secrets of the Boardroom →Ready for Your Next High-Stakes Meeting?
Master the nuances of professional negotiation with a veteran executive mentor.
Book a 1:1 Session with Director Brian