Korean business etiquette: who speaks first in a South Korea meeting?

Ever wonder how you should start when entering into a business meeting in South Korea? This is a piece that gives you quick tip on a small nuance in South Korean business meeting etiquette.

View from a skycraper in Seoul - when entering a first business meeting with South Korean clients or partners, understanding who initiates conversation is crucial. Be it an in-person meeting; or a virtual Teams meeting.

Quick tips

• Always let the most senior person in the Korean team speak first.

• Hierarchy is deeply embedded in Korean culture, stemming from Confucian values emphasising respect for seniority and age. The senior representative typically opens the conversation, sets the tone, and outlines the meeting objectives.

• If you are visiting your client, or potential clients from Korea, you are naturally placed in a less senior or lower position, even if you are the CEO of a Swedish company. Make sure you give them airtime to speak first.

Why does this matter?

Initiating conversation before your Korean counterpart can inadvertently signal disrespect or ignorance of hierarchy, creating unnecessary discomfort or tension. Allowing the senior person to speak first demonstrates your cultural sensitivity and sets a respectful foundation for future interactions.

This is a small nuance in South Korean business meeting etiquette that can set the scene of the entire meeting. If done right, you would have gained trust already at the first 5 minutes of the meeting.

What can you do practically?

• Take a moment of silence after exchanging greetings and business cards.

• Observe carefully—your Korean counterpart will usually begin by welcoming you or discussing initial pleasantries.

• Follow their conversational cues and always show attentive listening to demonstrate respect and understanding.