Business Card Etiquette in Korea

Offering and receiving business cards in Korea should be in accordance with the etiquette of the country.

The effect your business cards can produce is based on the first impression it makes, or to be more precise on the way you offer your card. The simple action of giving and taking custom business cards may happen to be more complicated if you want to gain the image of a polite person.  According to Korean etiquette a business card should be received or presented with both hand outstretched. To present a business card you have to do the following:

Holding a card outstretch your hands, then drop your left hand and hand over the card with your right hand. With your left hand grab the right hand above the wrist after the card is accepted.

Here are other tips how to offer/accept business cards in accordance with Korean etiquette.

• Receiving a business card from a Korean businessman you should nod your head and express your gratitude. Remember that you cannot afford failing to follow this rule when you meet individuals of higher rank.
• Don’t study received professional business card for too long, it is considered very rude. Put the card away in your card case in a few seconds after receiving it.
• Before asking for a business card, you should be sure that this person already has your card. If not, offer your card first, and then ask for a card in return.

• Ideas for Keeping Business Cards Handy