Business & Culture with Korean Americans

Posted by kims in Articles

Mr. Gi-Moon Sung, Trade Development Liaison Officer from Korea, gave an overview of Korean culture, business etiquette and basic phrases. He advised those who want to do business with Korean Americans to familiarize themselves with Confucian ethics of loyalty, obedience, and respect. Mr. Sung  explained that family and hierarchy are very important to Koreans and the culture is tight knit. (There are only 336 family names in Korea compared to 1,500,000 in the U.S.).  Koreans refer to one another by their family (sur) name or status , rarely by their given (first) name; and prefer  saying “we”  to “I”.

The Honorable John Creighton from the Port of Seattle emphasized the role Korea plays in the regional economy with population and economic growth statistics of 3–5%.   Hajin is the Port’s  largest client and Korean Air Cargo is a relatively new customer.  Korean Air and Asiana have frequent flights to SeaTac, they are working towards a Visa Waiver Program to make trade easier.  The Port’s  $400 million operating budget and $1 billion annual capital expenditure presents  excellent opportunities for MBE businesses and contractor work.

Trade Development Alliance Director Bill Stafford and Senior staff Sam Kaplan discussed their upcoming trip to Korea, adding that Port budget cuts have increased TDA’s role as an economic development arm.  Dr. Rowland said   the Korean American community acts as a vital economic and cultural bridge between these two countries.

Mr. John Chang has been in the US for 40 years and refers to himself as a 1.5 generation Korean American.  A former Shoreline City Council Member and business owner, Mr. Chang suggested coordination of all Sister City programs between communities around the Puget Sound and their Sister cities.  He also noted that given their group orientation, associations are an excellent way for MBEs to build relationships with the Korean American community, (some examples include the Seattle Korean Association; Korean Chamber; Korean Bar Association and Korean Women’s Association).

His son, Mr. Andrew Chang, is a recent graduate of Economics from the UW and Business Manager of Shoreline EconoLodge.  Mr. Chang Junior shared his views on growing up in the Korean American community and generational differences.

Ms. Erica Chung, Principal of Greenshoots Consulting spoke about the history of Korean American (Mom & Pop) small businesses and how economic necessity has shifted roles for women within the culture and family.  The guest speakers talked about generational and assimilation differences.  All agreed that getting good grades and going into fields that ensured success were important to Korean American families- and respecting elders!

For information about upcoming Herman L. McKinney Diversity Forum events, click here.
Questions? Contact Herman L. McKinney Diversity Committee Chair Lee Mozena, 206.368.9608