In addition to age and family background, the most important criteria are the exact position in the company hierarchy, the length of service with the company and the educational background.
South Koreans will therefore ask you directly and openly about your age, your family, your position in the company and even your income. Foreigners often perceive these direct questions as intrusion into their privacy. The South Koreans, however, use the information gained purely for the correct hierarchical classification, which determines their further behaviour.

Exchange of business cards

Against this background the exchange of business cards at the beginning of a meeting is of importance. Business cards contribute significantly to identifying the hierarchical position of the counterpart.

Consequently, your card should contain all the necessary information. It can be recommendable to reach higher with regard to your own position if you want to talk to the decision-makers who are highly placed in the South Korean hierarchy. In South Korea only people on the same hierarchical level can interact with each other!