Meeting and Greeting

The person with the most senior position always speaks first. Likewise, that same person will take a seat at the middle of the conference table—not the head—and the remaining seating assignments will go by rank, flanking out in descending order from the senior person.

Giving a Gift

Avoid anything having to do with or symbolizing a knife, such as a letter opener or a cheese basket with a cheese cutter in it. Instead of building rapport, this gift will say, “I want to cut our relationship.”

Dining

Never refuse an offer of food or tea, and remember to show respect by sampling whatever you are served. Also, sit up straight—slumping is a sign of disrespect—and keep your hands on the table.

Other Etiquette

Businesswomen should never offer to get someone tea or make copies as a favor. “You will confuse your Korean colleagues, because women in traditional roles—the ones who normally pour the tea—have no authority at a conference table,” says Foster. Do not write in red ink; it symbolizes blood.