Business Card Etiquette in South Korea [2025]

If you’re heading to Korea for work, whether it’s a quick business trip, a partner meeting, or expanding your company’s presence, it’s essential to understand how business cards are handled there. In Korea, business cards are more than just a way to exchange contact information: they’re a symbol of respect and status. To avoid any awkward moments (trust us, we’ve all been there), it’s important to know the proper way to exchange cards.

This short guide will walk you through why business cards matter in Korea, the best way to swap them, and what information you should include.

Information to Include in Business Cards in Korea

When preparing your business card for Korea, make sure it’s bilingual, with both Korean and English. And when presenting it, be sure the Korean side is facing up. Here’s the essential information to include:

Name and Title: Clearly state your full name and job title. If you have a Korean name, it’s a good idea to include it in Korean characters.
Company Name and Logo: Your company’s name and logo should be prominently displayed.
Contact Information: Include your office phone, mobile number, email address, and physical address. Yes in Korea, it’s common to list both your office and mobile numbers.
Social Media: If you’re active on LinkedIn or Twitter, it’s acceptable to include these details as well.

Did you know? The Korean word “명함” is a combination of two words: “명” meaning name or reputation and “함” meaning card.

Exchanging Business Cards in Korea

As you may have understood it by now, exchanging business cards in Korea is a formal, respectful process that goes beyond simply swapping contact details. To make a positive impression as a foreigner, it’s important to follow the local etiquette.

Present your card with both hands: When presenting your card to a Korean counterpart, hold the card with both hands and bow slightly.
Receive the card with both hands: When receiving a business card in Korea, use both hands to receive the card and bow slightly.
Read the card carefully: Take a moment to read the card and acknowledge the person’s name and title.
Don’t write on the card: Writing on someone’s business card is considered disrespectful in Korea.
Keep the card visible: After receiving a business card, keep it visible on the table or in a cardholder.

In summary, exchanging business cards is a key part of doing business in Korea. By following the proper protocol and ensuring your card includes the necessary information in both Korean and English, you’ll leave a positive impression and help build strong, lasting relationships.

Belgian Korean Business Forum.