Korean women will offer a slight bow without a handshake. Western women may have to extend handshakes to Korean men.
Dining Etiquette
Korean's will often hold some portion of a business meeting over a shared dinner. This time will be spent exchanging business information and establishing a personal relationship.
Table seating is dictated by a person's status or rank, so wait to be told where to sit. Meals may be single served or communal. In either case, allow the person with the most senior status to begin eating before you eat. If the meal is communal, only take what you will eat and avoid loading up your plate. Expect long periods of silence once eating has begun.
Chopsticks are used during most Korean meals, but it is accepted for Westerners to use silverware. Chopsticks are placed ____. Avoid leaving chopsticks
In Japan, it is expected before you begin eating or drinking anything that you say "itidakimasu" (basically "bon appetit") and that after the meal you say "gochisosama deshita" (basically. "thanks for a great meal") to the host or hostess. Do not to drink or eat until your Japanese host does and, throughout the meal, try to follow the cues of your colleagues in terms of when they drink, eat, and toast.
Chopsticks should always rest together parallel to each other, most preferably in a north-south line along the right side of the plate on a chopstick rest or on the plate itself. In Japan, and throughout all chopstick cultures, never cross your chopsticks like an X, never rest them on separate sides of the plate, and never ever use them to point at things. Never use them to spear food. Never stick your chopsticks into your rice so that they stand upright.
It is not uncommon to be left waiting for your meeting. It is not a sign of disrespect; rather it is a sign of a busy schedule.
Korean women will offer a slight bow without a handshake. Western women may have to extend handshakes to Korean men.
Dining Etiquette
Korean's will often hold some portion of a business meeting over a shared dinner. This time will be spent exchanging business information and establishing a personal relationship.
Table seating is dictated by a person's status or rank, so wait to be told where to sit. Meals