South Korea’s Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) Newsletter shares how the district has positioned itself as the global hub for future industries such as bio-healthcare, smart manufacturing, high-tech finance and future robots, information and communication (IT), and artificial intelligence (AI) while making great strides as a hub for distribution, logistics, tourism, and MICE. #songdo
Christmas is a popular holiday in South Korea. That said, it is also seen as a distinctly Christian holiday. As the holiday approaches, you may wish to greet Korean colleagues with a common greeting. Sae hae bok man i ba deu say yo!
Hint: When speaking, break the greeting into: sae hae bok—mahne—bah deu say yo
Sae hae bok man i ba deu say yo! works well both in person, in a card, text, IM, or an email.
In fact, it is the best seasonal greeting for New Year’s, too.
With the time differences, plan to wish Korea-based friends and colleagues a holiday greeting no later than US/ Canada/ EU on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 …so Thursday Christmas Eve Day AM in Korea.
If times are a challenge or you have an urgent need to talk regarding Korea, text me and we can connect.
310-866-3777
Don
Don Southerton
To stay proactive here are some of my thoughts for this week
Like you, I miss meeting in person, travel and much of the daily routine. That said, after more than a decade + of 24/7 working remote, virtual and online support for teams in Korea, North America and worldwide, technology today allows us to stay very well connected.
I do however recognize the uncertainty most are experiencing and have blocked off time in my schedule to not only catch up with teams and leadership but feel free to reach out as a sounding board and for a strategic, culturally savvy perspective.
Here are a few examples… but not limited to these 🙂
1. Short term how will Korea HQ’s’ team and leadership respond globally vs, in their own Domestic market? i.e. Will HQ work to maintain their Korean workforce, but mandate overseas operations cut employment, budgets, etc.
2. As a caveat, what countermeasures can global subsidiaries recommend to their Korea-based / HQ organization as an alternative to drastic global cuts across the board? ( I always try to suggest 3 options) [Same goes for western operations in Korea for a western-based / HQ company who may be pondering cutting backs.]
3. How can western-based teams and organizations with new and/or ongoing ventures in Korea ensure their Korean partners do not pull back amid the uncertainty? (This has been common in the past with recessions, the China boycott, etc.)
4. Noting Korea’s cross-cultural high-risk avoidance, how do we structure re-assurances?
5. Noting western cross-cultural frankness, how do we structure constructive Korea facing dialogue and conversations dealing with the Crisis?
6. As a partner, service provider, or vendor, how can I mitigate Korea-facing / HQ budget cutbacks in programs and services?
As always, all communication is kept private and confidential.
Fair article on Songdo International Business District. All projects comes with some challenges… that said, Songdo tops my list for aspiring to be the City of the Future.
This week, I’d like to share three popular South Korean chef-inspired restaurant concepts, including Mad For Garlic, that are moved into the second phase of international expansion. Successfully launched in South Korea and Asia, Seoul-based SUN AT FOODS now plans to bring their handcrafted artisanal cuisines to the U.S and the Americas.
One of my longtime personal favorites, which I have talked about often, is Mad for Garlic that first opened in 2001. They are known for their garlic-specialized Italian cuisine served in rather unique restaurant settings.
I feel their secrets are Mad for Garlic’s method of removing the garlic’s pungent smell and unique way of cooking Italian cuisine with a Korean twist. In Korea and Asia they have won the hearts of both garlic and non-garlic lovers.
Building on the success of Mad for Garlic are two new concepts ModernNulung and Bistro Seoul.
Inspired by 1930s Shanghai Renaissance era, Modern Nulang is the combination words of ‘Modern’ and ‘Nulang’ –the latter meaning ‘woman’ in Chinese. They have reinterpreted the era’s ‘modern women’ in their dishes, which guests describe as ‘Sophisticated’ and ‘Romantic’ Chinese Cuisine. Best of all, folks love indulging in an exotic Shanghai dining and cultural experience captured so well in Modern Nulang.
A third concept is Bistro Seoul. Here they offer authentic Korean cuisine made with fresh ingredients and seasoning prepared in a traditional but modern interpretation. Savory dishes include Grilled Short Rib Patties, and their ever popular Korean style pancakes that include Kimchi & Seafood pancakes, Crispy Potato pancakes and Minced Shrimp & Seafood pancakes.
SUN AT FOODS plans are now underway targeting top regional U.S markets as well as meeting with industry leaders and potential regional developers. In fact, I am their market development consultant and we’re eager to meet with potential partners to share the three concepts—each with their unique appeal.
South Korea’s Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) Newsletter
South Korea’s Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) Newsletter shares how the district has positioned itself as the global hub for future industries such as bio-healthcare, smart manufacturing, high-tech finance and future robots, information and communication (IT), and artificial intelligence (AI) while making great strides as a hub for distribution, logistics, tourism, and MICE. #songdo
Please check out our Newsletter https://stibee.com/api/v1.0/emails/share/lp9zm4qG0yY9K45_RHds5rRVGh3ppNE
Questions? Please ask…. dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com
310–866–3777