Korean Etiquette & Ethics in Business - Glossary Achom (ah-choam) - It is very important in Korea to maintain a positive, friendly demeanor and avoid hurting anyone's feelings. Part of this process consists of the generous use of compliments and flattery or achom. Foreigners not familiar with the social custom are likely to confuse such flattery and compliments with extraordinary politeness, and a friendly, esaygoing, cooperative attitude. While the latter may be true on an individual basis, the practice of achom has a far more serious purpose. See kibun

Amukuto anida (ah-muu-kuu-toe ah-nee-dah) - This is a common response when someone in Korea is given a hard task. It means "It's nothing. I can do it easily," and is indicative of the "can do" spirit of Koreans.

apatu (ah-pah-tuu) - The size and location of an apatu is of special importance in Korea because it is associated with social class, which in turn is an important factor in the type of work one is able to obtain and where one works. Foreign managers in Korea should be aware of the class factor and take it into account in their dealings and relationships with Korean employees.

Baek ji wiim (bake jee weem) - Literally "trusting in white paper," this term is often used to infer that someone is doing business on the basis of nothing more solid or permanent than a piece of paper with a signature on it - which is pretty good description of a contract. The concept derives from the Korean belief that a deep, personal relationship is the only proper foundation for a business relationship.

Bal i nulba (bahl ee nule-bah) - The person in Korea who seems to know everybody and be able to do almost anything through connections is said to have bal i nulba or "wide leg," instead of a "wide face" as in Japan. Because most business within private industry and with the government is based on having extensive personal contacts, the person with a "wide leg" is especially valued in Korea.

Bangsuk ul galda (bahng-suuk ule gall-dah) - This literally means to put a cushion under someone (to make sitting more comfortable). It is used in reference to wining, dining, and otherwise catering to a person you want something from - at which Koreans have a special talent.

Bottle-keep (boe-tahl-kee-puu) - The practice of keeping one's own bottle at a favourite bar has been introduced into Korea from Japan, but it is not common. "We drink so much tere is almost never anything left in a bottle to leave at a bar," said a Korean executive, laughing.

Bural an chok (buu-rahl ahn choak) - A man who builds up a business enterprise with hard work but little capital is said to have done it bural an chok or "only with balls."

Bu sajang (buu sah-jang) - This is the Korean term for vice president. It may also be used as department head or division head.

Byul jang (buul jahng) - Literally a "remote house," this is the Korean word for a recreational villa, usually on the coast or in the mountains. Many of the byul jang in Korea are maintained by the larger companies for the employees.

Excerpted from Korean Etiquette and Ethics in Business, by Boye Lafayette De Mente. More glossary terms will be featured. Excerpted from Korean Etiquette and Ethics in Business, by Boye Lafayette De Mente Kuala Lumpur Malaysia at 11:56 AM