Korean Business Navigator

Korean deals follow the 품의 consensus approval process: introduction, meetings, internal review, approval document drafting, approval chain, budget confirmation, then contract. Expect 6-16 weeks depending on company size, and avoid pushing for timelines in early meetings.

"검토해보겠습니다" literally means "we'll review it" but usually signals a polite no, giving you a graceful exit. Wait about five days; if there is no follow-up, the deal is likely dead and you should move on gracefully.

KakaoTalk business messages should use Korean in group chats, match formality to the relationship stage, and stay within 9AM-7PM KST. Reply within the same business day, since read receipts are visible and long silences are noticed.

Never discuss money in the first conversation. Korean business runs relationship first, capability second, pricing third; introducing rates before the second meeting signals transactional intent and reduces you to a vendor.

Extended silence of 3-7 days after a meeting usually means internal discussion is happening, not rejection. Avoid flooding them with follow-ups; limit status requests to about once per week while the approval chain moves.

Guidance varies by company type, industry, and generation: chaebol firms are stricter, tech startups more Western-flexible, and MZ-generation contacts more direct. Contacts with international experience may also have different communication expectations.