Doing Business With Koreans; Knowing Korea Will Guarantee Half of the Success for Your Business

Chaiy Seo-il; Okdang Books; 255 pp., 15,000 won

Failing to understand other cultures may lead to misunderstanding and conflicts in a business situation. This is a practical guide for foreigners doing business in Korea or with Koreans.

The author has written the book to help resolve problems that may arise from a lack of understanding of Koreans’ way of thinking and culture.

The book provides an easy introduction to Korean history, the social system and business culture, and tips for efficient communication and partnership with Korean business people. The English-language book is written by Chaiy Seo-il, a professor at the School of Business, Korea University. He has consulting experience with many major Korean and multinational companies in marketing strategy and human resources development. The book would be more fun to read if it were more visual, being text-heavy with no photographs.



Why UAE?

UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Trade: Seoul Selection; pp. 421.

“Infinity” is the underlying feature of the United Arab Emirates, which has become a center of world trade and investment since its foundation in 1971. By offering boundless opportunities and potentials to attract many important businesses in the region, the United Arab Emirates has positioned itself as a hub of the world economy.

This book was originally published by the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Foreign Trade. Under a project by the Korea Heritage Education Institute, it has been translated into a Korean version and presents a comprehensive introduction to the fruitful desert country.

Comprised of nine chapters covering history, industry, culture, economy, regulation and tourism, the book is essential for those in need of detailed background information about the nation.

It is a helpful guide for business people who wish to set up a company there or those who are considering migrating to this Arab land of opportunities.



Lee Jung-sup

Park Young-taek; Daseossure; 144 pp., 10,000 won

Distinctive and beautifully executed renderings of bulls, fish and children are characteristic of work by master painter Lee Jung-sup (1916-1956), whose rare paintings used to sell for enormous sums of money. However, in 2005, a number of pictures attributed to him became the subject of much controversy after they were said to be counterfeits.

Moreover, despite being highly popular, his pieces were often overshadowed by attention given to his dramatic life story.

With this in mind, art critic and professor Park Young-taek decided to write a biography examining Lee’s professional life rather than focus on anecdotes about his personal and private life that people continue to argue over. Park gives an objective evaluation of Lee’s work and finds anew, the fervor and spirit of this genuinely inspirational artist. Lee’s etchings on tin foil illustrate his artistic soul and eagerness to paint even when he lived in abject poverty.

The biography is for younger readers, to give them a better understanding of the Korean artist. The author also includes stories from Lee’s childhood, describes his loving family life and personal agonies.