Master
2026/2027
Doing Business in Korea
ID 1129782
Type:
Elective course (International Business in the Asia-Pacific Region)
Delivered by:
Department of Management
When:
2 year, 1 module
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Instructors:
Швецова Ольга Андреевна
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
24
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This practice-oriented course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of South Korea's dynamic business environment and its role in the global economy. Through real-world cases, industry examples, and applied exercises, students will explore key aspects of conducting business in Korea, including market entry strategies, business culture, management practices, legal and regulatory frameworks, innovation ecosystems, and digital transformation. Particular attention is given to cross-cultural communication, negotiation practices, and the opportunities and challenges faced by foreign companies and entrepreneurs in the Korean market. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with practical knowledge and skills to analyze business opportunities, develop market strategies, and effectively engage with Korean organizations and stakeholders.
Learning Objectives
- 1. Analyze the structure, characteristics, and current trends of South Korea’s business environment and economy. 2. Evaluate market opportunities and challenges for domestic and international organizations operating in South Korea. 3. Apply knowledge of Korean business culture, communication styles, and negotiation practices in professional settings. 4. Develop practical market entry and business strategies tailored to the Korean context. 5. Assess the impact of innovation, digital transformation, government policies, and global economic trends on business operations in South Korea.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- 1. Explain the key features of South Korea’s economic system, business environment, and institutional framework. 2. Identify major factors influencing business success in the Korean market, including cultural, legal, and regulatory considerations. 3. Demonstrate effective cross-cultural communication and negotiation skills relevant to Korean business settings.
- 4. Conduct basic market and industry analyses for business opportunities in South Korea. 5. Develop practical recommendations and business strategies for entering, operating, or expanding in the Korean market. 6. Evaluate the role of innovation, technology, and government policies in shaping Korea’s business competitiveness. 7. Apply course concepts to real-world business cases involving Korean companies and international firms operating in South Korea.
- 8. Present and defend business analyses and strategic recommendations in a professional manner.
Course Contents
- Topic 1: South Korea’s business environment and economic development
- Topic 2. Korean business culture and workplace practices
- Topic 3. Market entry strategies for foreign companies
- Topic 4. Marketing and consumer behavior in South Korea
- Topic 5. Innovation, technology, and digital transformation
- Topic 6. Business challenges and future opportunities in Korea
Assessment Elements
- Final exam presentation: Written report
- Class assignmentsStudents' written answers on tasks during classes and participate in oral discussions
- Class assignments: mid-term exam – written test
Interim Assessment
- 2026/2027 1st module0.25 * Class assignments + 0.25 * Class assignments: mid-term exam – written test + 0.5 * Final exam presentation: Written report
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Asmolov, K.V., & Zakharova, L.V. (2023). Russia’s Relations with the Korean Peninsula States in Perspective. Russia in Global Affairs, 21(4), 149-174.https://doi.org/10.31278/1810-6374-2023-21-4-149-174
- Catch-up and crisis in Korea, Hong, W., 2002
- China–Japan–South Korea Trilateral Cooperation, Institution Building and Power Politics, Muhui Zhang, Springer Singapore, The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2024, 978-981-97-9148-4, published: 01 January 2025
- Korea's foreign policy dilemmas : defining state security and the goal of national unification, Kang, S.-H., 2011
- Korea's place in the sun : a modern history, Cumings, B., 2005
- The global financial crisis and the Korean economy, Shin, J.- S., 2016
- The history of Korea, Kim, D. K., 2014
- The political economy of development and environment in Korea, Chung, J.- Y., 2002
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Asian management system. Chinese, Japanese and Korean styles of business, Chen M., 2005
- Haruki, W., & McCormack, G. (2022). Japan, Korea, and Northeast Asia - the Abe Shinzo Legacy. Asia-Pacific Journal, 20(16). https://doi.org/10.1017/S1557466022018769
- The making of modern Korea, Buzo, A., 2017