11th largest economy and 5th largest exporter in the world, South Korea has become a key international market. Beyond the popularity of the Samsung, Hyundai or LG brands, Korea's attractiveness is reinforced by the "hallyu" cultural wave carried by k-pop, k-beauty and South Korean cinema. The free trade agreement with the European Union in 2011 has made South Korea an excellent export market for French companies.

Good to know

Languages spoken : Korean
Local currency : Korean Won (KRW)
Capital : Seoul

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.E in South Korea

Do you already meet the criteria of the French International Young Talent Program ?

Then, consult the table here!

- If your situation only meets ☼, you can try your luck for a V.I.E in South Korea. Your application will be studied.

- If your situation meets at least 1 X, 😬 South Korea cannot accommodate you in V.I.E. Don't be disappointed, continue your research! Other exciting destinations will seduce you!

Do you have any doubts about your eligibility? Feel free to contact us.

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.A in South Korea

To go to South Korea as a V.I.A participant, you must fulfil the access conditions to the V.I.A .
The administration that is recruiting you is responsible for your residence permit.

Cultural work codes in South Korea

The labour culture in South Korea is strongly influenced by Confucianism - respect for hierarchy and certain social codes is paramount. For example, at outside meetings, only your hierarchical superior is allowed to speak. On the other hand, keep in mind that you are your colleagues’ superior only if this title has been officially given to you.

All this is part of the notion of "face" that governs human relations in Asia. Take care never to put the person you are speaking to in a situation that dishonours him or her - by getting angry or impatient, by criticising their country or company, or by pointing out a mistake that has been made. You need to understand that the South Koreans are so demanding, both of themselves and of others, that the right to make mistakes is very limited.

To get to know your counterparts better and learn how to communicate correctly, you need to get out of the professional sphere. In South Korea, there is a fine line between private and professional life. If you are asked to go out after work, accept willingly. This is undoubtedly the best way to gain the trust of your colleagues and get to know them in a completely different light. Whereas they behave formally and according to protocol at work, South Koreans are often friendly, even familiar, in private.

Finally, you must be highly responsive in business! Hyper connected and always on their toes, South Koreans respond very quickly to emails, SMS or messages via the KakaoTalk system. Show that you are willing to build and maintain your network, which is the key to doing business and developing your business in South Korea.

Things that may surprise you in South Korea

- South Korea never rests, day or night. The streets are never completely empty, whatever the time of day.

- Once you are there, you will have no difficulty in communicating. At the cutting edge of information technology, South Korea has a very good Wi-Fi and 5G network.

- Transport systems in Seoul are modern, punctual and easy to use. Remember to buy your T-money card at a convenience store to avoid having to buy a ticket every time you travel. On the other hand, banking formalities are more complex and secure than in Europe. It requires some time to adapt and you may also need a little help !

- Seoul is a very safe city that is equipped with a large number of surveillance cameras ! If you ever lose your wallet or laptop, there's a good chance you will find it exactly where you left it. So, take the example of civic-mindedness and respect by South Koreans - both locals and foreigners must obey the laws. There is zero tolerance for disrespectful behaviour and illegal acts! 

- As the climate changes considerably from one season to the next, seasonal pollution can be significant. South Koreans often go out with a mask on and avoid taking trips on days of heavy pollution. 

- However, Seoul is far from being a concrete jungle. What strikes you when you arrive is the proximity and beauty of the green spaces. Seoul is surrounded by 7 mountains - Bukhansan, Cheonggyesan, Gwanaksan, Dobongsan, Inwangsan, Namsan and Namhansanseong. Accessible by metro, they offer numerous hiking trails that will delight nature lovers !

- BTS, Blackpink, NCT... You can’t talk about South Korea without mentioning the K-pop phenomenon! The influence of these boy bands and girl bands has, today, gone beyond the country's borders. Idols in South Korea and around the world, these artists dictate trends in music, dance and fashion.  Whether you are "army" or not, K-pop is undeniably a worldwide cultural phenomenon that has allowed South Korea to shine on the international stage !

- Another industry for which South Korea is famous is K-beauty. Korean skin care and cosmetics are innovative and highly reputed. Here again, their scope has gone beyond the country's borders - 12-step treatment routines, "layering" and "glass skin" have influenced the world of beauty in the West. This is an opportunity for you to try a green tea mask or if you are braver, a snail slime mask! But don't let the perfect beauty of the stars and some South Koreans give you complexes - cosmetic surgery is very common here, for both women and men.

- Samsung is South Korea's iconic and ever-present electronics giant.  Mainly known to the general public for its mobile phones, televisions and household appliances, it is in fact a conglomerate of companies whose activities range from construction and public works, to finance and engineering.