[HanCinema's Digest] Culture Corner

See how some Korean businesses are challenging the prevailing top-down culture, discover how Korea's military culture is infused with daily life, Korea's beauty brands are gaining ground in Chinese markets, and note four insights about Korea to avoid any culture shocks.

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"Korea Inc ditching job titles to revamp top-down culture"

Korea's work culture has been highly praised by other countries, but it's not without it's problems. One of which is that its top-down culture is facing increasing criticism in light of modern working practices. Just as the times they are a changing, so to is Korea's business culture: "Now, in an effort to revamp South Korea's authoritarian, top-down corporate culture, the country's chaebols, or conglomerates, have decided to eschew the use of job titles".

...READ ON STRAIT TIMES

"Military culture infuses throughout every part of society"

The recent success of the Korean drama "Descendants of the Sun" has brought the topic of Korea's military and its effect on culture at large back into the public sphere: "As the country increasingly embraces diversity, many aspects of the rigid, hierarchical culture have faded in line with the democratic progress following the demise of iron-fisted rule in 1980s. But a military-style leadership still prevails in male-dominant areas. Remnants of military culture may live on in a traditionally Confucian society, some people say, even long after the two Koreas are reunited".

...READ ON THE KOREA HERALD

"South Korean beauty surpasses Western brands for Chinese market share"

South Korea is the place to visit if beauty trends, products, and services are your game. Recently, the country's beauty brands have been so successful that they have now overtaken many Western brands in Chinese markets: "... Western skincare and color cosmetics have seen share erosion while interest in South Korean beauty is skyrocketing, now accounting for nearly a quarter of cosmetic imports to China".

...READ ON LUXURY DAILY

"4 Tips for Navigating South Korean Culture"

Melissa Karlin has four quick tips for approaching Korean culture to avoid 'culture shock' and enjoying yourself: Follow Proper Dining Etiquette, Let Your Feet Breathe, Expect to Get Personal, and Reserve Nighttime Transportation Ahead of Time.

...READ ON TRAVEL AGE WEST