Introduction
Hello! This is [Maeil Hangeul], here to upgrade your Korean skills to a professional level!
Today, we are diving into a topic that is at the forefront of the global economy: Future Technologies and Societal Change. Specifically, we will learn how to conduct a business pitch for an Ocean Cleanup Drone Project.
Why is this important now?
Currently, ESG Management (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is a massive trend in the Korean business world. Major conglomerates and venture capitals are aggressively investing in “Climate Tech.” It’s no longer just about making money; it’s about sustainable growth. If you are preparing for a business meeting or presentation in Korea, knowing how to discuss eco-friendly technology and investment values is essential.
Let’s equip you with the sophisticated vocabulary needed to persuade Korean investors!
Key Expressions
Here are 4 high-level expressions to make your presentation sound professional and convincing.
1. 획기적인 (Groundbreaking / Epoch-making)
- Pronunciation: [Hoek-kki-jeo-gin]
- English Meaning: Groundbreaking, revolutionary
- Detailed Explanation: This adjective is perfect for describing new technology that significantly changes the status quo. In a business pitch, you don’t just want to say your product is “good” (좋은); you want to emphasize that it offers a solution never seen before. It implies innovation and impactful change.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
- When the final consonant ‘ㄱ’ (k) meets the initial consonant ‘ㅎ’ (h), they combine to create a strong aspirated sound ‘ㅋ’ (k). This is called ‘Aspiration’ (격음화).
- So, strictly speaking, it is not ‘Hoek-gi’, but sounds like [Hoek-kki]. Also, the linking sound applies to ‘적인’, making it flow as [Hoek-kki-jeo-gin].
2. 선점하다 (To preoccupy / To secure in advance)
- Pronunciation: [Seon-jeom-ha-da]
- English Meaning: To preoccupy, to dominate (a market) in advance
- Detailed Explanation: This is a crucial verb in strategy meetings. It means to capture a market or a position before competitors do. Investors love this word because it suggests being a “First Mover.” You would use this to explain your market entry strategy.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
- The ‘ㅎ’ sound in ‘하다’ often becomes weak in rapid speech, but in a formal presentation, it is better to enunciate it clearly.
- Focus on the clear [jeom] sound. Unlike English, make sure your lips close fully on the ‘m’ sound.
3. 수익 모델 (Revenue Model)
- Pronunciation: [Su-ing-mo-del]
- English Meaning: Revenue Model
- Detailed Explanation: No matter how good the technology is, investors need to know how it makes money. This is the standard business term for “how we generate profit.” It is a dry, objective term used frequently in Q&A sessions.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
- Pay attention to ‘수익’. When ‘ㄱ’ (k) is followed by ‘ㅁ’ (m) in the next word ‘모델’, the ‘ㄱ’ sound creates a nasal effect called ‘Nasalization’ (비음화), sounding more like ‘ng’ (ㅇ).
- Therefore, [Su-ik-mo-del] naturally changes to [Su-ing-mo-del] for smoother flow.
4. 지속 가능한 (Sustainable)
- Pronunciation: [Ji-sok-ga-neu-ngan]
- English Meaning: Sustainable
- Detailed Explanation: This is the buzzword of the decade in Korea. It refers not only to environmental sustainability but also to business longevity. Using this word links your project directly to the current ESG trend.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
- Look at ‘가능한’. The final consonant ‘ㅇ’ (ng) is followed by ‘ㅎ’ (h). In many cases, the ‘ㅎ’ weakens, and the ‘ㅇ’ slides over.
- So, instead of a choppy “Ga-neung-han,” it sounds like [Ga-neu-ngan]. This soft linking makes you sound like a native speaker!
Example Dialogue
Let’s see how these expressions are used in a meeting between CEO Kim (Startup) and Investor Lee (Venture Capital).
CEO Kim: 저희가 개발한 AI 정화 드론은 해양 미세플라스틱을 수거하는 획기적인 솔루션입니다.
(The AI cleanup drone we developed is a groundbreaking solution for collecting marine microplastics.)Investor Lee: 기술력은 인상적이네요. 하지만 투자자 입장에서는 구체적인 수익 모델이 궁금합니다.
(The technology is impressive. However, as an investor, I am curious about the specific revenue model.)CEO Kim: 네, 저희는 탄소배출권 판매를 통해 초기 시장을 선점할 계획입니다. 이것이 저희의 지속 가능한 성장 전략입니다.
(Yes, we plan to preoccupy the early market through the sale of carbon credits. This is our sustainable growth strategy.)
Culture Tip & Trend Analysis: The Rise of “Climate Tech” Unicorns
Did you know that the Korean government is actively supporting “Green New Deal” projects?
In the past, Korean startups focused heavily on services (like delivery apps or e-commerce). However, recently, Deep Tech (technology based on tangible engineering innovation) related to the environment is receiving the spotlight.
- Trends: Using words like ‘친환경’ (Eco-friendly) is basic. Now, advanced terms like ‘탄소 중립’ (Carbon Neutrality) and ‘순환 경제’ (Circular Economy) are expected in business proposals.
- Tip: When pitching a project in Korea, emphasizing how your tech contributes to society (Social Value) can be just as important as the profit potential. This aligns with the ESG evaluation criteria used by major Korean investors today.
Conclusion & Practice
Today, we learned high-level vocabulary to pitch a future technology project. Remember, clear pronunciation and the right terminology can build trust with your potential partners!
📝 Mini Quiz
Fill in the blanks with the expressions we learned today:
- Our goal is to _______ the Asian market before our competitors.
(우리의 목표는 경쟁사보다 먼저 아시아 시장을 [ ? ] 것입니다.) - Do you have a clear _______?
(확실한 [ ? ]이/가 있습니까?)
Answers: 1. 선점하는 (or 선점할) 2. 수익 모델
If you have any questions about Korean business etiquette or other expressions, please leave a comment below!
See you next time with more useful Korean tips!
