Impress a Korean CEO: Pro Networking Phrases You Need to Know
Hello! This is Daily Hangul, here to upgrade your Korean skills!
Ever found yourself at a conference or a business dinner in Korea, wanting to talk to a senior executive but not knowing what to say? Making a great first impression is key, and today, we’re going to learn the exact phrases you need to network with high-level professionals confidently and respectfully.
These days in Korea, with the boom in startups and international conferences in places like Gangnam and Pangyo, opportunities to meet industry leaders are everywhere. Let’s make sure you’re ready to seize them!
Core Expressions for Power Networking
Here are three essential phrases that will make you sound polished, respectful, and professional.
1. 말씀 많이 들었습니다 (Malsseum mani deureosseumnida)
- Romanization: [Mal-sseum ma-ni deu-reo-sseum-ni-da]
- English Meaning: “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
- Detailed Explanation: This is the ultimate icebreaker when meeting someone you respect for the first time. It’s a very polite and common set phrase that shows you know who they are and hold them in high regard. It’s much more impressive than a simple “Nice to meet you.” Use this when you are introduced to a senior person or someone with a strong reputation.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
The magic here is in the linking of sounds, a rule called liaison (연음). In 들었습니다, the final consonantsㅆ(ss)from the first block들었move over to the next syllable, which starts withㅇ. So, instead of pronouncing it asdeul-eot / seum-ni-da, you pronounce it smoothly as [deureosseumnida]. It’s one continuous flow of sound!
2. ~에 대해 고견을 여쭤봐도 될까요? (~e daehae gogyeoneul yeojjwobwado doelkkayo?)
- Romanization: [~e dae-hae go-gyeo-neul yeo-jjwo-bwa-do dwel-kka-yo?]
- English Meaning: “May I ask for your esteemed opinion on ~?”
- Detailed Explanation: This is a highly formal and respectful way to ask for someone’s opinion. Let’s break it down:
- 고견 (gogyeon): A formal word for “high/esteemed opinion.”
- 여쭙다 (yeojjupda): The humble form of the verb “to ask” (묻다). You use this when the person you are asking is of higher status.
Using this phrase shows a deep level of respect for their expertise and time.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
The consonant ‘ㅉ’ (jj) in 여쭤봐도 is a ‘tense’ sound. Unlike ‘ㅈ’ (j), there is no puff of air. You create the sound by tensing your tongue and the back of your mouth. It’s a sharp, clipped sound, similar to the “j” in “fudge” but stronger. Practice making it short and tense: [yeo-jjwo].
3. 괜찮으시다면 명함 한 장 받을 수 있을까요? (Gwaenchaneusidamyeon myeongham han jang badeul su isseulkkayo?)
- Romanization: [Gwaen-cha-neu-si-da-myeon myeong-ham han jang ba-deul su i-sseul-kka-yo?]
- English Meaning: “If it’s alright with you, could I have one of your business cards?”
- Detailed Explanation: This is the perfect polite and indirect way to ask for a business card (
명함). The phrase괜찮으시다면(“if you are okay with it”) softens the request, making it very courteous. It avoids putting the other person on the spot. - 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
In 괜찮으시다면, theㅎ(h)sound in찮is very weak and often gets deleted when it’s between two voiced sounds. So, instead of a stronggwaen-chan-heu-si-da-myeon, the pronunciation becomes a smoother [gwaenchaneusidamyeon]. It sounds much more natural and fluent.
Example Dialogue
Let’s see these phrases in action at a tech conference in Pangyo, Korea’s Silicon Valley.
- A: Alex (a foreign professional)
- B: 박 대표님 (CEO Park)
A: 안녕하십니까, 박 대표님. 말씀 많이 들었습니다. 저는 Alex라고 합니다.
(Annyeonghasimnikka, Park Daepyonim. Malsseum mani deureosseumnida. Jeoneun Alex-rago hamnida.)
(Hello, CEO Park. I’ve heard a lot about you. My name is Alex.)
B: 아, 네. 반갑습니다, Alex 씨.
(A, ne. Bangapseumnida, Alex-ssi.)
(Ah, yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alex.)
A: 잠시 시간 괜찮으시다면, 한국의 AI 시장 전망에 대해 고견을 여쭤봐도 될까요?
(Jamsi sigan gwaenchaneusidamyeon, hangugui AI sijang jeonmang-e daehae gogyeoneul yeojjwobwado doelkkayo?)
(If you have a moment, may I ask for your esteemed opinion on the outlook for the AI market in Korea?)
B: 좋은 질문이네요. 간단히 말씀드리면… (explains briefly).
(Joeun jilmunineyo. Gandanhi malsseumdeurimyeon…)
(That’s a good question. To put it simply…)
A: 정말 흥미로운 관점이네요. 감사합니다. 대표님, 괜찮으시다면 명함 한 장 받을 수 있을까요?
(Jeongmal heungmiroun gwanjeomineyo. Gamsahamnida. Daepyonim, gwaenchaneusidamyeon myeongham han jang badeul su isseulkkayo?)
(That’s a very interesting perspective. Thank you. CEO Park, if it’s alright with you, could I have one of your business cards?)
B: 그럼요. 여기 있습니다.
(Geureomyo. Yeogi isseumnida.)
(Of course. Here you are.)
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive
The Art of the Business Card (명함)
In Korea, exchanging business cards is a formal ritual. It’s not just about sharing contact info; it’s about establishing a professional relationship.
- How to give and receive: Always use your right hand, or both hands, to present and receive a card. This shows respect.
- Read it: After receiving a card, don’t just put it away. Take a few seconds to read it carefully. Acknowledge their name and title (e.g., “아, 박 대표님”). This shows you value their identity.
- Keep it safe: Place the card respectfully on the table in front of you during the meeting, or put it in a proper card case. Never stuff it into your back pocket!
While the Korean startup scene is becoming more casual, mastering these formal etiquette points will always make you stand out and show that you understand and respect the culture.
Let’s Practice!
You’ve learned some powerful phrases today! Let’s check your understanding.
- Fill in the blank: You meet a famous film director whose work you admire. How do you show your respect and start the conversation?
감독님, 정말 팬입니다. ( ) 많이 들었습니다.
- Sentence Building: You are at a university seminar and want to ask a professor (
교수님) for their business card. How would you ask politely using the phrase we learned today?
Great job today! You’re now equipped to make a fantastic impression in any professional Korean setting.
Try using one of today’s phrases to write a sentence in the comments below! Who is a Korean professional you would like to meet?
