UK Winters can be bleak and long. More and more Brits are escaping to the US south-east for a winter holiday in the sun! Florida is a popular year round destination due to it’s consistently warm air and water temperatures, and Miami/Fort Lauderdale/West Palm Beach all have great beaches and are exciting places to explore for several days. Consider this – even in January (which is the coldest month in Miami) the average daily temperature is about 25C and the water temperature is approximately 20C, nearly 2 degrees warmer than Brighton Beach in July! Florida’s heat and humidity in the summer months can be too much for those not to it, so the best months for Brits to try a Florida fly-drive are November through April.

The following are some of the highlights of a stopover or holiday in Miami.

Architecture
I just happen to be in Miami/Fort Lauderdale as I write this article, and it’s just over a month since Hurricane Irma struck the Florida region. I am amazed at how quickly the city has bounced back from this setback, and just as well since tourism is it’s life blood. Apart from neat piles of fallen branches dotting the berms of residential streets ,the odd uprooted tree, extra seaweed flotsam and undermining of sand banks on some beaches, there is little evidence of this major weather event. Since the advent of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 the building codes are much more stringent and the buildings are much better at withstanding high winds.
Speaking of hurricanes and destruction, the reason why Miami is famous for it’s Art Deco architecture is down to the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926 which leveled much of the city. In the wake of this disaster many of the new buildings were built in the new style of the day – Art Deco. Today, the best preserved examples are within a 1 square mile area of South Beach and include the Cavalier and Park Central Hotels, and the Carlyle, all on Ocean Drive.

Beaches
You really can’t go wrong. From Key Biscayne in the south, all the way up to West Palm Beach you are assured of white sand beaches and warm Atlantic water. If you prefer to walk rather than lounge on the beach, the 4 mile long Miami Beach Boardwalk between 5th and 46th Streets provides exercise, great people watching and views of the beach.

Wynwood Walls
The neighborhood of Wynwood has become famous for it’s street art. Some of the world’s leading street artists have contributed to the vibrant, colorful wall and door murals. As well as the free street art there are micro breweries, art galleries, cafes and bars so you can imagine it is a very pleasant place to while away a few hours.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Over an 8 year period from 1914 industrialist and businessman James Deering had this gorgeous Italian Renaissance mansion and gardens built and developed on Bicayne Bay. The villa still has it’s original furnishings and is full of antiques from the 15th to 19th centuries. It is a great example of how the wealthy lived in the early 20th century before the Great Depression. One of the really cool things at Vizcaya is it’s unique swimming pool grotto with aqua-marine water and a ceiling mural by Robert Winthrop Chanler.

Miami Zoo
For animal lovers there is nothing more enjoyable than visiting this wonderful zoo with it’s tropical setting. A great way for the family to see everything without getting too tired is to hire a safari cycle. The Zoological Wildlife Foundation, a much smaller animal sanctuary for rescued animals also comes highly recommended. you have to book ahead for this as it is by appointment only.

N.B I haven’t done it myself but my parents did an Everglades tour a few years back and they found it underwhelming.

Image by Lance Asper via Unsplash

Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin

Possibly the most famous golf course in Thailand, is Black Mountain Golf Club, which is located in Hua Hin. This golf course has played host to a number of high profile, professional golf tournaments, such as the Thailand Classic and is a very well presented and maintained course. Despite the hard work which clearly goes into the course, Black Mountain has a very natural feel about it and the clubhouse is superb, offering excellent food.

Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin

Opened, in 2008, Banyan Golf Club is another of Thailand’s best. Situated on a former pineapple plantation, there are lovely views towards the mountains of Burma to be enjoyed during a round here. The greens run fast and true and the course is always in good condition, with a choice of six tee boxes. Banyan Golf Club has won many awards and continues to set high standards, making it a must visit in Thailand.

Santiburi Samui Country Club

One of Thailand’s more challenging golf courses, is Santiburi Samui Country Club, in Koh Samui. There are fantastic views of the sea, hills and surrounding countryside on the course, which works its way through the foothills of Koh Samui. There are a number of blind tee shots on this course plus tight, jungle lined fairways and this can make things difficult, especially for beginners. There are also numerous changes in elevation, so if it’s a real test of your ability you are after, look no further than Santiburi Samui.

Red Mountain Golf Club, Phuket

Situated in Phuket, is Red Mountain Golf Club and although this is one of the more expensive golf clubs in Thailand, it is easily one of the best. Visually, the course is thrilling, with red sandstone hills and lakes, with narrow landing areas. The course is always kept in top condition and with the price putting many people off, you can have much of the course to yourself at times, allowing you to relax and really soak up the quality of the course and its surroundings.

Siam Country Club Old Course, Pattaya

Siam Country Club Old Course, in Pattaya, was the first privately owned golf course in Thailand and remains one of the best. A Mature parkland course, which hosts the LPGA Honda Classic annually, there are a number of lakes and bunkers to avoid, so accurate driving is a must for low scoring. The greens are generous and fast, with frequent undulations but the caddie can advise on the best line to adopt. Look out for the final four holes, which can easily destroy your card, if approached in the wrong manner.

Siam Country Club Plantation Course, Pattaya

Staying with Siam Country Club and the Plantation Course is also one of the best golf courses in Thailand. This is the most difficult course to master at Siam Country Club but also the most scenic. There are lovely views to enjoy of the sea and the city and with numerous elevation changes throughout, correct club selection plays a big part. Blind tee shots and large bunkers are the standout features on the Plantation Course, with greens which can be difficult to read.

Laem Chabang Country Club, Pattaya

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Laem Chabang Country Club remains on the top golf courses in the country. Over 20 years old, Laem Chabang can match any of the new golf courses in Thailand and there are three sets of nine holes, all of which offer a different challenge. They are named Mountain, Valley and Lake and they each live up to their names. The course is always in great condition and the clubhouse is one of the best around, offering a wide choice of food.

Alpine Golf Sports Club, Bangkok

One-hour Northeast of Bangkok, is the Alpine Golf Sports Club. Having played host to the Johnnie Walker Classic, won by Tiger Woods, the golf course remains one of the best in Thailand, if not the whole of Asia. With sizeable beach bunkers and water encroaching onto the fairway, the Alpine Sports Golf Club gives the feeling of a links course and greens run straight and true. There are great views to enjoy and the surrounding flora and flora adds to the experience.

Thai Country Club, Bangkok

Finally, and although labelled as a member only course, Thai Country Club do allow visitors on most days and it’s well worth booking a tee time. Located to the Southeast of Bangkok, the level of service here is second to none and the course itself, is always in pristine condition, with often elevated and well protected greens. Boasting luxurious facilities and extremely knowledgeable caddies, if it’s an overall golfing experience you are looking for, Thai Country Club should be at the top of the list.

These are some of the best golf courses in Thailand but don’t just take our word for it. Book a golf holiday to Thailand today and sample a selection of these great golf courses for yourself.

This post was written in association with Golfsavers.

Like most people it seems that virtually everything I buy, barring food, seems to be made in China. Over the last 1-2 years I have kept hearing on the News about how the economy in China is slowing down and that this is bad for the world economy. Now I have never studied economics and I have to admit to being quite ignorant about the subject. Certainly I have yet to notice any negative impact of this slow down on my daily life. I am currently living in the USA which is a consumers paradise. Clothes, toys, electronics etc are so cheap here, compared to my home country of New Zealand which has a much smaller population and therefore low buying power. Having seen people work for $2/day during my visits to Cambodia, I often feel guilty that someone in China must be on a very low wage for me to buy that cute “onesie” for my baby daughter for only $7!

The Financial Times sent me this brief (15 min) and very informative video about the economic slow down in China to share with my readers. It shows how the downturn in the Chinese economy is affecting Chinese people already, and how it will filter through to consumers in western countries. The statistics are amazingly and mind-boggling. We are introduced to a Chinese man and another foreign worker from Vietnam who’s lives and families are being adversely impacted by the economic downturn in China. This personalizing of the problem really helps to hit the message home. Having watched it I now have a much clearer understanding of the personal and global effects of the problem. The video is well worth a look.

Image by Martin Abegglen under Creative Commons license.

I have been visiting Cambodia annually over the last 5 years to do volunteer work in Phnom Penh for a month each time. It has been an extremely humbling and rewarding experience and I would encourage anyone contemplating volunteering to go ahead and do it. I have met so many amazing Cambodian people during my visits here and many have become life-long friends.

In January-February 2014 I was in Cambodia for 5 weeks and this was my expenditure over the first 2 weeks.

Accommodation $320
Transport $15.5
Food/Drink $141
Miscellaneous $11.30

Total $ 487.8

Accommodation

On my first visit to Phnom Penh I stayed at a guest house down at the Riverfront ( also known as Riverside) where the majority of tourists like to stay. It is an exciting place to be with many restaurants and tourist shops, the Royal Palace and National Museaum, the Silver Pagoda etc to visit, and the river promenade to stroll along.

Phnom Penh is a densely populated, chaotic city and it can be quite a culture shock to the average western visitor. At the end of a busy day volunteering I just want to retreat to a quiet, secluded guest house and relax. These are found further back from Riverside with many lovely ones in the vicinity of the Independence Monument ( between Monivong and Norodom Boulevards between streets 240 and 310).

During this visit to Phnom Penh I volunteered in the poor neighbourhood of Stung Meanchey which until recently was infamous for it’s rubbish “dump children”. I chose to stay in a simple guest house close to the Russian Market and within 15 minutes tuk tuk ride from my workplace. Because I volunteered for 5 weeks and paid for my airfares, accommodation and food I wanted to stick to a tight budget. I found the Chea Samnang II Guest House online for US$20/night and booked the first 2 nights to see if I liked it. This was a good idea because when I chose to stay on for 2 weeks I was able to negotiate a lower price of US$15/night. For this price I got a small room with a large window, double bed, wardrobe, 2 chairs, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, 2 small bottles/water per day and fresh towels and room service on request. The down side of staying at a cheap guest house is that the staff didn’t speak English, however they were lovely and we got by.

Transport

I was very fortunate that the NGO (Charity) I volunteered for picked me up from the airport (saving me about $9-10) and provided me with tuk tuk transport to and from my volunteer work. Without this assistance I would think most tourists would budget for US$6-12/day on tuk tuk transport. Moto taxis cost about a third as much but this is a pretty risky form of transport, especially if an helmet is not provided for you. I only had to pay for a few tuk tuk rides myself as my Cambodian friends provided me with transport when we went out together.

Food

My guest house allowed me to use the small fridge down in their reception area. I purchased my own milk, yoghurt and cereal for my breakfasts. Most days I bought lunch at a stall in the Russian Market. A plate of fried noodles with vegetables and beef cost me US$1.25. Two fresh spring rolls cost US$1.50 and a bowl of rice porridge chicken soup cost about US$1. I took 2 friends out for dinner a few times which averaged out at US$22 for all of us.

Miscellaneous

I always buy a Sim card when I’m Cambodia so that I can call my friends, work associates and my tuk tuk driver. The card is only a few dollars and I spent U$4 on calls and texts over the 2 weeks. I talked to loved ones at home via Skype.

I find it very disturbing that you can buy almost any drug you want at pharmacies in Cambodia without a prescription e.g antibiotics. During my first 2 weeks there I spent US$0.75 on 10 Ibuprofen tabs for period pain and US$2.5 on Otrivine decongestive nasal spray for a cold.

China used to be shut off from the rest of the world by it’d communist leaders and was seen as a mysterious and scary place by most of us. But over the last 10-15 years China has opened itself up to the world and embraced tourism, so much so that western visitors are now much less intimidated about venturing there.

China is a wonderful country to visit, and the only thing to bear in mind is the sheer size of it!

Dipping your toes in with an initial visit to the capital city of Beijing will give you a taste of the culture and colour that China has to offer. Here is a sample itinerary of how you might choose to spend three days in Beijing.

Day one
Day one should be a seriously big sightseeing day, so wear comfortable shoes and take drinking water and snacks! Your first stop should be The Forbidden City, which was the seat of 24 former emperors throughout the Ming and Qing Dynasties, dating as far back as 1368. This is one of the best preserved palaces in the country, if not the world, and is a must visit in the city.

Next up is Tian’anmen Square. A popular meeting spot, this is also the largest public square you will find – it can hold up to a million people! This was where the founding ceremony of the republic was held, however nowadays it is a hotbed of culture, and an hour or so exploring it will show you more about Chinese culture than many other parts of the city.

Grab yourself a coffee before heading to The Summer Palace, yet another beautiful example of Chinese architecture, and one of the best conserved imperial gardens on the planet. This is a great place to sit and watch the world go by for a short while, resting your feet in tranquillity while actually still in the heart of a very busy city.

Your final stop of the day is an epic one, The Temple of Heaven. Again dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, this is where emperors worshipped and is one of the most stunning examples of Chinese architecture you will ever set your eyes on.

You’ve had a busy day, but finish it off by filling your belly with some delicious Chinese cuisine. Beijing Roast Duck is a traditional dish to try.

Day two
Having done plenty of sightseeing yesterday, it’s time to chill out a little and head to Beihai Park. This is the oldest imperial garden in the country, with roots dating back to 907. This is one of the best examples of Chinese gardens around and will show you the history of how these beautiful spaces are made.

Of course, Beijing is a large city, and large cities mean shopping! Beijing is home to many outdoor markets, where you can shop for interesting souvenirs to take home. If you’re interested in antiques, head to Panjiayuan Antique Market, however do check what you’re buying as there are fakes around. Other than that, there are many other districts solely dedicated to shopping, such as Wangfujing Street, and Xidan Commercial Street, to name just two.

Your evening should be finished off with an iconic example of Chinese culture, by heading to a kung fu show. You will find many around, however The Red Theater is home to the Legend of Kung Fu, and this is probably one of the most popular.

Day three
Beijing is within close reach of a section of the Great Wall of China, so it makes perfect sense that you should visit it! This will be a full day event, so get your comfortable shoes on and remember your camera. You’ll find many tours which will take you to the wall, so it’s a case of shopping around.

Jiankou is the most photographed part of the wall, and it takes around 2.5 hours to drive to this section. From here you can hike to Mutianu, checking out the Zhengbei Building as you go, for stunning views.

You will no doubt be exhausted from an action packed three days in Beijing, but it is worth every single second!

Image by Don Wick under Creative Commons license.

Visitors to China will no doubt know about the country’s large and rich cultural history, including the capital, Beijing, and its countless iconic historic buildings, however China has a very modern side too, one which is equally as interesting to explore. Shanghai is China’s largest city, and at first glance you could be forgiven for thinking you were in New York, with countless towering skyscrapers soaring high into the sky. Of course, Shanghai isn’t totally without old culture, but it is certainly leaning more towards the modern.

If you have three days to spare and you find yourself in this bustling metropolis, check out this sample itinerary for good measure.

Day one
When you arrive, make sure you ride the futuristic Maglev train into the city centre. This will take some thinking about beforehand to time your visit, but it is something that should definitely be done! The Maglev is the world’s fastest train, travelling 19 miles in just 8 minutes; in the middle of all this you simply won’t feel like you’re moving at all! The Maglev sums up the modern side of China perfectly, and a visit to the accompanying museum will show you more about its construction.

Once you’re settled into your hotel, it’s time to get out and about, exploring this huge city to the max. Getting around is easy, with a very simple public transport system, however comfortable shoes are a must.

Shanghai Museum is a great place to start, to show you an overview of the place you’re visiting. This is a popular and very centrally located museum, and houses over 12,000 different pieces from Chinese history. A few hours exploring this cultural site is a good start to your stay. Once you’ve done that however, it’s time to get a real overview of the city, and the best place to do that is by visiting the world’s fifth tallest building – the World Financial Center. Head to the highest observatory deck in the world, on the 100th floor and check out the amazing view before you. If you can time this with sunset you will be treated to something truly special.

Your first evening in Shanghai should be something equally as vibrant, so head to Shanghai Circus World for a performance to remember. There are countless shows on during the week, and it’s a case of checking out what is happening on your particular day, however acrobatics, animal shows, and dancing are included on the programme.

Day two
Your second day in Shanghai should start with a walk along The Bund. This is along the banks of the famous Huangpu River, and this is where you can get a ground view of the famous skyline of the city. You can jump on a ferry to sail down the river, enjoying a truly wonderful overview too, whilst also travelling from one side of the city to the other.

Every large city has countless shops, and retail therapy is a must in Shanghai. Nanjing Road is certainly where it’s at, with shops selling every type of product you could want, both old and new. This is a hugely popular area of the city, with much history to explore, including the famous Golden Belt, which runs through the street. Check out the 37 manhole covers – this might sound tiresome, but these are quite special, each decorated with different pattern carved into them.

You can catch a sightseeing bus from Nanjing Road, or you can head to the east side of the district and batter your credit card a little! Check out Cai Tong De, famous traditional Chinese medicine shop, or tickle your tastebuds at Shen Da Cheng, with delicious desserts on offer.

Day three
Your final day in the city should be a more relaxed affair, after the fast pace of the last two days. Head to Yu Garden for a traditional visit to an old Chinese garden, where you can admire decorated bridges, pagodas, open spaces, and walls with dragon decorations. This is a wonderfully peaceful part of the city, and a definite must visit.

In-keeping with the laid-back vibe of your final day, head to Zhujiajiao, an old Chinese water town, and take a boat ride up and down the main canal, checking out the old scenery as you go; if you choose the longer route you will pass the oldest bridge in the city, Fangsheng Bridge.

Of course, finish off your visit with some delicious Chinese food before leaving this wonderfully modern part of the country.

Image by gags9999 under Creative Commons license.

Travelling to Asia can be overwhelming for Europeans and North Americans. The people look different, the food looks and tastes weird, and the languages don’t sound or look like anything familiar to you. These are just a few things that can make your first visit to Asia a challenge. Take China for example, Asia’s largest country after Russia. A jet lag after a flight of more than a dozen hours and possibly a different climate don’t make it easy to adapt to a new country. It can be downright intimidating to find yourself at an airport where nothing seems familiar at all.

If you’re really freaked out, there are plenty of package tour options to Beijing and China. If you want to travel independently, it’s definitely doable. However it’s essential to prepare yourself before you go and to remember the following tips for when you are actually there. Below are some tips to help you. Also remember, your mental preparationn is just as important as any other kind of preparation.

When visiting China, tourists will most likely arrive in Beijing, which is why we will focus on that particular city. Before you step on that flight to China you should have booked a hotel for at least the first few nights. This will help you acclimatize and get at least semi-used to your new environment. Trying to sleep off a jet lag as soon as possible will definitely help. A tip to help you actually find that hotel is to write down you hotel’s name and address in both English and Chinese. If you get lost and want to ask directions, having something written down in the local language will be of great value. Learn some basic Chinese phrases before you go.

The staff in your Beijing hotel will very likely speak at least basic English. They could later act as translators when you want to go see something or find a place to eat. They could point you in the right direction and maybe even write down some words in Chinese. If you don’t like spicy foods for example, have them write that on a piece of paper, which you can then show in a restaurant. It is also suggested to try and learn some Chinese words yourself. People always appreciate it when you try to speak the local language, even if you make mistakes. Knowing how to say thank you, hello, yes, no, please are pretty much essential. Carrying a small pocket phrasebook is always useful as well.

Taking care of these little things will improve you experience tremendously. Of course, also make sure you are properly vaccinated and/or carry necessary medicines (see the CDC information for authoritative advice). Something else that is absolutely good to know is that Chinese bathrooms usually do not have toilet paper. Carrying napkins or a toilet roll is definitely recommended if you don’t want to face an unpleasant surprise in a random Chinese bathroom. Concerning electronics, do not forget to take an international travel adapter with you. China uses different plugs than European countries. Some US plugs will work, but this is not guaranteed. Take one (or more) just in case.

Once you have your bearings, you can start exploring less touristy aspects of China, like the Beijing music scene, or other things specific to your particular interests.

Besides those tips, it is of course always a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings. You should do that everywhere – including your hometown – but especially in a massively crowded city like Beijing.

Photo credit: Francisco Diez CC

There’s A Lot to Love About Shanghai
.

With a glamour, mystique, and history that are almost unparalleled, Shanghai has a lot to recommend it. Acrobatics shows are a must-see here, while it also seems that barely a week passes without a trendy new art gallery opening. From luxury goods to market stall bargains, and fine dining to delicious street food, Shanghai is a veritable feast.



The Bund


Essentially a scenic walk along the river, The “Bund” is Shanghai’s #1 activity for visitors, and best of all, it’s totally free. Stop at The Bund Bull for iconic photos, admire the skyline, or cross the river on a ferry for pennies. With a beautiful harbour, if you time it right for the sunset you can watch the lights come on over the water- it’s a beautiful and romantic setting, as well as an eminently memorable experience. Go at night and see the skyscrapers lit up against a black sky- thanks to the number of people here, it’s pretty safe.



Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan)


One of the finest museums in China, you could spend a whole day here. Much like the Russian Hermitage Museum, or London’s British Museum, the displays here document an entire culture and history. With free entry, there’s no reason not to go while you’re in Shanghai- with gorgeous jade jewellery, furniture, sculpture, paintings, calligraphy and ancient costumes spread out over 4 floors, there’s something for everyone. Most of the exhibits have bilingual explanations in English and Mandarin, and this world-class museum, in common with its western counterparts, also provides refreshments and a gift shop. 



The Old French Concession


Yet another free activity in Shanghai, a walk in The Old French Concession isn’t just exercise- it’s a history lesson. With tree-lined avenues, an old French park, and European style buildings, this quarter still manages to be very Chinese. Soak up the bohemian vibes and indulge in a little shopping- the area has some great little stores for souvenirs, as well as cute markets and restaurants. While the area’s full of Western immigrants -lots of North Americans, Australasians and Europeans call this quarter home- The Old French Concession feels like stepping back in time to the Shanghai of the 1920s.

 

Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu)

Enjoy some of Shanghai’s true delights, such as the wacky Oriental Pearl Tower. As a tip, try to time your visit for good weather, as clouds, rain, or excessive pollution can mar the view from the top. Also it can get very crowded on weekends and holidays. With a 360 degree glass floor, it’s not for those with vertigo, but by Shanghai standards, the Oriental Pearl Tower is actually pretty small, being dwarfed by the larger buildings which surround it.

One of the great things about backpacking is that you have the chance to experience a wide range of exciting new things. People who have a strong sense of adventure and the courage to think outside the box a little will soon discover that there are plenty of great destinations that are not packed with tourists. Here are some hidden gems that should not be missed. 



Koh Samed, Thailand


The Kingdom of Thailand is famous for its beautiful tropical islands, and Koh Samed is no exception. However, most travellers head south to famous islands such as Phi Phi, Samui and Phuket, while Samed remains largely overlooked. This enchanting island is so small that it is possible to cover most of it on foot, while the island boasts a large number of gorgeous sandy beaches. Head to the island during the week and you are likely to have many of these beaches completely to yourself, while hiring a tent or a basic wooden hut on the beach is a cheap option for budget travellers. 



Kratie, Cambodia


As well as the the main tourist highlight of Angkor Wat, discover a stunning village where time almost seems to have stood still. Despite the fact that Kratie is home to stunning river dolphins, this village remains mostly unknown to tourists and rooms are available for just a few dollars. Watching the sun set slowly over the river after spending the day watching the dolphins splash around in the water is an experience that should not be missed.

 

Ella, Sri Lanka


Adam’s Peak is by far the highest mountain in the whole of Sri Lanka and large numbers of people travel to the foot of the mountain each morning to make the epic climb. However, the village of Ella in the heart of Sri Lanka is home to Little Adam’s Peak, which is a great place to warm up for the four hour trek. Ella is surrounded by intense natural beauty, while it also has the bonus of being disregarded by most tourists. Visitors to Ella can spend relaxing days taking short treks through tea plantations and up hills to take in stunning scenery. The people of Ella are very warm and welcoming and this is the perfect place to experience traditional Sri Lankan hospitality. 



Mount Abu, India


This mountain village in the north of India is a great place to retreat from the heat while learning about the history and culture of the country. In addition to its abundant natural beauty, Mount Abu is also home to several spiritual centres that represent modern religion and spirituality. 



Of course, if you do decide to wander off the beaten track, you will need to make sure that you stay safe. The best way to do this is to take out travel insurance so that you are protected no matter what may happen. It is also a good idea to keep friends and family updated on your travel itinerary so that you can be contacted if necessary.

As one of the most dynamic and progressive business hubs in Asia, South Korea is ripe with opportunities for international business and development. But doing business in South Korea can be quite different from how it’s done in many Western countries. And while it may have similarities to other Asian countries, South Korea has its own intricacies and nuances that make doing business there very unique. If you’re about to go to South Korea for a business trip, keep these helpful tips in mind as you prepare for it.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Help

Planning a business trip to South Korea can be intimidating and tiresome, especially if you come from a Western country and are doing it for the first time. Aside from the ever-present language barrier, there are also several cultural differences that can make planning a business trip there a very tedious affair. To make it easier, don’t be afraid to get help from companies that specialize in planning business trips to foreign countries. On the same note, hire a translator when you’re there if you really need it. It is better to get assistance from experts and specialists than compromise your trip with second-guessing and communication that could get lost in translation.

Interpersonal Relationships Are Key

The key to successful business in South Korea is focusing on building and maintaining interpersonal relationships with your partners. Interpersonal relationships are highly valued in South Korea, and they often take precedence over any other formal business proceeding or initiative. As such, your primary focus should be fostering a good relationship with your business partners there, especially if it’s your first time doing business with them.

The Importance of Business Cards

Despite today’s digital age, business cards are still widely used and generally preferred in South Korea. South Koreans consider the giving and receiving of business cards very important, so you should treat this activity as an essential part of doing business there. For example, upon receiving a business card, you should avoid putting it into your pocket and instead place it in front of you on the table (if possible). You should also receive business cards with both hands as a sign of respect.

Know and Adapt to Local Culture

Like doing business in any other country, success in South Korea requires you to understand the local culture and adapt to their values and ways of doing things. Modesty and humility are essential to South Korean culture and it would be best for you to display these values throughout all your business activities there. Teamwork and the group dynamic are also an integral part of their culture that permeates into how they conduct business. The more you adapt to the intricacies of their culture, the better off you’ll be in conducting business with them.

Doing business in South Korea can be a daunting task for first-time travellers and foreign businesspeople. But, with some good research and preparation beforehand, it can turn out to be much easier than most people think.