Korean communication is often described as indirect — and this is accurate. But indirect communication in Korean culture is not evasion or dishonesty. It is a sophisticated protocol for managing social friction, protecting the dignity of all parties, and maintaining the harmony of relationships. This article explains why Koreans communicate indirectly and what it means.
What Is Indirect Communication?
Why Korean Culture Values Indirectness
Chemyon and the Avoidance of Direct Confrontation
Indirect Communication in Korean Workplaces
How to Decode Korean Indirect Communication
Working Effectively with Korean Indirect Communication
Read the Book
This article is based on themes explored in depth in The Space Between People by Kim Jungseo, part of The Korean Wisdom Series.