Press Reviews about Soft Landing Korea and Our Publications
Tom Coyner and Song-Hyon Jang: Mastering
Business in Korea
by Philip Gowman
London Korea Links blog
July 5, 2007
Abstract
Book Review of Mastering Business in Korea: A Practical Guide,
rated 4½ stars out of a
possible five stars.
Full Text
The Power of Insight
by Charles Duerden
Invest Korea Journal
May-June 2007
Abstract
Book Review of Mastering Business in Korea: A Practical Guide.
Full Text
Humility and eye contact may pave a path to riches
By Pat King
JoongAng Daily
May 5, 2007
Abstract
Book Review of Mastering Business in Korea: A Practical Guide.
Full Text
Consultant Offers Advice for Making
Soft Landing in Korea
Tony MacGregor
Korea
Times
January 10, 2006
Abstract
Tom Coyner, president of Soft Landing Korea,
believes South Korea is
the best spot for foreign firms wanting to break into Northeast
Asia.
Full Text
Culture-oriented tips for
doing business in Korea
By Yang Sung-jin
Korea Herald
April 20, 2007
Abstract
Book Review of Mastering Business in Korea: A Practical Guide.
Full Text
From Peace Corps Volunteer
to Top Business Executive Advisor
By Jane
Han
Korea Times
April 2, 2007
Abstract
Interview of Tom Coyner, president of Soft
Landing Korea.
Full Text
Longtime Expats Finding a Niche in
Selling Advice to Foreign Firms
Kim Sun-jung
JoongAng Daily, Page 1
March 28, 2005
Abstract
Mr. Coyner is one of a handful of
expatriates who are marketing their knowledge of Korea to international
companies with their sights on this market. As Korea specialists, they are
niche providers. Within that niche, they are brokers, counselors, executors,
interpreters, ombudsmen and matchmakers.
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Bosses Shouldn't Fear Foreign Media
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By Tom Coyner
JoongAng Daily
May 26, 2010
Abstract
Korean firms are missing a golden chance when they refuse to meet with
foreign journalists.
Full Text
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Retrofitting for Tough Times
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By Tom Coyner
JoongAng Daily
January 20, 2009
Abstract
A winnowing out process among businesses is taking place . . . New, more
competitive methods need to be implemented, often for sheer survival.
Working smarter, not harder includes investing in professional skills,
including consultative sales methods.
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Korean Slogans Comical to Foreigners
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By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
October 15, 2008
Abstract
Korean decision makers should follow other countries' better examples in
adequately investing in professional public relations and marketing
companies and applying outside advice to the final decisions. Too often to
date, decisions have been based on poorly thought out expediencies and even
egotism.
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Everything You Wanted to Know About Korean Business
Entertaining
(But Were Too Afraid to Ask)
Published as Korean Entertainment (Parts 1 & II)
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By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
May 23 & June 13, 2008
Abstract
A review of the basic
roles and costs of business entertainment in doing business in Korea.
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Will Korean Companies Survive This Century?
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
November 2, 2007
Abstract
A review of the basics
for Korean corporate long-term survival in terms of genuine globalization
and radical innovation.
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Korean Concepts of Negotiating
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
October 4, 2007
Abstract
Some suggested
considerations, when preparing for Korean negotiations.
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Busting a Few More Sales Myths in Korea
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
September 6 2007
Abstract
In-depth review of
four more common myths regarding Korean sales.
Full Text
It's Largely a Matter of Trust in Korea
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
August 9, 2007
Abstract
Without the public's
credibility or trust, any marketing strategy will ultimately fail.
Full Text
Busting Korea's Myths on Sales
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
July 27, 2007
Abstract
In-depth review of
three common myths regarding Korean sales.
Full Text
Power of Cyber Marketing in Korea
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
May 4, 2007
Abstract
From cyber malls to
consumer participatory marketing campaigns, Korea's cyber marketing
is aggressive and innovative.
Full Text
Korean Retailers Undergo Upgrading
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
April 20, 2007
Abstract
Major Korean retailers
learn from foreign giants and create a new generation of retail sales
channels.
Full Text
Shifting Korean
Retail Industry
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
March 21, 2007
Abstract
A summary of
the rapid evolution of Korea’s
retail industry during the past quarter century.
Full Text
IT Industry Sets Managing Model
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
January 17, 2007
Abstract
Korea’s IT industry
offers a good –and bad – example of doing business in Korea.
Full Text
Product
Distribution Is Key
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
Dec. 27, 2006
Abstract
There
are several consumer product distribution systems operating in Korea,
each having its own advantages and disadvantages.
Full Text
Korea Needs Better Offshore Marketing
by Tom Coyner
Korea Times
September 13, 2006
Abstract
Korean companies aspiring to become world class in their
markets need to explore new strategies. Unlike in the past, it is now
obvious that further growth requires world-class marketing, in which
effective branding must play a major role.
Full Text
The Cultural Marketing Trap
by Tom Coyner
Korea Times
September 6, 2006
Abstract
There may be a cultural
"gotcha," but too often foreign marketing professionals have
prematurely jumped to that conclusion. It seems that a "cultural
wand" is being waved about whenever there is a need to explain why
sales are not up to standard. Foreign managers can be sorely tempted to
pigeonhole the cause of their problems as "Korean culture" when
there may be a lack – or misapplication - of marketing diligence.
Full Text
Discovering the Korean Consumer
(Part I)
by Tom Coyner
Korea Times
August 2, 2006
Abstract
The Korean consumers are rapidly
evolving into independent urban buyers of goods and services who are both
young in large numbers and yet also comprise a growing and graying baby
boomer population. Korea’s
consumers are among the most Internet savvy and are leading the world in
finding new ways to acquire what they want whenever they want.
Full Text
Discovering the Korean Consumer (Part II)
Who Wields the Won? - Housewives
by Tom Coyner
Korea Times
August 16, 2006
Abstract
This concludes this two-part
essay by recognizing that all consumers are not purchasers. Korea has some of the most
traditional market practices and with some of the world’s leading edge
retail channels. The foreign manager needs to know how to deal with both
circumstances.
Full Text
Dangers of Relying on Salespersons
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
May 9, 2006
Abstract
Korea
is famous for its relationship selling in large business-to-business transactions.
Traditional selling in a close-knit society requires personal relationships
to generate leads and sales. Yet order taking is not a long-term substitute
for professional selling. Managers
face significant revenue dangers when selling is not seriously taken as a
profession.
Full Text
Smashing the Six Shibboleths of Korean Sales
Yeri Choi
Journal of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea
May-June 2001 edition
Abstract
As the pace of change in business
continues to quicken, the savvy operator accelerates to keep up.
Below, a consultant focuses her sights on outmoded thinking among Korea's
sales forces - and what changes they need to implement if they are to
remain competitive.
Full Text
10 + 1 Commandments for Doing Business
Jang Song-hyon and Tom Coyner
Korea
Times
March 27, 2006
Abstract
Stick to these 11 cardinal rules and you will do just fine in doing
business in Korea.
Full Text
Selling Through Korean
Distributors
Tom Coyner
Journal of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea
2-part article in the January-February and March-April 2005
editions
Abstract
Indirect selling can be one of
the least expensive and lowest risk strategies. Among American firms
selling into Korea
are offshore companies that use local distributors. This approach offers
obvious advantages, but also contains many hidden pitfalls.
Full Text
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Long
Past Learning the Language
By Tom Coyner
JoongAng Daily
July 13, 2009
Abstract
Many problems experienced by expatriates here and elsewhere can be traced to
a lack of local language skills.
Full Text
Working as the Korean Operations' Change Agent
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
September 12 & 23, 2008
Abstract
Ultimately the role of an expatriate manager is to manage and assure
necessary change. To effectively accomplish this takes preparation
well before a change action is initiated.
Full Text
Korean Language in International Business: an Apology
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
February 29, 2008
Abstract
A review of why, unlike Japanese and Chinese languages in neighboring
countries, Korean is not well spoken by foreigners working in Korea.
Full Text
Importance of Korea Mentors
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
September 22, 2007
Abstract
It is important to identify both native and expatriate mentors and know
where to find them.
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Playing by Local and International Rules
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
September 22, 2007
Abstract
It can be critical to know when to "go native" and when to leverage the
advantage of being a foreign company.
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Korea’s Reversed Brain Drain
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
June 28, 2007
Abstract
Returnee Koreans have both significant advantages and disadvantages in the
Korean workplace.
Full Text
Do’s
and Don’ts for Foreign Employees – Part I
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
Nov.15, 2006
Abstract
A summary of interviews of foreign managers working in Korean
corporations with their observations and advice.
Full Text
Do’s
and Don’ts for Foreign Employees – Part II
(Get
A Korean Mentor
to Succeed in Business)
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
Nov.29, 2006
Abstract
A continuation of interviews of foreign managers working in Korean
corporations with their observations and advice –including what
it’s like to be a kyopo manager.
Full Text
Koreans
Hold Unique View on Foreign Firms
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
Nov. 2, 2006
Abstract
Foreign companies, especially from the major countries, are regarded
with mixed feelings.
Full Text
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
May 23, 2006
Abstract
There is a balance between personal time and time invested after hours with
Koreans. The best balance may not be one’s natural preference upon
arrival. Yet those who make the appropriate adjustments succeed; those who
are not so accommodating can look forward to shipping out much too soon
Full
Text
Sound Advice to New Expatriates
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
May 16, 2006
Abstract
The top 15 consolidated answers from 20 experienced executives to the
following question: “Suppose
you were flying into Seoul and you
discovered the person next to you is arriving in Korea for the first time to
take on a new management position. What advice would you offer?”
Full Text
Getting a Handle
on Korean Information
by Tom Coyner
Korea Times
June 27, 2006
Abstract
The foreign business person must
quickly tap into information and develop expertise on how to do business in
Korea.
More important, he or she must know where to go for help.
Full Text
Working in Korean Firms as a Foreigner
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
June 6, 2006
Abstract
As Korean corporations have recognized the need to
bring in foreign specialists , more than a few “speed bumps’’ have appeared along the way.
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Confessions of a Waeguk Salaryman
K-Scene Magazine
May 27, 2006
Abstract
A young American came to Korea
to work as a software programmer and quickly found himself in a personal
hell. Tom Coyner is asked to
introduce some expertise on fitting into corporate Korea upon review of the
programmer’s account of his experiences in a mid-sized Korean
company.
Full Text
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Women's Challenges in Korea's Work Environment
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
July 13, 2007
Abstract
Korean women are stepping out of their homes and shops to take on
greater managerial responsibilities. But this evolution is a difficult
one.
Full Text
Characteristics of the Korean IS
Industry
Tom Coyner
Korea
IT Times
April 2006 edition
Abstract
The Korean information systems (IS) industry is unique. It mainly consists
of specialists often found within very large customer organizations,
largely staffed by generalists. This is a description the lie of the land
in the IS industry from the perspective of a software vendor.
Full Text
Resolving Joint Venture Conflicts
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
February 14, 2007
Abstract
Some
suggestions followed by a 10 advices on how to avoid conflicts.
Full Text
Making Joint
Ventures Work
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
Jan. 3, 2007
Abstract
Understanding
the common causes and how to prevent conflict is essential to making joint
ventures work in Korea.
Full Text
Making Joint Ventures Work in Korea (Part I)
by Tom Coyner
Korea IT Times
June 2006
Abstract
First
of a two-part review of the basic principles of successfully forming a JV
with a Korean company in Korea,
illustrated with real world examples.
Full Text
Making Joint Ventures Work in Korea (Part II)
by Tom Coyner
Korea IT Times
August 2006
Abstract
Second
of a two-part review of the basic principles of successfully forming a JV
with a Korean company in Korea,
including ten pieces of practical advice from an experienced joint venture
foreign executive.
Full
Text
Selecting The
Right Korean Partner
by Tom Coyner
Korea Times
July 4, 2006
Abstract
Many Korean companies are willing
to partner for all of the wrong reasons. And this may be said for a like
number of foreign firms. However,
there are some concrete ways to find the right Korean partner enterprise for
your company.
Full Text
Understanding is Half the Battle in Doing Business in Korea
Tom Coyner
Korea
IT Times
May 2006 edition
Abstract
Foreigners are often puzzled as to why business in Korea can take as much time as
it does or why there are delays caused by demands for additional
information or why a negotiated price is still not finalized. Part of the answer can be found in the
plight of the one or more managers and executives whose career is on the
line come each January.
Full Text
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The Peculiar Power of a Small Mind
By Tom Coyner
JoongAng Daily
May 4, 2008
Abstract
Korea’s
concept of
janmeori
turns out
to be shorthand for the strengths and weaknesses of its society.
Full Text
Expectations of President-elect
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
January 11, 2008
Abstract
Considering expatriate manager expectations of President-elect Lee
Myung-bak with observations about Korea in general and managing Korean
employees in specific, such as child care benefits value and appropriate
style of supervision
Full Text
Korean Legal Way of Hiring and Firing
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
October 19, 2007
Abstract
Contrary to many foreigners' beliefs, one can fire a Korean employee --
but it can make a big difference by how one originally hired that employee.
Full Text
Praise, at the Right Time, Can Make You a STAR
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
August 24 2007
Abstract
Using praise at the right time and in a meaningful manner can both
motivate employees and improve the chances for one's advancement.
Full Text
How
to Strengthen Manufacturing Competitiveness
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
July 30, 2007
Abstract
Advice, including 14 pointers, on how to improve labor relations.
Full Text
Women's Challenges in Korea's Work Environment
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
July 13, 2007
Abstract
Korean women are stepping out of their homes and shops to take on
greater managerial responsibilities. But this evolution is a difficult
one.
Full
Text
Multinational Corporate
Compensation
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
May 18, 2007
Abstract
Multinational corporations in Korea are caught between modern
compensation trends and traditional expectations of their local employees.
Full Text
Homegrown Management
Patterns
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
June 1, 2007
Abstract
Korean management philosophies continue and adjust as corporations carry
on in their second generation.
Full Text
Inscrutable
Employee Loyalty in Korea
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
April 4, 2007
Abstract
Korea's hardworking employees are discovered to be
much less company loyal than assumed.
Full Text
Korea's Evolving Pension
Programs
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
March 7, 2007
Abstract
Employers and employees
consider moving on to more modern pension schemes at the Korean
Government's urging.
Full Text
Unions' Past Sheds Light on Present
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
January 31, 2007
Abstract
A
brief history of the Korean labor movement.
Full Text
Basics of
Hiring Korean Employees
by Tom Coyner
Korea Times
Oct. 11, 2006
Abstract
The practical consequences of hiring into the Korean social system
are immense.
Full Text
Letting
Korean Employees Go
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
Oct. 25, 2006
Abstract
Making staff adjustments in Korea is not easy -- especially
for the expatriate manager who may be used to quicker methods of effecting
the desired changes. It is good to remember that one is dealing with
another social structure that views hasty action as imprudent.
Full Text
Knowing
The Korean Pay Scale
by Tom Coyner
Korea Times
September 27, 2006
Abstract
This is a high level survey of Korea’s more common pay
practices and consider some of the evolving benefits schemes as of
2005~2006.
Full Text
Compensate
Your Korean Employees
by Tom Coyner
Korea Times
September 20, 2006
Abstract
It is imperative, therefore, that the expatriate manager be familiar
with the Korean style of compensation and seek creative and constructive
ways to initiate similar forms of reward.
Full Text
Company Training Key to Integration
by Tom Coyner
Korea Times
July 25, 2006
Abstract
Training is not an option -- but
it is often treated as if it were. Yet, now more than ever, there are
opportunities to appropriately develop your staff in Seoul. In other words, there is no longer
a valid reason not to do what is necessary for your success in Korea.
Full Text
Find
Right Person in Right Place
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
June 20, 2006
Abstract
Conclude
two-article high-level review on union relations, starting with a key
position, the industrial relations manager, and end with experienced
executives’ top 20 suggestions
Full Text
Getting Labor Relations Correct
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
June13, 2006
Abstract
Overview
of the basics of positive and effective means of working with Korean labor
unions. This is the first part of a
two-part essay.
Full Text
Rationale Behind Koreans’ Illogical Behaviors
by Tom Coyner
Korea Times
July 18, 2006
Abstract
What may seem to be irrational behavior
to the outsider can be brutally logical to Koreas middle managers.
Full Text
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How to Select an Attorney in Korea
By Tom Coyner
Journal of
the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea
2nd Quarter 2010 edition
Abstract
By hiring - and managing - an attorney rather
than simply selecting a law firm, it is possible to control legal expenses
in Korea.
Full Text
Demolishing a Hidden Trade Barrier
By Tom Coyner
JoongAng Daily
March 1, 2010
Abstract
Expensive law firms that deliver less than they advertise make it
that much harder for foreigners to do business here.
Full Text
Don't Try and Mess with the US
Anti-Corruption Act
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
August 28, 2008
Abstract
The US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar
laws of other countries are being more vigorously and widely applied than
ever. Business professionals need to be aware of some surprising
liabilities when dealing with both public and even private sectors.
Full Text
Handling Employee
Fraud
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
Dec. 13, 2006
Abstract
As an expatriate or a local manager
in Korea,
what we must keep in mind to appropriately and effectively deal with
employee fraud.
Full Text
Tired of Corruption but Afraid of the Crackdown
By Sang-Hun Choe
New York Times
Dec. 4, 2006
Abstract
A review of why Koreans tolerate major white-collar crime, with quotes
from Tom Coyner
Full Text
Bless the
Korean Prosecution -- But Watch Out!
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
Nov. 17, 2007
Abstract
In Korea's rapidly evolving legal system, it is important to
understand, appreciate and be aware as a foreign business professional.
Full Text
Negotiating
Legal Agreements
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
Oct. 18, 2006
Abstract
Some key, high-level considerations with specific pointers for negotiating
and writing legal agreements in Korea.
Full Text
How to Avoid or
Handle Credit Fraud
by Tom Coyner
Korea Times
August 30, 2006
Abstract
It's
important to recognize that the Korean legal system is based on a civil
code and not on common law, which the British have developed since the time
of the Magna Charta in the 13th century, and the Americans based on their
Constitution. This means that in Korea there is less recourse
beyond what is specifically detailed in the civil law codebooks than in the
common law nations.
Full Text
When Your Operations Run Afoul of Law
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
May 29, 2006
Abstract
The Korean legal system works well when the foreign manager quickly puts many
western notions of legal strategy aside. So, if there is ever a time to
“go native,” it is certainly when one has to deal with Korean
legal jeopardy
Full Text
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Buying Time, Mocking Conventions
By Tom Coyner
JoongAng Daily
July 6, 2009
Abstract
Pyongyang’s defiance might force other nations to adopt policies more
suitable for the multipolar hegemony of the 21st century.
Full Text
Understanding the Korea-US Alliance
By Tom Coyner
JoongAng Daily
April 6 & 13, 2009
Abstract
A review of the accumulated myths about the US-S Korean relationship with an
attempt to try to set the record straight.
Full Text
Not quite
a success, nor a failure
By Tom Coyner
JoongAng Daily
April 7, 2009
Abstract
The failure to put a satellite in orbit did not result in debris falling on
Japan, sparing the world a lot of diplomatic drama.
Full Text
Lessons from the 'Lost Decade'
By Tom Coyner
JoongAng Daily
March 23, 2009
Abstract
With
declining permanent employment opportunities, Japan witnessed the
displacement and alienation of a whole generation of young people. Korea and
other developed economies may learn this and a few other lessons from Japan.
Full Text
Surmounting Stalemates
By Tom Coyner
JoongAng Daily
March 9, 2009
Abstract
The six party talks to negotiate N Korea's relinquishing of nuclear
weapons is a waste of time, given Pyongyang's paranoia for survival.
Better to move on and see if a comprehensive peace treaty may be possible,
including recognition of S Korea. If not, a new order for dealing with
N Korea's isolation may be inevitable.
Full Text
What Can Korea Learn from Wall Street's
Folly?
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
October 9, 2008
Abstract
The American economy is facing a crisis that has its origins in the
Seven Sharks of existing conditions, many of whom are present in Korea.
The divisive nature of American red-blue politics calls out for the need for
moderation. How well America it handles this problem will have a major
impact on its future relations with Korea.
Full Text
What Lessons Can Business Draw from the Mad Cow
Demonstration?
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
July 4, 2008
Abstract
Public relations is becoming increasingly critical and
complicated as young Koreans rely increasingly on non-traditional sources of
information - often making noncritical judgments based on rumors and
falsehoods found on the Internet and in SMS messages. Businesses need
to take preemptive measures as well understand what to do should their
company names become used by radical political activists.
Full Text
How Risky Is It to Invest in Korea?
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
Feb. 15, 2008
Abstract
A concise assessment of the political risks pertaining
to implosion of North Korea and the impact of ultra-nationalism on business
in South Korea.
Full Text
Business Challenges for Lee Myung-Bak
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
Jan. 19, 2008
Abstract
Avocation for the removal Special Economic Zones and
the urgent need to reform Korea's educational system for Korean
international business competitiveness.
Full Text
Shall We Make That Perfectly
Clear?
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
Dec. 14, 2007
Abstract
Corruption, non-compliance and lack of transparency makes doing
business in Korea less than being perfectly clear. Here are some of the
reasons and and idealistic suggestion on what needs to be done..
Full Text
US-ROK FTA
– A Lost Cause in the Making?
By Tom Coyner
Korea Times
Dec. 6, 2006
Abstract
UAs
mutually beneficial an FTA may be for the US and Korea, political
developments in both nations may make it difficult to be realized.
Full Text
Why Are Koreans So Against Japanese?
by Tom Coyner
Korea Times
July 12, 2006
Abstract
A brief
history lesson helps foreign investors do business:
a snapshot of the historical background for much
of the anti-Japanese feelings.
Full Text
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