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Inviting dinner

Park: We sincerely hope that our products are very popular in the United States.
Frank: I really hope so, too.

Park: Well, since the contract has just been sealed, I’d like to invite you to a typical Korean restau-
rant, if you are free tonight.

Yoon: I’ve already arranged to eat at one of the most famous Korean restaurants around here.
Frank: Sure, I’d love to. I’ll return to the hotel and notify the home office of our deal. What time is
most convenient for you, Mr. Park?
Park: Oh, we’ll match our schedule to fit yours.
Frank: Anytime after 6 pm would be fine. Can you pick me up about 7:00?
Park: No problem. Mr. Yoon and I will meet you at the front entrance at 7:00 tonight.

1. Do you invite clients to eat out? Why?

Sample answer:
Yes, that’s a common practice among us. We believe that this fosters camaraderie. It gives some
much-needed informality in something that is usually seriously discussed. It’s also more conve-
nient to discuss when there’s food, drinks, or coffee around.

2. Where do you usually take your clients for lunch or dinner?

Sample answer:
It depends on the purpose of our meeting or eating out. If we want to take our clients around
to know more about Korea, then we take them to good Korean restaurants. If we want them
to unwind and to have a good time, then we take them to some groovy bars. For the usual
business meetings, we take them to restaurants. For celebration and formal affairs, we go to
fine-dining places.

3. What are the other things that you do to make your clients feel welcome?

Sample answer:
Of course, we assign someone to tour them around the place. We take care of their accommo-
dations, especially in cases where the client is a foreigner. We make sure that all their needs,
and even wants, are well taken care of.

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