Inside Korea’s Business World: What Future Leaders Learned from Pearson & Partners

Think business is just numbers? Think again.

As part of the Korea–Japan study abroad program, students from the Carlson School of Management—majoring in accounting, marketing, and human resources—joined us at Pearson & Partners Korea for a candid, behind-the-scenes look into what cross-border business truly demands.

During their visit, our CEO and Founder, Justin Dohyung Kim, didn’t just share a highlight reel. Instead, he pulled back the curtain on what it takes to launch and grow a consulting firm in Korea—starting from a defining moment with just “$2 left in his pocket,” to now guiding global companies through one of Asia’s most complex and fast-moving markets.

But the real takeaway? This wasn’t just about numbers or expansion strategies. It was about how business gets done when language isn’t shared, culture isn’t familiar, and trust must be earned from the ground up. From navigating unspoken social rules to translating nuance for foreign clients, Students got an honest view of the work that happens in the subtle details; the part that rarely makes it into case studies or textbooks.

Q1: What surprised you most during the seminar?
“Honestly, I initially thought Pearson & Partners Korea focused primarily on English consulting. But what really struck me is that the technical work is outsourced—and the real asset lies in the ability to connect with non-English-speaking networks in Korea and distill that information for clients in English. English has always felt natural to me, but I realized here, it’s actually a competitive advantage.”

Professional Lens: The true value extends beyond language. It involves understanding local networks where English isn’t spoken and presenting that insight clearly to clients. What feels normal in one place can be a major advantage in another.

Q2: Do you see yourself working internationally in the future?
“Definitely. I’m super adventurous, and I’m open to any opportunity. I’ve looked at New York, but also abroad. I’d love to work internationally and I’m planning to apply for a scholarship to study Korean. Getting my CPA is a key step—it’s transferable across countries, and it could help me grow into a big firm or launch something of my own."

Professional Lens: This mindset shows a readiness to embrace global challenges. The world’s business landscape is more connected than ever, and skills like language proficiency and professional certification open doors across borders. Pursuing the CPA while learning Korean shows a strategic approach, combining technical expertise with cultural fluency to stand out in competitive markets.

Q1: What seemed most complex about starting a business in Korea?
“The language barrier, for sure. Even though there’s more English here now, being here just a few days showed me how essential Korean would be for living and doing business. Also, the cultural norms are very different. It seems very hierarchical and structured—there are a lot of unspoken rules to learn.”

At Pearson & Partners Korea, we take pride in equipping future leaders with real-world perspectives and practical skills essential for success in global markets. It is in the intersection of culture and strategy—often found in the finer details—where these students discovered both the greatest challenges and the most promising opportunities.

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