In the closing years of the nineteenth century, East Asia saw traditional institutions erode under the weight of modernization, westernization, and imperialism. Unlike Japan, which by the late 1860s boldly embraced western thought and technology, Korea's orthodox Neo-Confucian elites resisted change. Trade agreements signed in the 1880s led to some reforms and the "opening" of Korea to the West. Soon China, Japan, Russia, France, Germany, and Great Britain vied for economic opportunity. Significantly, American missionaries and traders formed a core cadre among the foreigners who ventured to what the West called the Hermit Kingdom. Meanwhile, open conflict erupted on the peninsula between rival Japanese and Chinese forces. The outcome was substantial socio-economic transformation. By 1895, the Korean monarch King Kojong looked to align with the West to thwart ever-growing Japanese imperialism. King Kojong pursued a strategy of granting trade concessions to westerners in hopes that the investors would pressure their governments to support the monarchy and contain Japanese imperialism.The most successful of these concessions were granted to several Americans. By the early 1900s, the American-run Northern Frontier mines were among the richest in Asia. It is here, in what is today North Korea, that Connecticut-born Josh Gillet ventures and Book Three of A Yankee in the Land of the Morning Calm saga continues....

Colorado's Henry Collbran and the Roots of Early Korean Entrepreneurialism explores the business efforts of British-born Henry Collbran who brought modern technology and innovation to the Korean peninsula. Stepping back in time Southerton's latest work tells the fascinating story of Henry Collbran who left Colorado in 1896 and traveled to Korea with hopes of a lucrative gold mining opportunity. Seeing little potential in mining, Collbran successfully constructed the nation's first railway from Incheon to Seoul. Collbran then secured the franchise from the Korean monarch Kojong to build a modern electric streetcar system. Over the next several years, the entrepreneur added additional business ventures, including the first telephone system, a modern waterworks, a bank, a coin mint, and even a movie theater. During his later years in Korea and with financial support of Colorado beer baron Adolph Coors and other investors, Collbran turned his effort to highly lucrative gold and copper mining operations before eventually retiring to a life of leisure in London.Author Don Southerton points out, "Westerners like Collbran provided Korea with capital, technology, and know-how. These efforts contributed to the early development and economic growth of the region, which in turn provided the foundation for Korea's impressive late twentieth century industrial accomplishments."

Author Southerton notes, “We see a radical change underway within the leading companies in Korea. In fact, in the Korean workplace, once known for conformity and protocols, is undergoing substantial change.” Exploring this change is at the core of this new book. Southerton adds, “Topics include restructuring of age-old corporate norms such as more casual dress, a simplification of workplace titles leading to flatter organizations, and the pushback against workplace bullying and gender discrimination. It also drills deeper and provides readers with workarounds, work through, and insights.” This publication embraces new participatory communications practices and encourages the participation of its readers to share their thoughts and inputs.

Korea 101: The Book Shares an In-depth Look at Korean Business Don Southerton reflects on 20 years of insights and experiences from a Cultural Perspective. Korean global business advisor and strategist Don Southerton has released his latest publication, Korea 101: The Book—20 Years of Insights and Anecdotes. Southerton notes, “For over 20 years, I have presented Korea 101 programs to more than 10,000 participants across the globe. For the first time, Korea 101: The Book shares insights and experiences with my ‘boots on the ground’ in the classroom, boardroom, and, more recently, remotely.” Southerton adds, “Topics include an in depth look at Korea with milestones, interviews, case studies, articles, and writing—all based on my research, consultancy experiences, and observations. This practice continues today.”

The book differs from most on Korean business. Frankly, its audience is not those working or looking to be employed in South Korea, although they will benefit from its content. The focus is instead for the ever-growing number of people employed by Korean-based companies outside South Korea. This book will provide you with a strategy and skills to succeed. Likewise, if your firm provides services or products to a South Korean overseas subsidiary or operations this book will be beneficial and offer tactics to strengthen and maintain the relationship. Finally, if your company has significant business in Korea, but leadership and headquarters is located in the West, we offer key management with suggestion on how best to deal with pressing issues and challenges that surface. About the author When Fortune 500 companies, top Korean Groups, leading international law firms, the media, and elite consultancies like Bain and Monitor look for Korean-facing branding, business strategy, coaching, market-entry, and advice-they turn to Don Southerton. With over 35 years' experience, Don Southerton is the definitive authority on Korean-facing global business and branding--from automotive, golf, and QSR/ food sectors to New Urbanism and Green technology. When questions surface in development, launch, or fulfillment, we provide sound research, solutions, Building on a life-long interest in Korea and the rich culture of the country, Southerton has authored numerous publications with topics centering on culture, new urbanism, entrepreneurialism, and early U.S.-Korean business ventures. Southerton also extensively writes and comments on modern Korean business culture and its impact on global organizations.

In the wake of the recent accomplishments of the Hyundai Motor Group and respectively the Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors brands a question is often raised, “What makes Hyundai so successful?” My objective for Hyundai Way: Hyundai Speed is to share insights into the Hyundai Motor Group—a unique inside view of a unique corporate culture.

Hyundai and Kia Motors: The Early Years and Product Development by Donald G Southerton provides deep insights into the rise of the Korean car industry.From the 1960s to early 2000s, political and economic forces impacted the growth and development of the South Korean carmakers, including Hyundai and Kia Motors. In addition, the brands at times partnered for technology with Ford, Mazda, and Mitsubishi, along with world class designers like Giorgetto Giugiaro. Expanding rapidly the Korean brands soon looked to new international markets, including the U.S.Despite the failure of Kia Motors to survive the IMF Crisis, the merger with Hyundai led to integrated technology research, development, and manufacturing-- not to mention the economies of scale needed for the Korean automaker to compete globally with industry heavyweights such as Toyota, Ford, GM, and VW. Car models discussed including the Kia's Brisa, Pride, Sephia, Sportage, and Rio along with Hyundai's Pony, Excel and Santa Fe.