Welcome to AustCham Korea’s new series of business profile interviews, ‘Corridor Conversations’. This series is designed to highlight the diverse and dynamic experiences of our members, offer valuable insights for expats living in Korea, and promote businesses within the Australia-Korea community.

Each interview will delve into our members’ unique stories and initiatives, showcasing their contributions and the innovative work being done across various sectors. Through these conversations, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the Australia-Korea business landscape and provide a platform for our members to share their knowledge and expertise.

Corridor Conversations – Rowan Petz


Title: Executive Director – AustCham Korea

Quote: “Being able to adapt and network are key pillars to my success.”

How did you first come across AustCham Korea?

As a scholarship student at Yonsei University, we had a guest lecturer who was the vice-chairman of the Chamber at the time, named Scott Walker. Scott was also country manager of Tourism Australia and he invited me to a networking event at the Australia Centre in Seoul. I used that event as a platform to network amongst other Chamber leaders and Australian-Korean businesses.

What services does the Chamber provide?

Networking, advocacy, information sharing. [expand]

You’ve been Executive Director of AustCham Korea since 2018, how has the Chamber been able to grow during that time and where do you see it going moving into the future?

First of all, since 2018 I’ve seen a significant shift within the bilateral relationship between Australia and Korea. Traditionally, the three traditional pillars of trade have been on resources, food and beverages, and professional services. While these three pillars are still vitally important, we have also seen significant growth in financial services, education, biotech, and renewable energies and supply chains. We are seeing a lot more of two-way investment – now Korean countries are also investing more in Australia. As a result, the knowledge base between Australia and Korea has grown significantly. Koreans knows more about Australia, and Australia knows more about Korea in a business sense. 

Definitely – it seems only fitting that we are currently doing this interview at a Korean cafe in Melbourne (cafe in Collingwood, Melbourne named “acoffee”) 

Exactly right – and “acoffee” has some of the best coffee in Melbourne!

Since you began with the Chamber, how has business in Korea changed?

The pandemic accelerated the change in the way we do business with a lot more Australian companies seeking to enter the Korean market without needing to open up a physical presence in Korea. This is largely off the back of video calls and increases in digital communications. One effect of this is that before the pandemic the Chamber had almost no members in Australia. Now we have so many members based in Australia who did business via video calls. Also, now we are seeing less expats based in Korea. Increasingly they are based in Australia and travel to Korea. We are seeing more Australian companies employing Korean heads and we are seeing a diversity of country managers or CEOs – a lot more females and Koreans representing Australian companies in the Korean market.

For the expats who have successfully adapted to living in Korea, what do you think have been their definitive traits?

Number one is being adaptive. If you don’t adapt to Korea you’ll never get anywhere. Adapting to how you do business in Korea is essential – working at night time, going to lots of client dinners, understanding cultural nuances when it comes to hierarchy. Number two is networking- you need to be someone who networks well. One of my greatest traits is that I can be be a social chameleon. I come from a blue collar migrant family, but I still feel that I can easily have meetings with an Ambassador or senior government representatives or even be work drinks with interns. Being able to adapt and network are key pillars to my success.

What are your hobbies in Seoul?

I like exploring new areas – even by myself. I like to walk the streets with my Fuji X100F camera, taking photos, and getting lost. I also enjoy Korea’s cafe culture and a bit of travel. Seoul also has a lot of “Escape Rooms” which I enjoy going to with friends.

Do you have any restaurants or food that you’d like to recommend?

One would be BBQ Chicken dalkgabi, There is a chicken BBQ version in 연남동 (provide Korean name). The second recommendation would be one in 광화문 – it has  spring onions wrapped in marinated beef on a BBQ (provide Korean name). Third recommendation would be… – 우동 place in 광화문 deep fried shrimp (provide Korean name). 

Is there a Korean phrase that you’d like to introduce to the Australian expat community?

(provide answer)

Stay tuned for our upcoming interviews and join us as we explore the rich tapestry of experiences that make up our vibrant community. If you are interested in participating in this series, please email Rowan Petz at membership@austchamkorea.org

Interview credit: Michael Badrock.