Building internal ESG capability: What Korean leaders and teams need to learn
ESG starts from within
While regulations, investors, and global clients drive much of the external ESG pressure, true readiness begins internally—with people. Korean companies cannot rely on external consultants or sustainability teams alone. Instead, they need to build ESG knowledge, skills, and ownership across leadership, departments, and the broader workforce.
ESG isn’t one department’s job
One of the most common challenges Speeki observes in Korean firms is the misconception that ESG is a task for the legal, compliance, or PR team. But reporting requirements, emissions tracking, labour practices, procurement standards, and governance issues touch every part of the organisation.
Finance teams must understand carbon accounting and ESG metrics.
HR teams must address diversity, labour rights, and employee wellbeing.
Operations must manage environmental impact and supply chain risks.
Executives and boards must oversee ESG strategy and disclosures.
Three core areas Korean companies must build capability in
1. ESG Regulations & Standards
Employees—especially decision-makers—must understand key ESG frameworks, including KASB standards, CSRD/ESRS, K-ETS, and due diligence expectations. Without this knowledge, companies risk non-compliance or reputational damage.
2. Materiality, Risk, and Data
Teams should be trained in identifying material ESG issues, assessing ESG risks, and collecting verifiable, auditable data that aligns with reporting needs and investor expectations.
3. ESG Communication & Culture
Employees at all levels need to understand the “why” behind ESG, how it connects to company values, and how their roles contribute to sustainability. This builds stronger engagement and helps prevent greenwashing.
Training approaches that work for Korean organisations
Not all training is created equal. For Korean companies, the most effective ESG training is:
- Board-level briefings tailored to emerging regulation and disclosure responsibilities
- In-person or hybrid workshops for ESG teams and cross-functional leads
- Scalable e-learning modules for broader staff awareness, delivered in Korean and English
- Custom learning paths based on role, function, and market exposure
Speeki delivers ESG training through all these methods, helping teams not only understand what’s required, but apply it in their day-to-day work.
Compliance frameworks may trigger the urgency—but capability building is what drives long-term ESG performance. Korean companies that invest in internal ESG literacy and empowerment will be better positioned to meet standards, satisfy stakeholders, and embed sustainability into their business DNA.
