About TCK
Independent cross-border consulting, built in Korea
TCK exists because European and Korean businesses both deserve a partner who actually understands the other side — operationally, culturally, and commercially.
Markus Rathenow, Founder & CEO
A German cross-border consultant with more than 15 years in Korea and over a decade in international trade. Before founding TCK, Markus worked across sourcing, OEM coordination, and quality control — first in Europe, then on the ground in Seoul.
His practice is direct: fewer projects, deeper involvement, and the kind of trilingual fluency (German · English · Korean) that lets a contract get negotiated once instead of three times.
Most cross-border problems are not regulatory — they are communication. Solve the communication and the rest follows.
A quick timeline
- 2008Relocated to Korea; began full-time cross-border work.
- 2012Expanded scope: OEM and quality control programmes.
- 2018Specialization in Made-in-Germany health supplements.
- 2024TCK formalized as an independent practice.
Expertise
- European and Korean supplier networks
- EU and Korean import frameworks
- OEM and contract manufacturing programmes
- Independent quality control and inspection
- Trilingual contract negotiation
- Practical day-to-day operations
How we work
Direct, not delegated
You work with the principal who quoted the project — not a junior account manager.
Trilingual by default
German, English, and Korean used interchangeably so nothing is lost in translation.
Honest scoping
We decline projects that don't fit. Smaller scope, higher conviction, fixed fees.
Long-term relationships
Most clients return within twelve months. We work to be worth keeping.
Get in touch
Ready to reduce the friction between Korea and Europe?
Tell us what you are sourcing, launching, or coordinating. TCK will help you identify the practical next steps.