Formal Business Email Structure

A formal business email follows a clear structure. It typically runs in this order: subject line, greeting, body, closing, and signature.

Subject Line

The subject should be concise and capture the main point. Marking the category in square brackets makes it easier to read.

[견적 문의] 2026년 1분기 납품 단가 관련

[gyeonjeok munui] icheon-isimnyukyeon il-bungi nappum danga gwallyeon

[Quote Inquiry] Regarding Q1 2026 delivery unit price

Greeting / Opening

After addressing the recipient politely, introduce yourself or send a brief greeting.

안녕하십니까, 김민수 부장님. 한빛상사 영업팀의 이지은입니다.

annyeonghasimnikka, gim minsu bujangnim. hanbit-sangsa yeongeoptim-ui i jieun-imnida.

Hello, Manager Kim Minsu. This is Lee Jieun from the Sales Team at Hanbit Corporation.

늘 협조해 주셔서 진심으로 감사드립니다.

neul hyeopjohae jusyeoseo jinsimeuro gamsadeurimnida.

I sincerely thank you for your continued cooperation.

Closing

The closing wraps up by requesting future cooperation or a reply.

바쁘시겠지만 회신 부탁드리겠습니다. 감사합니다.

bappeusigetjiman hoesin butakdeurigetseumnida. gamsahamnida.

I know you are busy, but I would appreciate your reply. Thank you.

검토 후 회신 주시면 감사하겠습니다.

geomto hu hoesin jusimyeon gamsahagetseumnida.

I would be grateful if you could reply after reviewing.

Stating the Purpose

The body states your purpose first, then fills in the background.

다름이 아니라 납품 일정 관련하여 연락드립니다.

dareumi anira nappum iljeong gwallyeonhayeo yeollakdeurimnida.

I am writing to you regarding the delivery schedule.

지난번에 보내 주신 견적서 잘 받았습니다.

jinanbeone bonae jusin gyeonjeokseo jal badatseumnida.

I have received the quotation you sent earlier.

첨부 파일을 확인해 주시기 바랍니다.

cheombu paireul hwaginhae jusigi baramnida.

Please check the attached file.

회신이 늦어진 점 양해 부탁드립니다.

hoesini neujeojin jeom yanghae butakdeurimnida.

I ask for your understanding regarding the delayed reply.

Situation	Formal Expression
First contact	처음 인사드립니다 (cheoeum insadeurimnida)
Gratitude	감사드립니다 (gamsadeurimnida)
Request	부탁드리겠습니다 (butakdeurigetseumnida)
Apology	양해 부탁드립니다 (yanghae butakdeurimnida)
Purpose	다름이 아니라 ~ 연락드립니다
Attachment	첨부 파일을 확인해 주시기 바랍니다

💡 Tip: Include your name, title, company, and contact details in your signature. Adding '드림' (deurim) or '올림' (ollim) lends an extra note of formality.

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