105 Learning Journal 2

[Carlos Diaz]

          In my research about the South Korean culture, I learned a bit about Korean etiquette regarding body language, gestures and eye contact. South Korea have a strict hierarchy of respect which ties to the age of a person. As I noticed from most of my Korean friends, my younger Korean friends would have to address my older Korean friends in a respectable manner, by using proper and professional titles unless told otherwise by the host. For example, “Oppa, Unnie, Hyung, Noona” are terms used to address someone older than you. Other examples, partially bowing to your elders, serving the eldest first, and not making direct eye contact with your elders are all forms proper etiquette and body language in the Korean culture. Additionally, one cannot start eating unless the elder person first eats, as it’s a sign of respect in the Korean culture. Korean culture and society is definitely patriarchal as noted in certain gestures women must do or not do with a male. For instance, Korean women can’t shake hands with another man, just simply nod. It is interesting comparing the etiquette in the U.S to other parts of the world, such as South Korea because of the distinctions.