There are many differences between the American culture and the South Korean culture. The first main difference is respect. There is a hierarchy of respect in Korean that largely comes down to age and experience. If a person is older than you, you are supposed to talk to them in an elevated, more formalized Korean. When you see these older or more experienced people, you are expected to bow down to them as a greeting. Hand shakes are common in Korea, but bowing is expected.
The drinking culture is also very different compared to America in Korea. You must never pour your own alcohol and you must always use two hands to pour alcohol for elders. You are also expected to turn your head away from the elder while you drink your alcohol also. When you receive alcohol, the glass must be tipped 45 degrees towards the elder. Also, when it comes to pay, the elders are almost always expected to pay for the younger ones.
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