During my meeting with my learning partner earlier today, we reviewed the way in which one introduces oneself in Korean. I learned how to verbally introduce myself and how to show respect by bowing when first greeting someone. When my learning partner was teaching me how to bow, I became curious into the cultural foundations behind Korean bowing customs. As such, this post covers some findings related to bowing customs as explored in Tony MacGregor’s “Tips on Korean Custom of Bowing”.
Macgregor references Christy Yoo, the leader of a program aimed at teaching about Korean cultural traditions, to supply very useful advice to foreigners: bow when bowed to, as this custom is used in everyday greeting. At times, it is even coupled with a hand shake to compliment the respectful gesture.
The history of bowing in Korean predates the introduction of Buddhism and Confucianism into the Korean peninsula and while Buddhism and Christianity have significantly influenced present-day Korean customs and traditions, Confucianism is the philosophy that relates most to Korean bowing customs and etiquette. Confucianism has and continues to influence the way in which people behave towards each other, particularly as “it stresses duty, loyalty, honor, filial piety, respect for age and seniority and sincerity” (Macgregor). As the author points out, it is for this reason that age and seniority must be considered when interacting with others in Korea because one must measure the kind of relationship one has with another person to then allot appropriate amounts of respect that would be expressed by bowing or through other forms of etiquette. Furthermore, the general rule for bowing is: “the younger person or the person in a lower social position is expected to bow lower than the senior person, but the senior person initiates the bow” (Macgregor).
Also, the type of bow one should do is dependent on situational contexts: for instance, when apologizing, one “bows at about 45 degrees with the head lowered lasting for about the count of three” but the bow may last for a longer period of time or it may be deeper if the offense is significant (Macgregor). Other times, “the person will kneel and bow so deeply that his forehead touches the ground” to express gratitude, as done in Korean Weddings when the newlyweds express thankfulness to their parents and families (Macgregor). Moreover, Yoo points out in Macgregor’s article that because South Korea has become more international, visitors in the country should not be distraught if they incorrectly perform customs: Koreans tend to be forgiving of foreigners and are typically understanding of Western practices.
Bibliography:
MacGregor, Tony. “Tips on Korean Custom of Bowing.” The Korea Times, 29 Apr. 2008, http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2018/05/177_23339.html.
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