I am very interested in traveling to South Korean. Therefore, it is helpful to know Korean customs and etiquette. It also relates to my language learning because Korean language has many different forms, from informal to highly formal. Addressing someone older, someone of a higher social status, or a host in an informal way can lead to many issues. For example, it can hurt their Kibun. Kibun is comparable to a person’s honor and pride. Hurting this can be detrimental to a person. Relationships are based on harmony and telling a “white lie” is better than hurting someone’s Kibun. Furthermore, it is very important to address a person with their professional title until given permission to being more informal. Social status is determined through “family, upbringing, wealth, education and occupation.” When meeting someone, you are supposed to bow. Men oftentimes also shake the right hand while supporting their forearm with their left hand. While this is the traditional way of greeting and saying goodbye, personal space is a sign of respect. Touching someone, getting too close to them, long direct eye contact, or finger pointing is insulting and should be avoided. In addition to this, direct refusal to a request or an offer is very rude. The word ‘no’ is barely used and patience is crucial when negotiating or meeting. Also, feet should not touch furniture, the number four should be avoided due to the similarity with the word for death, and eating and drinking in public places while walking is frowned upon. Family has a high value. It is also the central aspect major celebrations, especially New Year’s Day and Chuseok, the eighth full moon. Being invited to someone’s home is an honor and should be treated with a lot of respect. A guest should be fairly punctual, a gift for the host should be brought, and shoes should be taken off before entering the house. The guest will be seated and served by the host, elders will eat first, and conversation usually happens after the meal. An invitation for drinks upon the completion of dinner should not be declined ("South Korea Guide").
There are a lot of rules and customs in Korean culture that Western cultures do not have. It is important to be aware of these rules in order to maintain good relationships and to respect the people around one. Knowing these etiquettes is crucial when visiting Korea. Furthermore, knowing the language and the appropriate vocabulary can help to conform with the norms and values. It is also important to learn the formal Korean language, rather than informal words and phrases that then make one appear disrespectful. I have not incorporated this into my learning plan yet, but I will add wanting to learn more formal phrases and important vocabulary for traveling. Specifically, I would like to be able to properly have a short, but formal conversation with a host, as well as being able to navigate a bus system, asking for directions, and knowing the terms for the most common dishes and drinks.
Works cited
“South Korea Guide .” Commisceo Global, www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/south-korea-guide.
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