Learning Journal #2 (105)

[Jeffrey Choi]

The Korean culture has a large emphasis in respecting one's elders.There is a system of hierarchy that plays an important role in the culture.The level of respect based on age or social ranking is a lot more strict compared to America.  As a result, it is expected of Koreans to speak in a formal manner when interacting with someone who is older than them. The Korean language has a whole system of formal words that can be used to speak to ones' elders. It is also expected of one to bow or use two hands when greeting someone older. Even if the age gap is separated by only one year, one would need to behave formally to the older person. People do not call someone who is older than them by their first name. This would be considered very rude and informal. Koreans would only call someone by their first name if he or she is a peer or is younger than them. It is Korean etiquette to use both hands when handing something to someone who is older. These are some of the significant aspects of Korean culture.