Generally, In my experiences with Koreans, I have had an overwhelming sense of impatience. I am generally someone who is early or on time to most appointments and meetings, and it is difficult for me to be late to something without feeling anxious about my tardiness. However, I have learned to adapt to what is infamously called "Korean Time". In the Korean community, it is generally accepted knowledge that people will be late to an appointment by anywhere from five minutes to half an hour, on average. People are late regardless of location, importance, or responsibility. I remember even our Korean Catholic church mass started late most Sundays. I was a part of the choir and youth group at our Korean church, and it was expected that most of our events and meetings would begin after the proposed time. In fact,i began to show up late to things just to insure that I wouldn't be the only one there, waiting impatiently for fifteen minutes before the rest of the group trickled in. The interesting part is that this is a phenomenon that pervades Koreans everywhere, not just those in Korea.
I read about the history of the term "Korean Time'. Apparently, in the 1950's, during the Korean War, U.S. army officers coined the term because of the tendency of their Korean friends that were seemingly always late to appointments. Even in the 60's, the excuse for being late was that 70% of Koreans were farmers, and their lifestyle didn't call for rushing and it was contrary to their normal laid-back demeanors.
In modern day Korea, there are differing accounts of whether "Korean time" still exists. Some believe that it has radically changed and now, "Korean time" refers to being five minutes early to an engagement. Others contend that it still exists in its original form. The influence of technology has reduced the stress for being on time, because people are so connected and can rely less on precise meeting times.
Whatever the form it is, I will still be skeptical based on my experiences. You can catch me with a magazine while waiting.
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