For some time now, maybe a decade now, South Korea it's on the world map of popular culture. Why? For his musical style, the famous K-pop, and and their soap operas or television series commonly called korean dramas. They have both taken the world by storm and have loyal fans everywhere.
Just as long before Japanese comics and animations made us look at Japan and its culture, today the country in Asia that focuses our attention is South Korea. Many people have started to study Korean, follow the career of the pop stars or consume the series one after another since they are produced almost in a television Fordism to monopolize the market. And what a success! Therefore, let's see here some of the South Korean customs:
South Korean customs
At the southern tip of the Korean peninsula they live almost 51 million people who have been separated from their northern brothers since the Korean War back in the 50s. Officially they are still at war, there was only a ceasefire, but the realities of both countries could not be more opposite because in the south they are the sea of capitalists while in the north they are communists. One of the few such communist countries left in the world.
Basically you have to know that the nucleus of society here is the family, that arranged marriages are quite common still, which is a macho society and that among children the male always prevails over the female. Also the educational level is extremely important and as in Japan, the Korean language itself marks social differences very well.
The place of women, although it has grown over the years, does not reach equal levels by any means. It is true that almost half of them work but only 2% occupy positions of power.
With that said, let's look at some of the Korean customs that we should know before traveling.
- la reverence It is the traditional way of greeting each other.
- When you introduce yourself, you first say the name of the family, that is, the surname. Also it is common to call each other by the surname and not by name, as happened in the West 60 years ago. And if you have a degree, lawyer, doctor or whatever, it is also usual to incorporate it.
- If you are going to shake hands in a greeting, never just one hand. The free hand should rest on the other. If you are a woman you can get away and just bend over. And it is as good when saying hello as when saying goodbye.
- like the Japanese, the Koreans They hate just saying no. It is tough for them so they go around a thousand times and that is why the talks or discussions can last a long time. They are anything but direct people.
- the Koreans they are not body language so one should refrain from expressing a lot with the body. We hug, pat, touch a lot and they feel somewhat annoyed or intimidated. It is super important to give them your personal space.
- They are not to apologize if you bump into them on the street so do not feel offended, it is not personal, especially in big cities.
- if you see men going arm in arm or girls like that together, it is not that they are gay or lesbian, it is common.
- the Koreans are to exchange gifts, even money. If you are lucky enough to receive one remember to use both hands to take it and don't open it until the person who gave it to you leaves. It is rude to do so in their presence.
- If you are going to give a gift, do not choose dark or red papers, because they are not attractive colors. Go for bright colors. You should bring a gift especially if you are invited to a house but if from this side of the world we usually bring wine there they are style sweets, chocolates or flowers. No alcohol, although they get drunk it gives cramps. And yes, the gift should not be expensive because otherwise you will force a gift of equal value.
- you must take off your shoes when entering the house of a Korean.
- the maximum delay that is allowed without being seen as a bad thing is half an hour. Anyway, if you are punctual better.
- if you are the guest then you should never help yourself to food or drink. Your host will do it for you.
This with respect to social encounters. Being a normal tourist you may not experience such familiar situations but if you go to study or for work you will run into them. What's more, you want to experience them because that way you can really experience the Korean reality.
Even if it's for a little while. But what about the Korean customs when it comes to eating and drinking? Meals are important moments in Korean life and serve to build social relationships.
- remember sit after the person who invited you. If that person insists that you sit in a place, do so, although you may resist a bit out of politeness because it will undoubtedly be the best seat.
- if that person is older, the right thing to do is to serve himself first.
- as in japan, don't serve yourself first. The polite thing to do is serve others first. If you are a woman, it is common for women to serve men but not each other (how macho!)
- If you don't want to drink more, just leave some drink in the glass and that's it. Always be empty, someone will fill it.
- It is common that for a few good minutes they only dedicate themselves to eating, without talking. It is not uncomfortable. Sometimes the conversations begin when everyone has eaten a little.
- food and drink are passed and received with both hands.
- Koreans are to stick to bars once the meal is over, and as a good guest, you shouldn't reject the idea.
- Koreans drink a lot of beer but the national drink par excellence is soju, a white drink similar to vodka, although softer, between 18 and 25% alcohol.
We already know what to do and what not to do in a social gathering, but what are the forbidden things for korean customs? Well, it points:
- no wearing shoes in the houses or in the temples.
- nothing to drink and eat in public places while walking.
- You are not allowed to put your feet on furniture, even if you don't have shoes.
- If you are going to write something, you should not use red ink because it is a symbol of death, so if you write someone's name on top, they are wishing death itself.
- the number four is an unlucky number.
Now yes, good luck on your trip to South Korea!