To do's and not to do's in south korea?

Question

i'll go to seoul in april and i think it would be clever to know a little more about the to do's and not to do's in seoul :)
so, i'm wondering about all the things i should not do, like how do i greet a korean? shake hands,make a bow?
what can i do or say in order not to insult any koreans?
what are the absolute NOT TO DO'S???
it would be quite helpful to know more about their behaviours and manners before i get there ;)

Answer 1

smile great big and say "kop (cop) see da"

eat lots of kimchi and bulgogi.

Don't buy any gold or Rolex watches. The Starter factory is in seoul. You can buy dirt cheap Starter Jackets there. My coat was 165.00 here. I got it there for 35.00! Reebok shoes are cheap there too.

Answer 2

Most of the information mentioned is applicable, save one, slurping noodles is not good table-manners in Korea (even though folks do it). So thank you for asking and preparing yourself for a fun and memorable time in Korea.

I purchased a book back in 1994 that you may find useful (presuming it's still in print):

"Ugly Koreans, Ugly Americans" by Min, Byoung Chul, Pub. BCM Publishers, Inc., Seoul, Korea ISBN: 89-7512-122-4 (the bar code is: 9 788975 121227 13900)

If this exact book is not available, I recall seeing an updated version a few years back (ca. 2001).

This book is packed with good information that when applied will allow you to avoid a faus pax and help you understand your environment while you're on holiday here.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

In general, just be respectful of their culture. Try things that are offered, try to pick up some of the language. It's very hard but they appreciate the effort. With people they don't know well, they tend to be less boisterous than most Americans but not so once you get to know them better. In group meetings, keeping a pleasant atmosphere is the most important thing so try to avoid intense debates. Avoid discussing N Korea. It's a very controversial topic here. Older Koreans (that can remember the Korean War or just after) tend to be thankful for the US involvement but younger Koreans (<40) tend to be anti-US / pro-NK. Of course, even someone with strong anti-US feelings will be polite enough to you, especially if you were formally introduced by a mutual acquaintence but they may be sensitive to certain things you might say.

Answer 4

Most Koreans shake hands today, especially in a business setting, but a small bow will be appreciated. I assume from your picture that you are a woman. While less pronounced than in some other countries, you may find a woman in business taken less seriously than a man. "Image" is important in Korea - especially for the boss - treat him/her (usually him) with a great deal of respect (in fact, in the Korean language, different words are used).

"Hello" is (phonetically) "An-yang ha-say-yoo".

Korean women keep their maiden name, so be careful with addressing people. Traditionally, people seldom used names - they either used titles or relationships (like "MeSuk's mother") - but today use the western style of conversing. Oh, yes, while less pushy than the Chinese, Koreans sometimes will get closer to you than usual in the U.S. (we Americans have a larger "comfort zone" than Koreans).

What not to do: even if you don't like kimchee, don't say anything and eat a little; even though Koreans drink A LOT of alcohol, they frown upon people getting drunk; the topic of North Korea may come up - be honest but also reserved with what you say (South Koreans seem to be the only friends North Korea has at the moment); and try to enjoy all the foods, even if some seem strange to you - don't refuse an offered food.

Koreans are today used to dealing with foreigners, so you won't have any problems. Most Koreans are friendly, but watch out for people who seem too friendly. Unlike China, in Korea, "gam-bay" does not require you to drain the glass of liquor. Be aware that prices in Korea are not the bargain they were 35years ago (when I first came to Korea).

If not offered, ask to see the nightime view of Seoul from Namsan; visit the Korean Folk Village at Suwon; visit the National Museum; and maybe one or more of the palaces.

It would also help for you to get a guidebook about Korea before going (check Lonely Planet, etc.). You will enjoy your visit.

Answer 5

The previous answers hit on a lot of things, so I just wanted to mention a great book about Korean Culture that's also fun to read. It's called "Culture Shock! Korea: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette," and you can get it at Amazon for under $9.

Answer 6

Always remove your shoes when entering restaurants or tea houses.
Slurp your noodles or coffee loudly. Sample everything. Don't finish everything in your plate coz they'll think you didn't have enough to eat. Burp loud. Make a little bow and tell your host "Chal mogo sumnida" after eating. (She'll love you for it) Never tell a Korean that Korea sucks coz they love their country too much. When in doubt, just smile. Enjoy your trip!