My partner is South Korean but he is not typical.
2007-02-23 21:41:22 · 8 answers · asked by Ginny Jin 7 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Korea
I have only spent five days in Korea myself. Almost all of the Korean people I know are young expats who try to teach me about the culture. Still any advice or opinions would be appreciated!
2007-02-23 22:12:01 · update #1
basically, remember to respect everyone...
korea is a very proud nation. in the asian sphere of things, it probably has the most troubled past, invasions from japanese and chinese... *if u need a western parallel, think of the jewish oppresion thats going on..* in addition, the split between north and south is also a reason why south koreans are so proud of their nation, they have pride they survived etc etc
therefore, koreans are probably the most proud people in the world...
in addition, even tho with the religious trend towards christianity, almost all of the customs etc are derived from Confucianism.
1) respect elders: if ur on the subway and ur sitting down, and an old person comes on the bus, tell them to take ur place or motion if u cant speak it.
2) never accept gifts at first: you meet ur partners krn family and they offer you something.. (if its like.. gum.. just take it) offer you something like money or whatever, politely refuse.. its like.. you should refuse about 3 times before accepting.. but refuse only like.. 2x. cuz they might give up and u lose!
3) fight for the check if you in a group your age.. older, let them pay for you, but show appreciation
4) visiting family/friends at their house? a gift is in order, something small like a box of fruit or a box of drinks.
5) yeah about drinking, there are so many rules, some of them outdated but still practiced by some so only thing is, dont face any elder while drinking. turn to the side. and dont down the first shot. after 2 or 3, u can match pace w/ the eldest... but they'll drink u under the table.
6.) well first can u speak korean? if so use the polite form the first meeting, after if they're ur age u can speak informally
7) bow when meeting/leaving elders
8) if u get into a political discussion (assuming u can speak the language or they can speak english) and u get into the topic regarding tok-to (small island near korea), never ever EVER say that japan has a legitimate claim to the island.
9) eh.. getting tired of thinking about this.. just be polite
2007-02-26 21:33:02 · answer #1 · answered by hubie00 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Talk to him about culture; I have some Korean friends and when I visit their home, they make me very welcome.
Annyong - ha - shimnika is "how do you do?"
They like to eat lots of garlic; in fact the Japanese call them "the garlic eaters". Their favourite side dish is Kimchi, which is a pickle made from pak choli, ginger, garlic, chillis, carrot and salt!
They have a liking too, for fried eggs. You will see a fried egg topping off a rice or a beef dish. they drink beer, a lot. And ginseng tea is the big beverage. Korea is the home of the best ginseng in the world, and the standard is government controlled.
There is far too much basic stuff to go into on a page like this, so why not buy one of those tourist guides to Korea, which will give you a good outline of what their society and culture is about.
Annyongi kiseyo.
2007-02-23 21:53:21 · answer #2 · answered by marie m 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I am korean my self and i know some of the culture..Koreans usually help seniors alot by helping them carry something acoss the light or giving up your seat in a bus or train when its full to a senior..most koreans respect the people who are older then your self instead in usa you call them by your name..the main thing is you're at a intresting country and i hope you have fun there..=D
2007-02-24 16:24:49 · answer #3 · answered by Andeeeeee 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Go out and hit-up a bottle of soju or two. You'll be "Korean" in no time! LOL
2007-02-27 18:25:04 · answer #4 · answered by hamburglar79 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well in their language they dont say my they say our. learn the Korean alphabet and start with his language.
2016-05-24 05:10:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speak politely to people you don't know or who are considerably older to you.
annyong hashimika=hello (polite)
neh=yes
ani yo=no (polite), ani=no (not very polite)
gamsa hamnida=thank you (polite)
2007-02-24 13:22:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Subserviant with a liking for dog-meat is a popular belief about Korean people.
2007-02-23 21:44:51 · answer #7 · answered by DAVE 6 · 0⤊ 5⤋
Cant he help/advise you ??? He would be your best bet.........
2007-02-23 21:44:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋