Advice on meeting parents from a different cultural background?

Question

My darling has invited me to spend some time with his family in Korea. I am not Korean and I cannot speak the language at all. His parents are keen on meeting me from what they have heard about me but I am worried I won't know how to act appropriately. Apparently, they haven't met anyone from another country before. Does anyone think there will be problems? Also, my darling wants me to call him 'Oppa' (some Korean term of endearment?) but I can't even say the word properly.

I was thinking of wearing a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) on our first evening. Do you think that will make me look funny?

Sorry... I mean not look funny. Do you think they will find it odd.

Hey Mermaid...thanks for the encouragement. All the best four your wedding!

Answer 1

I'm English with a Korean fiance and I haven't met his parents yet either. I've asked questions about traditional Korean culture on Yahoo answers. Check out the useful answers given to me. I spend all day everyday with Korean people, but they are expats, and generally young. Not the same as meeting the parents, is it!
The language is incredibly difficult to learn, but even a few polite phrases will go far just to show you have made a little effort.
Just use common sense. When meeting people for the first time, smile and be aware that elders should be shown respect. Offer to help in the kitchen. They will say no, but they will notice that you asked. Ask his mother to show you how to make kimchi. That will give you an opportunity to learn something traditional.
Above all, just be yourself.

Answer 2

You and I are in the same boat, except my boyfriend is Indian. I already met the parents. The rest of his family is in India, and one day, I will meet them. Talk to your darling about the culture. If you have questions, be open enough to ask him. I've learned about Indian culture and the customs that I can expect to see when I go over there. I will adjust to it. You can do the same. If you are scared, I can promise you that your boyfriend feels a little scared too. He is wanting his parents to like you, but he doesn't want you to be nervous.

Talk to him about it. Ask him questions and just be as calm as you can. Don't assume that they will do one thing. Ask him about his family. The more you know before you go, the better you will be. Also, be respectful. If all else fails, simply kinda follow his lead. ;-) It worked for me!!

Amanda

Answer 3

Asian families are usually more conservative so don't wear too tight or revealing clothes. Try to learn some Korean, like the basics. (it shows his parents you've tried and you care) I'm not sure about this one but i heard it is a taboo to talk when eating in Korea. WARNING: I AM NOT SURE. i advice you to be quiet at first DURING DINNER and let them initiate the conversation then. i'm sure even his parents know that your ways of doing might be different so don't worry! just be yourself and charm them with YOUR ways! xD offer to help them with the kitchen or initiate conversations (preferably when not eating). Compliment their house, clothing, culture etc. all the best! xD

Answer 4

(1) Try the Economist magazine group's publication "Doing business in Korea" ... though not going in business, you'll pick up a lot of etiquette issues there.

(2) buy a Korean language CD, practice some basic words and pronunciation. Even if you go close, people appreciates the effort.

Answer 5

Firstly, congrats and its daunting enough on meeting someones parents as is, but different cultures demand different things.Check oout www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/oldworld/asia/koreanculture.html for they differetn culture.
Asians seem more respectful of their elders and new people, so made sure you dress appropriatly, and also it would be nice and benifical to learn how to greet his paretns in their native language.
Maybe look into taking a short course in Korean, or else just get a phonetic book on how to pronounce some words.
It would show great respect and confidence in your relationship if you are willing to learn their culture and to greet them.

Answer 6

i dont know anything about korea but my advise search in the net or barrow any books from the library about korea you will learn a lot about geography, culture. people, custom and most of all--food,ask a lot of imformation from your darling regarding the basic custom in greeting guest(you have to bow down or low)
ask your darling to teach you some basic words like thank you
welcome and hello
if your darling is a japanese maybe i can help a bit
so goodluck and enjoy!

Answer 7

in case you plan on marrying this guy, after what he's already shown you, nicely then. i wish you are able to take what's coming next, you're in for a international of harm good success on attempting to have little ones and preserving them,i've got seen this action picture too many situations, you women folk are going to earnings faster or later i assume, yall are so troublesome headed, his parent will on no account settle for you, in basic terms like some caucasion mothers and dads wont settle for their daughter being with black men here, undemanding and straightforward !

Answer 8

Just be yourself, the language barrier is something I will be up against soon. I am meeting my mans parents too who are french, but the mother doesnt speak a word of english. And I dont speak french!!

I am the first girlfriend to be taken home, and I am scared!!!!!

I feel for you!!

Answer 9

Respect is best noticed and understood in every culture.

Answer 10

Be yourself....they need to respect you for who you are...but don't try to sit on his lap or french kiss him in front of them
one more thing...be reserved...and try to help his mother in the kitchen