English speaker going to Seoul (and speaking Korean?). . .?

Question

I'm going to Seoul this summer with a Korean friend. We'll be staying with her family for a few weeks. I've been studying Korean for the last eight months, and can speak, read, and write really basic things (greetings, ordering food and drinks, asking how much something is, etc.). I have a few questions and would be really grateful if native Koreans or English speakers in Seoul could answer them.

1) What are nice gifts to take to my friends' parents?
2) How can I be a good houseguest in Korea?
3) Considering that my Korean is really bad, would it be better to try to order food/services in English? My Korean friends say I'm kind of hard to understand because I put the emphasis on the wrong syllables.
4) Any other tips for not offending the people around me? I'm going to stick out anyway, because I'm a tall redheaded Caucasian, but I really want to be a good guest and tourist.

Thanks!

Answer 1

1) Well korean adults pretty much appreciate stuff that are good for your body (like health products)..or another tradition is bringing fruit baskets..
2) Being a good houseguest is just showing respect, for example not eating at the table until the head of the house eats first, and dont wear shoes in the house. Koreans are different than americans so don't act as how you would act in front of your american friend's parents.
3) Just try ordering/ speaking korean because they might understand a little on what your trying to say..most koreans in korea dont know english so its better to try some korean.
4) Act normal and be yourself. There are many foreigners who visit korea and you'll see other americans/europeans often while your there. Korea is like a whole different world and you'll learn alot. The things people do there and how they behave might be different than what americans do so don't make fun of them or laugh when you walk by because they will get offended.

Have fun!

Answer 2

1. 몰라요
2. Take your shoes off when entering. I screwed this one up in the first korean home I entered and thought this woman was going to have a heart attack. You live and learn.
3. Try ordering in Korean. First off it shows good initiative and will impress, and secondly if your pronounciation is that bad and they know english, they'll probably start talking to you in english.
4. Don't put your chopsticks in your rice(but your friend probably already told you that). Basically the same things that are rude anywhere in the world are also rude in korea. But just note that koreans may seem to disregard personal space. But all in all, follow the golden rule and you'll be OK

Answer 3

1. box of fruits and/or expensive meat like pork or beef or clothes
2. always offer your help and service but when they refuse twice, just back off
3. most people will understand even if you have a weird accent. theres a few korean celebrities who dont speak korean well. it just helps that you're trying
4. always bow when you greet =]

Answer 4

why aren't you asking your korean friend?