General Etiquette in Social Settings

South Korea places great importance on respect and politeness, which is evident in their social interactions. Here are some essential tips:

Addressing Others: Always use formal titles or surnames followed by -nim (e.g., Kim-nim) when addressing someone for the first time. It is considered rude to call someone by their first name unless you are given permission.

Greetings: Bowing is a common form of greeting, showing respect and humility. A slight nod of the head usually suffices for expats. Handshakes can also be used, often accompanied by a light bow.

Respect to Elders: Elders are highly respected in Korean culture. Always greet them first and show deference in your body language and speech.

Thank You and Apologies: Learn to say thank you (‘kamsahamnida’) and sorry (‘mianhamnida’) in Korean. These phrases can go a long way in showing respect and humility.

Dining Etiquette

Shared meals are a fundamental part of Korean culture, often accompanied by a set of dining etiquettes that expats should adhere to:

Wait to Eat: Allow the eldest at the table to lift their utensils before you start eating. This is a sign of respect.

Accepting Dishes: When offered a dish, accept it with both hands. It’s a gesture that shows gratitude and respect.

Drinking Rules: When drinking with elders, turn your head away slightly as a sign of respect when taking a sip. Also, when someone older offers you a drink, hold your glass with both hands as you accept it.

Stick to Your Setting: Do not use someone else’s spoon or chopsticks to take food from a central dish. Always use the serving utensils provided.

Business Etiquette

In professional settings, understanding and adhering to the local business etiquette can help in building strong relationships:

Business Cards: When receiving a business card, take it with both hands and take a moment to look at it before putting it away. This shows respect towards the person’s identity and position.

Punctuality: Being on time is crucial in South Korean business culture. It signifies reliability and respect for the other party’s time.

Meetings: During meetings, wait to be told where to sit, as there are often implicit hierarchies that dictate seating arrangements.

Gift Giving: In a business context, small gifts can be an important token of goodwill but make sure they are not overly expensive as this could be seen as bribery.

Understanding Hierarchical Relationships

Hierarchy influences many aspects of South Korean society, including the workplace and family:

Use of Language: Korean language has various levels of formality based on the social status of the person you are speaking to. It’s crucial to use the correct level of formal speech (jondaenmal) when speaking to someone older or in a higher position.

Accepting Decisions: In a group or organizational setting, it is common for decisions to be made by senior members. Showing open dissent can be seen as disrespectful.

Avoiding Cultural Faux Pas

There are certain behaviors and actions that expats should avoid to not offend or disrespect the local culture:

Public Display of Affection: Public displays of affection, such as kissing and hugging, are frowned upon, especially in the presence of elders.

Blowing Your Nose: Avoid blowing your nose in public or at the dinner table, as it is considered impolite.

Writing in Red Ink: Writing someone’s name in red ink is a major cultural taboo in South Korea, as it is traditionally associated with death.

Direct Eye Contact: While direct eye contact may be a sign of confidence in many Western cultures, in South Korea, it can be seen as a challenge, especially if it’s with someone senior to you.

Embracing Local Traditions

Participating in local festivals and traditions can enhance your understanding and appreciation of Korean culture:

Chuseok: Also known as Korean Thanksgiving, participating in Chuseok celebrations can be a great way to bond with locals and show respect for Korean traditions.

Lunar New Year: Known as Seollal, this is another important celebration in Korea. Engaging in traditional games and wearing the hanbok (traditional clothing) can endear you to local friends and colleagues.

Understanding and respecting South Korean customs and traditions is crucial for any expat living in the country. By adhering to these cultural do’s and don’ts, expats can significantly enhance their experiences and foster deeper connections with locals, making their stay in South Korea more enjoyable and fulfilling.