South Koreans are well-mannered people. South Korea is the land of strict Confucian and hierarchy and etiquette is import like take your shoes off at the door when entering any residence, temple or guesthouse and give and receive any objects by using both hands. And these principles deeply influence them in their everyday life. The core values of South Korea is respect for family, harmony, hard work and loyalty. There are several points of etiquette in South Korea that re defined by either cultural or manners. Like number “four” is considered as an unlucky number even it is also considered bad luck to select the fourth floor in an elevator, some are even built without a fourth-floor button. These superstitions which only very conservative and older and more traditional people believe.
Even dressing well is important in South Korea. Korean fashion trend is worldwide famous. And it is considered a sign of respect. Wearing a suit and tie is typically appropriate in formal situation, such as meeting new people. South Koreans also dress well for civic activities. And South Korea is also famous for their politeness and respect. The bow is the traditional Korean greeting, although it is often accompanied by a handshake among men. To show respect when shaking hands, support your right forearm with your left hand. To be touched by someone who is not a relative or close friend south Koreans consider it a personal violation. Touching, patting or back slapping is to be avoided because it is seen as impolite or even a challenge. Even direct eye contact between juniors and seniors should be avoided during interaction because it is seen as impolite attitude. Hard work, filial piety and modesty are characteristics esteemed by Koreans.
Even South Korean maintain some manners during eating like they never raise a rice bowl to their mouth, always bowl and dishes remain on the table. It is also unacceptable to speak of smelly or dirty things when having meals with others. Blowing one’s nose at the table, even if the meal is spicy is considered quite offensive behaviour. They use chopsticks for eating foods, so while eating they don’t throw chopsticks on the table because of noise. And chopsticks and spoons should not put into food particularly rice because it shows food offerings at a grave for deceased ancestors and it is sign of bad luck.
Even drinking culture of Korea is unique like in if elders offer alcoholic drinks to younger guests, the guests should take the drink and politely way to show gratitude by saying “Thank you”. And when someone is pouring alcoholic drinks, guests should hold the cup with their right hand and the waist of their right hand should be held lightly with their left hand. Guests are expected to always pass and receive objects with their right hand or both hands but never use their left hand alone it shows their bad attitude.
Even housewarming time they maintain some manners like owner of the house will invite friends and relatives and they serve food usually bibimbap and they celebrate this party late into the night by playing an hourglass-shaped drum and singing. Their guests prepare matches or candles which symbolizes their wishes for the household to rise and prosper. People offer detergent and toilet paper as moving in presents which show that everything will go well.
Even beside the usual formal bow, at a funeral, a man bows by placing his left hand on top of his right. And woman bows by placing her right hand on top of her left. People should bow one time for those who are alive and twice for those who are deceased.
Written by – Ranu Sarkar
About the author-
My name Is Ranu Sarkar and I am from West Bengal, India. I am currently a college student and I am studying computer science, Environmental science and Geography. I am learning Korean from King Sejong Institute and I am very much interested in increasing my knowledge about Korean culture, Korean environment and their tradition. And as I am also a writer and writing is my passion so I am doing this internship which will help me to get experience about Korea. and it’s my dream that in future i want to study in Korean university through scholarship