Korean culture

Culture Shock in South Korea►Buy the South Korea Expat Guide for Kindle or PDF

If an expat has ever dreamed of being a celebrity, they should move to South Korea. It's doubtful there is any other place in the world where an average-looking Westerner gets showered with as many compliments as they do here.

Being constantly gawked at and told how beautiful or handsome they are is probably the biggest thing foreigners have to get used to when they first move to South Korea.

That, and the language barrier. While the younger generation will probably be keen to test out their English skills on expats with a friendly greeting, most of the older people in the country do not speak much English. As a result, they avoid too much contact with foreigners because they find the interactions rather awkward. Don’t misinterpret this as bad manners – South Korean people are generally shy and avoid uncomfortable situations at all costs.

A simple way to ease these situations is by brushing up on basic greetings. Also, learn to bow. A bow can work as a greeting, a thanks or just an acknowledgment, and should be given to anyone who is of a similar or higher social ranking. South Koreans pay great respect to their elders, so expats should always bow to people who are senior to them, unless they are being served by them in some way.

If someone is visibly foreign, South Koreans generally won't expect them to be completely clued up on their social and cultural practices – they are very welcoming and accommodating people. Once an expatriate has been in South Korea for a while, they will quickly learn the ins and outs by simply observing those around them. For starters, it is important to be accepting, adventurous and respectful. 

Cuisine in South Korea

An expat’s South Korean hosts will be incredibly impressed if they try all the food that is placed in front of them. The food may look odd, but looks can be deceiving. Those with a delicate palette should try building up their resilience to spicy food before they arrive, as most dishes here have a bit of a bite. While most Western foods are available in South Korea, the local cuisine is worth a try. Vegetarians in South Korea should be aware that most of the main dishes have meat or some kind of seafood in them. A good idea for vegetarian expats is to ask a Korean friend or co-worker to write a note for them, saying that they do not eat meat of any kind, so that they don't end up with chicken or seafood in their meal.

Trends in South Korea

Koreans are extremely fashion conscious, a fact visible in almost every facet of daily life. New shops and eateries pop up overnight to keep up with current trends. This dynamism requires expats to be flexible; because things change so quickly, they have to be able to keep up. While this is rather enjoyable in a social context, it can be annoying in the work place.

Foreigners have often found themselves slightly perturbed by last-minute announcements that spring up at work. But since there’s nothing that can be done about it, try to be accepting and accommodating – causing a scene won’t change the fact that the day will have to be rescheduled in order to accommodate the changes.

For the fashion conscious, it is wise to mirror the dress code of people of a similar age. In the workplace it is advisable to dress formally for the first week or two and then adjust according to one’s particular work environment. Women should take note that although they can wear short skirts, no cleavage should ever be shown.

Another thing foreigners will have to get used to is taking off their shoes whenever they enter a home, workplace or restaurant. Keep a pair of indoor shoes (which can be found at most convenience stores) at work and change into them after arriving. Whenever they enter a restaurant or someone’s home, expats should be sure to take off their shoes and leave them at the door.

Staying connected in South Korea

South Korea is a very modern, hi-tech place. The public transport is incredible and the Internet and telecommunication services are lightning fast and cheap. Although most of the road signs, instructions and bus terminals here are written only in Korean, the language is one of the easiest in the world to learn, so be sure to take weekly classes at the local YMCA.

Space savers in South Korea

Another cultural aspect that takes some getting used to is the use of space. South Korean cities are crowded with apartment blocks, skyscrapers and bustling markets. Being able to adopt an ‘Eastern space not Western space’ mindset will be helpful, especially when negotiating apartment sizes and Seoul subway carriages during peak hours. Although the cities are crowded, there are plenty of forests, beaches and islands to escape to on the weekends – always a welcome respite after a busy week amidst the hustle and bustle.

Being a woman in South Korea

Although Korea is arguably a male-dominated society, modern-day Korean women strongly value their independence and will generally stand up to belittlement. A word of warning though; women who smoke on the street, walk around in low-cut shirts or drink excessively will be looked down upon. Being foreign does give expats a bit of leeway, but they will probably receive a few dirty looks if they behave this way in public. 

Cultural dos and don'ts in South Korea

DO get toilet paper before heading to the stall. Most public toilets in South Korea do not have toilet paper in each stall; there is usually one big roll near the sinks for everyone to share.

DO be prepared to squat. Although most toilets in the country are the usual Western style, expats may encounter a squat toilet at some point.

DON’T expect to eat much fruit in South Korea. It is very expensive.

DON’T write anyone's name in red ink as this traditionally signifies death.

DON’T leave chopsticks sticking up in a bowl as this is only done when commemorating the dead.

DO look away from the table when taking a sip of alcohol with a group of Koreans, this is considered to be polite.

DON’T pour your own drink: if another person at the table offers another one, let that person pour it and return the favour by pouring one for them.

DON’T fold your arms in front of yourself when in the company of older people – this is considered rude. Rather leave them hanging by your side.

DO always use two hands when accepting money, a business card or anything of importance.

DON’T ever blow your nose at or near a table of people who are eating. 

● Why do Koreans use toilet paper on the table?

You may be shocked when you see toilet paper in the living room or even on the meal table. You may be a lot more shocked if some Korean friends suggest that you use the toilet paper or wipe you off out of affection or kindness. In Korea, toilet paper is used anywhere in houses, offices and classrooms. Please don't think it is dirty. Each culture has different ideas about what is clean or not clean. So don't decide that it is dirty but try to accept that difference with an open heart.

● Why do Koreans eat all together from the same dish?

It may be really shocking and strange for you that Koreans eat all together from the same dish without using any individual plates. Koreans share all food together. For Koreans, having a meal together is not only eating but also sharing mind together and getting closer to each other. If you feel uncomfortable using the same dish together, you should ask someone to give you another plate beforehand. They will be happy to do that. Furthermore, these days the western-style eating culture has been spreading over Korea. So Koreans truly understand that eating from the same dish together can give negative impression to westerners and even some other Koreans. So, do not hesitate to say "Can I have my own dish?" before eating. Or if you are open-minded enough, you can try to eat one meal together like Koreans to be close to them and to experience new culture.

● Why do Koreans ask so many personal questions?

It is natural to some Westerners to say hi to strangers with a smile. Some Korean people may misunderstand that you like them. You are saying "Hi~" to them whenever you see them and they think that you are interested in them. Then they may start to ask some questions to get to know you better. Many Koreans are really thoughtful and caring people so if they get to know someone, they want to become closer by asking about the person's personal life. For instance, you may have questions such as "How old are you?", "Do you have a religion?", or "Do you have a boy or a girl friend?". Do not be embarrassed! Koreans regards asking these kinds of questions as a way of getting to know you more closely and being a friend.

Especially Koreans care so much about a person's age. Korea maintains the strong hierarchical relationship between the olds and youngs. If Koreans know that you are older than them, they

will treat you in a more respectful way. Therefore, the question "how old are you?" originates from cultural and historical reasons.

● Why are there so many fancy cars and luxurious-looking ladies despite the economic difficulty?

Most Koreans care very much about what others think about them and how they look to others. So they try to dress up and look nice to keep themselves up. We call this 체면(Chae Myeon). Chae Myeon is a kind of "saving face". It can be translated as "dignity" in English. Koreans think they should save their face and keep dignity with others. It might sound a little unreasonable but it's a part of Korean culture. Some guys even get loans to buy fancy cars or to buy the latest cell phones. Also, in downtown, there are so many luxurious-looking women who look like fashion models. Another thing that foreigners can find surprising in Korea is women looking at a mirror and putting on make-up in public places, like in a bus, a subway or even at table. In Korea, it is common because every girl wants to look cool any place she is. Many Koreans want to keep their dignity in any place.

As you can see, Koreans are probably somewhat different from you and your life style. However, remember that, there are cultural differences all over the world. Each difference comes from historical and social reasons, so they should be considered carefully with an open mind. Please try to accept the differences of Korean culture with your open heart the way they are. Then you will meet new world, Korea and the warmest-hearted Korean people.