People of Korea

There are indications that Korea has been colonized in the Old Stone Age, but today's Koreans stem probably from Paleo-Asian peoples of the younger Stone Age. These had come from 10,000-5,000 BC onto the peninsula and had been absorbed by Yemaek-Tungusians at about 1,000-300 BC. Korea's foundation myth reports that demigod Tangun, from whom all Koreans stem, founded the state in the year 2,333 BC. Although the Koreans ethnically belong to the Mongolian race, they possess their own language, culture and tradition, which have been different to their neighbours China and Japan, for a long time.

Due to the historic experiences, Koreans are tough, patient and very disciplined, they are regarded as one of the most diligent nations in the world, which may be derived from their strongly developed competitive thinking and their resistance. Koreans are traditionally very generous and hospitable; they are humorous and love music and dance.

The Korean society is extensively influenced by Confucianism; which emphasizes good manners, patriotism, and the predominance of men. Basis for the social and industrial life was the extended family. After Japanese occupation, separation of the country, Korean War and the following industrial revolution, western values have moved in, but still family and clan membership, being fond of children and patriotism are important. In the cities the extended family with up to three generations has been replaced by a core family. Furthermore, thanks to good educations, the role of the woman has become far more active. But still Korean manners are characterized by many formal gestures. A sign of this are the family rituals which are still in use today.

Foreigners are not expected to behave 'Korean correct', they are nevertheless treated politely. However, as a visitor one should consider some customs.

Customs

The following tips will ease your stay in Korea significantly.

Bowing
The right hand rule
Business Card
Taking off your shoes
Table Rules
Picture Taking
Hospitality
Folk Songs
Autographs

Remember to bow when greeting, handing over business cards or presents and so on, above all to elder people, who are highly regarded, and especially to your business partners. But please do not exaggerate! It just tells the person opposite that you respect him and his culture. As a rule, people of a socially lower level have to bow more than people of a higher level. The latter comprises parents, all elderly persons, superiors and officials.

The 'Right hand rule' is fundamental when giving or receiving presents, drinks, business cards or other items which are in some way personal, give only with your right hand. If you wish to express special respect to a person such as business partner, students to teachers, children to their parents and especially grandparents, and generally to elder people, you use both hands.

Business Cards are very important at the first contact as they state the social or business status of persons, without long explanations. You can have them printed in both languages (English / Korean). Besides name, job, company and address the card should state your position within the company or organization (head of a department, president etc.). However, even owners of small companies or organizations like to use the word 'president'. Sure instinct is sometimes useful.

You should accept the card with both hands - and hand yours over with both hands as well. Then you study your partner's card thoroughly to inform yourself about his status, even if it is printed in Korean letters.

Remember to take off your shoes before entering temples, restaurants and especially private apartments or houses. Usually there will be some slippers available for guests in private homes and restaurants. Outside the washroom there are separate slippers, mostly red ones. Change yours for the red ones, but never come back with these into the living room or the restaurant.It is interesting to note that even workmen take off their shoes before repairing something in a private house. Therefore, you can better wear shoes without shoelaces while in Korea, because you will have to take off your shoes more often than you can imagine:-

However, this is not the case in public buildings such as banks, office buildings and so on.

Table Rules

Very important: never leave the chopsticks stuck in the rice! This is a part of the ancestor's cult, which is held on chusok, the Korean Thanksgiving. There is nothing worse than ignoring this rule.

You really may eat as much as you like, but if you are in a private house you must not empty the bowls completely. Please always leave a little bit, otherwise you hurt the 'kibun' ( can be translated as loosing one's face, but it is severe) of your host, who seems not to have cooked enough for you.

Do not forget: filling your own glass is considered greedy. Do not worry, your host will always take care of you and fill up your glass. In response you should do the same and fill up the glasses of your neighbours if the bottle is within your reach. Use both hands to give a filled glass to the person opposite to you.

The most impolite thing you can do is blowing your nose at table.Please get up and leave the room.

Please note that picture taking in temples is frowned upon, even if there is no special notice. Do not believe that nobody notices it if you use tricks like a hidden camera. You may not be approached directly, but such behaviour is impolite and could, one day, reflect on other tourists.

If you like to have pictures of such sites, please buy some of the picture postcards offered everywhere, which have been taken under ideal conditions. With today's technology it is no problem making pictures or slides from them for your personal use.

The Korean hospitality is really proverbial. Visitors will usually be treated, and Koreans can be insulted if one does not accept, because your host will loose his 'kibun' (can be translated as loosing one's face, but it is severe). By the way, Koreans frown on separate bills. One pays for all, and if the bill has to be shared among all participants for some reason, then it will be done afterwards, outside the restaurant, or elsewhere, where nobody can see it. Sometimes Koreans can be observed having a friendly discussion about who will pay the bill. But not because someone is trying to get out of paying. It is more likely: 'Today I will pay' - 'Aniyo (=no), you paid last week' - ' But this was something different'... and so forth. Meanwhile it is a kind of 'sport' paying without the others noticing. For example getting up with an excuse (washroom e.g.) and making a secret detour via the cash desk.

On the other hand, this system works on the principle that one expects something in return for a present (and also for an invitation for a meal) - no matter when. In the course of time the accounts even out because after some time everybody has paid his round. Even as a visitor you should diligently take part in this friendly discussion with your friends, although usually you will not have to pay. But it is just polite. You should return the favour with a little gift (typical souvenirs from Germany are very popular).

And do not forget - if you have visitors from Korea in your country, it is self-evident that you pay all the bills. Koreans will as usual try to argue with you, but finally it is expected, that they get the same hospitality they offer in Korea, that means, that visitors are always be invited.

Koreans are very artistic people and are very fond of singing. You should learn at least three folk songs in your own language! Most popular are songs such as the German "Loreley", which every Korean can sing from memory - with Korean words, of course. When you go out with your Korean friends, sooner or later you are asked to sing. If you do not want to lose face, learn folk songs, even if you are a great hard rock or jazz fan.

Around the Korean sights you will meet hordes of school children and you may have to sign hundreds of autographs. What is the reason? Well, the high pressure competitive school system. There is a real competition to get the best marks. Private teachers are usual in nearly every family, because this is a kind of privilege!

In Korea there are English lessons, of course. And an autograph of a foreigner - who usually writes in Latin and not Korean letters - works as practical example and is a proof of diligence. Please cooperate, even if it is sometimes a nuisance, and sign autographs!