In South Korea, the etiquette, or social behavior code that governs human interaction, is largely derived from Confucianism and focuses on the core values ​​of this religion. In addition to general behavior, etiquette in South Korea also determines how to behave in relation to social status. Although most aspects of etiquette are accepted by the state at large, customs can be localized to certain areas or influenced by other cultures, namely China, Japan, and the United States.
Video Etiquette in South Korea
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There are several points of etiquette in South Korea that are defined by cultural taboos or wider concerns about behavior. The following three practices are examples of concerns that are widespread and recognizable by the native South Koreans as a whole.
- Using number four is considered unlucky, even unpleasant, like the pronunciation of 'four' and Chinese characters '?' (meaning death) is similar. It is also considered bad luck to choose the fourth floor in the elevator, some even built without the fourth floor button. Gifts are also rarely given in multiples of four, while giving an item in multiples of seven is considered lucky and desire for good fortune.
- Kissing in public is seen as low and is seen as rude among South Korean parents. It has become less taboo with the young adult generation today, but is still much let down by the elders.
- Dressing well is important in South Korea; it is regarded as a sign of respect. Wearing a suit and tie usually fits in a formal situation, such as meeting new people. South Koreans are also well dressed for civilian activities, especially in big cities like Seoul.
Maps Etiquette in South Korea
Greetings and body language
South Koreans usually shake hands when they meet for the first time. To show respect, individuals support their right arm with their left hand. The bow is also a traditional Korean greeting and is often accompanied by handshakes among the men. South Koreans consider it a private offense to be touched by someone who is not a relative or close friend. Touching, tapping, or slapping the back should be avoided during interaction. In addition, direct eye contact between junior and senior should be avoided because it is considered impolite or even a challenge.
Eating and drinking
Table etiquette in South Korea can be traced back to the Joseon period Confucius philosophy. Traditionally when eating, South Koreans use pillows to sit on the floor and eat from low tables. The floor is generally heated by ondol, under floor heating system. This habit is still common in many restaurants in South Korea. The dining room in the restaurant is generally on stage, and visitors are expected to take off their shoes before stepping onto it. Today, most restaurants also have tables and chairs for visitors who feel uncomfortable sitting on the floor.
Eating
Unlike China or Japan, South Korea never lifts a bowl of rice to their mouths. During the meal, bowls and plates remained on the table. Nor can we talk about smelly or dirty things when eating with others, or eating too slowly or fast. Blowing someone's nose on the table, even if his food is spicy, is considered somewhat offensive. If such action is required, it is advisable to leave the table or be careful. South Koreans use chopsticks while they eat, but South Korean chopsticks are made of stainless steel. During the meal, these chopsticks should not be thrown on the table because of the sound. Similarly, the spoon should not touch the plate because it can make a clashing sound. Chopsticks and spoons should never be put into food, especially rice, in a standing position because it resembles a food offering in a grave for a deceased ancestor, and is therefore considered bad luck.
Drink
In restaurants and bars, pouring their own drinks is seen as carelessness. It is generally preferred that the host refill drinks from their company, and the company should do the same for the host. Therefore, pay attention to other drinks and fill them when empty is a common procedure in bars, parties, and other social arrangements. If someone does not want to drink further, the person should leave their glass full. Tradition states that guests should not reject the first drink offered by the host. If a guest refuses to drink up to three times, that particular guest will not be offered again.
When adult guests are asked to pour drinks, they are expected to offer drinks with respect with two hands. When pouring alcoholic drinks, guests should hold the cup with their right hand and their right wrist should be held lightly with their left hand. Guests are expected to always pass and receive objects with their right hand or with two hands, and never use their own left hand.
The same etiquette applies when an adult receives an aperitif. However, if parents offer alcoholic drinks to younger guests, guests should take a drink and politely show gratitude by saying "thank you". If alcoholic drinks are beer, it is appropriate for younger guests to turn their heads. This action pleases the parent because when someone from a higher social position pours a drink, it is considered appropriate for the less important person to turn.
Housewarming
Moving home in South Korea is called Jib-Deul-Yi (???), and it involves the practice of organizing small meetings after moving to a new house. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are shown around the house while serving food and drinks. Traditionally, the new homeowner will invite a dukun (mudang) to perform a shamanic ritual (gut) in the afternoon. However, today people prefer to celebrate the completion of the construction of the house somewhat differently. In Ongjin-gun, Gyeonggi-do, it is called deulchari (???), and the owners will choose a night to invite friends and villagers to show them while presenting food to them. The food served is usually bibimbap (???) mixed with rice, bean sprouts, and gangtu (a kind of seaweed). People celebrate late at night by playing an hourglass drum (?? janggu) and singing. People who live in the Seongnam area have a similar celebration when they build or move into a new home. Their guests prepared matches or candles, which symbolized their desire for the household to rise and flourish. People offer detergent and toilet paper as a moving gift, which indicates that everything will go well.
Gifts and gift giving
Many South Koreans give gifts to each other to celebrate birthdays, weddings, and holidays such as the New Year and Chuseok. People give various gifts, however, the type of reward depends on who receives the gift and when. For marriage, many South Koreans give brides and money as gifts, however, a good friend of the couple will give them housewares. During the holidays, South Koreans give gifts to their parents and superiors, such as ribs, fruit, wine, and/or gift cards. Neighbors often receive cooking oil, a can of tuna, or a vessel.
Funeral
In South Korea, going to the cemetery involves praying for the deceased to rest in heaven, and related to filial piety. Funerals and rituals are ceremonies organized by the family and it is considered their responsibility to keep an eye on them. More recently, funeral habits have changed significantly. For example, many people now prefer to have a small cemetery and be cremated rather than buried.
Make a condolence call
In South Korea, the phrase "condolences" means showing grief to those who have died and condolences to the mourners. In South Korea, condolences call called Jomu [?? (??) or Munsang [?? (??)]. If an individual is older than a deceased person, the individual should only be subject to the main opponent.
Offers flowers
When offering flowers at the cemetery, the flowers should be facing the deceased as a symbol of a flower ceremony.
Bowing
Unlike the usual formal bow, at the cemetery, a man bent by placing his left hand on his right. Instead, a woman bent by placing her right hand on her left. People should bend once for those who are alive and twice for those who have died.
Birthday special
Doljanchi
Doljanchi or dol (???) is a traditional South Korean traditional birthday celebration. In the past, when medical science was incapable of curing many illnesses and malnutrition was common, babies rarely survived until their first birthday. Therefore, the dol becomes a milestone that blesses a child with a prosperous future and celebrates the baby's survival. Many traditional habits are still included in modern dol. This is one of the most important birthdays that will be celebrated South Korea. The culmination of the dol ritual is to predict the future of the baby by offering various items for the baby and watching to see which ones he takes; a brush represents a scholar, a bundle of threads means longevity, and money symbolizes wealth. Rice signifies that the baby will never starve, which is an important issue when people suffer from hunger. For boys, bow and bow selection presupposes that he will become a military commander. For a girl, the selection of scissors or needles assumes that she will grow into a great craftsman.
Hwan-gab
Hwangab (hangul: ??; hanja: ??) in South Korea is the traditional way to celebrate 60th birthday. The number '60' signifies the completion of one large circle and the other beginning in one's life, known as the traditional sexagenary cycle of the lunar calendar. In the past, average life expectancy was much lower than sixty; therefore, he also celebrates longevity and desire for a more prosperous life. This celebration is usually thrown by children of people aged sixty, many relatives help by preparing abundant food. With the advent of modern health care, this incident is much more common than it used to be. Many South Koreans are now traveling with their families rather than having a big party to celebrate their 60th birthday. The party is also cast when a person reaches 70 and 80 years old, called Gohi (??) and Palsun (??).
See also
- Korean culture
- Korean Cuisine
- Public holiday in South Korea
- Korean birthday celebration
- Traditional Korean thought
- Marriage in South Korea
Etiquette in other regions
- Etiquette in Africa
- Etiquette in Asia
- Etiquette in Australia and New Zealand
- Etiquette in Canada and the United States
- Etiquette in Japan
- Etiquette in Latin America
- Etiquette in the Middle East
References
External links
- Videos from Arirang TV introducing new Korean homes in English
- Handbook for strangers
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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