Dos and Don’ts in Korea

If South Korean cultures interest you, then this article is for you, which discusses some do's and don'ts in South Korea that would help you in your dealings, both personal and professional, with the Korean locals.

Koreans can seem rather formal, with rigid codes of behavior. Heavily influenced by Confucian ethics, the Koreans place great emphasis on respect for one’s elders. Greetings, and saying thank you, are considered important. In Korea, more so than in other Asiatic countries, it is important to pay attention to many small details when communicating to other people. 

Welcoming in Korea

In Korea, one welcomes other people with a bow. Today, many Koreans do prefer a handshake, at least at the first meeting, be it with Koreans or foreigners. Others will first bow and then shake hands.  

Remember always to remove your shoes before entering a Korean home, although bare feet are considered insulting.

When eating

When out for a drink or a meal with a group is prepared to take on the role of guest, or host; Koreans will seldom pay separately. Talking a lot during a meal is impolite, as is blowing your nose at table and resting your chopsticks in the rice. Oddly enough, public drunkenness is perfectly OK, as long as the inebrated individual is not being aggressive or offensive.

For eating meals in Korea one uses chopsticks. The chopsticks should be placed onto the rice bowl or, if they are no longer in need, beside oneself on the table. The chopsticks should in no circumstances be stuck into the rice, because this would resemble procedures at sacrificial ceremonies for the deceased. 

It is a common rule in Korea never to pour beverages into ones own glass. If the glass is empty, then your neighbor or the host will top you up, in order to show that he or she is paying attention to you. One should do the same also with others. If the glass of another table neighbor should be empty, then one should offer to fill it. While doing so, it is a rule of politeness to use both hands.

When drinking, Koreans clink glasses with each other, though when drinking to persons of a higher social rank (older people), one should pay attention that one is holding ones glass in a somewhat lower position than the other does.

Koreans have become accustomed to this culture of paying respect to others through these various actions and postures, how do you feel about acquainting yourself with these? =)

source from :http://www.koreaorbit.com/korea-culture/korean-dos-donts.html

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