Greetings
Greetings are an essential part of South Korean etiquette and culture. In South Korea, the most common formal greeting is the bow. The deeper the bow, the more respect is given. However, a handshake is more common in casual settings than a bow.
It is important to note that using titles and honorifics is still very important in South Korean culture.
Bowing
Bowing is the traditional way of greeting someone in South Korea and is seen as a sign of respect. It is customary to bow when meeting someone, greeting a group, or being introduced to people at an event or gathering.
When bowing, one should lower their body in increments of seven degrees until their head is parallel to the ground. Two full bows may be offered To express the highest level of respect. Generally speaking, younger people are expected to lead in bowing first, though seniority also affects this. Bow lightly and not too deeply; too light a bow can be taken for rudeness, but too deep a bow can be perceived as humble.
Handshakes
Greetings in South Korea often involve a bow. Handshakes are also common, but not until after the traditional bow. It is considered polite to let the oldest person offer his/her hand first; the same is true for any form of embrace. Men usually only shake hands, but women may hug each other lightly and exchange two kisses on the cheek. Handshakes are short and firm and should be accompanied by verbal greetings such as “Annyeonghasseyo” (hello) or “An young” (hi).
When meeting someone for the first time, it is polite to exchange business cards to make an initial introduction. It is done by:
- Presenting your card with both hands – the right hand placing it in front of you, palm up while you make your presentation using your left hand – and then receiving their card with your right hand while you hold it with both hands below waist level while reading it.
- It is courteous if all members engage in this exchange protocol, if possible, before any further conversational introductions take place.
- Business cards should never be placed into a pocket or wallet – instead, they can be set down after reading when appropriate.
Dining
When visiting South Korea, it is vital to know their customs and etiquette. For example, in dining, a few rules must be followed, such as eating with chopsticks and being reminded of the importance of respect. Whether you are eating in a restaurant or with family, these customs and etiquette must be respected to show respect to the Korean culture.
Table Manners
In South Korea, it is vital to know the generally accepted cultural customs and etiquette when dining. For example, at formal dinner parties and business meals, it is customary for the ranking person to begin eating first after saying a few words. In addition, guests may be addressed as “Seonbae,” meaning an older colleague or senior in social status.
It is considered polite to assemble dishes on one’s plate instead of reaching across the table, and food should never be left untouched.
Table manners must also be observed regarding conversation: It is common for members of the dining party to pass bowls or platters of food back and forth using both hands out of respect for those serving them; old friends often refer to each other informally without having to use last names; conversations should remain general rather than becoming too personal to maintain politeness. Diners are also asked not to speak about sex or mention salary expectations before each person’s career has been established; it’s inappropriate and bad form.
Finally, it is essential not to arrive late for a dinner appointment, as punctuality is valued in South Korean culture. Once past the meal itself, it is appropriate for guests to say their thanks and goodbyes before departing with a bow or handshake out of respect and appreciation for the host’s hospitality which could mean well-wishes needed to career or any other form of activity relating to professional endeavors later on.
Food Etiquette
Before partaking in a meal in South Korea, there are some vital food etiquette guidelines to note. Understanding certain cultural customs is important before dining out or eating at someone’s home.
Table Manners
- When your meal is set in front of you, letting the oldest person at the table begin eating is considered the polite and unspoken rule. Additionally, the elderly and the host should always be served first.
Using Utensils
- Though South Koreans use metal chopsticks for meals involving rice, other East Asian countries favor wooden chopsticks.
- Bowls of rice and side dishes should not be shared, but each person should have a bowl of rice and various dishes they can enjoy.
- It’s also important not to stick your chopsticks into your bowl as this symbolizes death in Korea’s culture, as it resembles sticks placed in a grave.
Drinking Etiquette
- In Korea, it is customary to serve wine or alcohol to guests and dinner when dining out or being served at someone’s house.
- Your glass will likely be refilled perpetually throughout dinner, so you must keep pouring for others around you!
- Refusing an offered drink without a good reason is considered impolite and highly offensive among Koreans, even if you don’t enjoy drinking alcohol; if necessary, accept but make sure to leave some liquid behind when finished so as not to appear too thirsty!
Gift Giving
Gift-giving plays an essential role in South Korean culture and is considered a meaningful gesture of respect and appreciation. Therefore, when you receive a gift, you must show gratitude and open it in the giver’s presence. In addition, gift-giving is an opportunity to build and strengthen relationships, so it is important to follow the appropriate customs for gift-giving in South Korea.
Appropriate Gifts
When giving gifts in South Korea, it is important to remember that the customs vary from those of other countries. Therefore, respecting local customs and being mindful of proper etiquette when giving a gift in South Korea is essential.
It is customary for gifts to be given with two hands, regardless of the size. As with most countries, it is polite to use gift wrapping paper appropriate for the recipient and occasion. Generally, gifts should not be opened upon receipt but put away until you can view them privately. You should take note of any allergies or restrictions that may affect what you select as a gift and try to match the level of generosity based on your relationship with the individual or group involved.
The type of gift given will depend on who you are gifting it to. Common gifts appropriate for almost anyone include:
- Food and snacks
- Plants (bonsai trees are prevalent)
- Clothes (suitable for the season)
- Jewelry
- Art pieces
Depending on your relationship with those you are gifting, items or money may also be acceptable since cash or goods placed into an envelope, known as ‘cash shikbong,’ is still quite popular among many generations.
Gift Wrapping
Gifting items is common in South Korean culture, and giving a gift with appropriate, attractive wrapping adds to the item’s overall significance. When giving a gift to someone, the receiver’s preferences should be considered. Typically, gifts are wrapped with bright colors, embossed paper, or designer paper. Colored ribbons are used in multiple layers, and gold fringes are added as finishing touches to add more beauty to the presentation.
Items with soft textures, such as towels, can be carefully packaged in light-colored sheets or fabric bags. Gift baskets and special containers also make great presentations, as they demonstrate thoughtful effort on behalf of the giver. If you’re giving cash or certificates, place them inside sealed envelopes before packaging them for presentation.
It is customary to accompany gifts with an expression of appreciation for being accepted into someone else’s company (고마워요 – thank you) or an apology (사과해요 – sorry). In addition, enclosing a card wishing good fortune to the recipient can also add meaningful value to your gift presentation in South Korea.
Public Interaction
Interacting in public in South Korea is a cultural etiquette to be aware of. Some gestures or behaviors acceptable in the West can be highly offensive in South Korea. Therefore, you should know proper public behavior, customs, and etiquette when going to South Korea. It is important to respect the Korean people and their culture in public.
This section will provide tips on how to interact in public in South Korea:
Public Displays of Affection
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon in South Korea and can make the couple and onlookers uncomfortable. Therefore, holding hands is usually seen as the most acceptable form of public display of affection; other forms, including hugging and kissing in public, should be avoided.
In general, relationships between couples tend to remain quite private from family and friends until both are sure about their commitment. However, this is becoming less common among young adults in urban cities such as Seoul and Busan.
Gift-giving is also an essential part of relationships in South Korean culture. Couples may exchange gifts on special occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays or when expressing apologies or thankfulness. Traditional gifts include:
- Chocolates or flowers for women
- Items such as pens for men
- Jewelry for either gender
- Household items like bedding if you wish to purchase something more substantial.
- Meal boxes can be purchased through convenience store delivery services throughout South Korea.
Respect for Elders
It is essential to show respect for your elders in South Korea. It is customary to address those older than you with a title of respect like “auntie” or “uncle.” Handshakes are shared among peers and same-age people; however, it is more respectful in South Korea for younger people to bow when greeting someone older than them. When meeting an elderly person for the first time, the bow should be deeper and include a slight hand gesture.
Additionally, when engaging in a conversation with someone older than you, avoid making direct eye contact, as maintaining intense eye contact may come across as disrespectful. Instead, address your comments towards their feet or slightly down on the floor if seated. The elders are highly respected and honored through expressions of modesty by bowing deeply, speaking softly, and avoiding strong eye contact – all combined to create an awe-filled respect toward one’s elders.
Language
The official language spoken in South Korea is Korean, which is part of the Korean language family. Although Hangul is the official language spoken by most of the population, an estimated one-third speaks other languages, such as Chinese and English.
Learning a few basic Korean phrases when traveling in South Korea is useful.
Honorifics
Honorifics or “해명사” (hae-myeong sa) are words used to show respect towards someone when speaking in the Korean language. In South Korea, honorifics are used extensively to distinguish between younger and older people, those with social rank or those with none. Honorifics are also employed when addressing and referring to people when politeness is essential.
Honorifics involve address words and certain verb endings that change depending on the speaker’s relationship to the recipient of their speech. In addition, these honorific expressions involve various levels of politeness – from formal to informal – reflecting the speaker’s relative status about their audience. For example, when an elder is talking to a younger person, a more polite form of language and respectful terms should be used than when younger people are talking amongst themselves about casual topics.
Examples of commonly used honorific titles include:
- 선생님 (seon-saeng-nim) for teachers and other people considered to have higher status.
- 님 (nim) for strangers met for the first time.
- 분 /ㅂㅜㄴ (bun / būn) for friends or those with equal status.
Relative terms such as older brother/younger brother (형/ hyoung (male) & 누나 / nu-na(female)) can also be used among family members or close friends to be more respectful while talking.
Greetings and Farewells
Greetings are expected to be formal and respectful. People address one another based on age and social status, so it is essential to pay close attention. When meeting someone, a handshake and a brief bow are generally accepted as a greeting; however, in more traditional settings, a deep bow from the waist might be exchanged. When leaving, it is appropriate to give a slight bow; the deeper the relationship, the deeper the bow.
When greeting family members or close friends with whom you are more familiar in South Korea, you may exchange hugs and cheek kisses if you are both comfortable with physical contact forms. It’s not considered rude or offensive to kiss friends or family on the cheek as part of a warm welcome or goodbye in South Korea like it is in other countries in East Asia. Furthermore, upon meeting a friend or relative who has been away for an extended period (i.e., studying abroad), it is not unusual for both parties to touch their foreheads together. This gesture symbolizes reunification between two long-separated people. It is meant to express mutual respect that is still common among older and younger generations throughout South Korea today.