Koreans have their own set of social rules that they follow. If
you understand these rules, you will have much more success at
doing business, making good impressions and making friends. Here
are some tips you should know.
Korean
Dining
Korean restaurants usually have a communal section with tables, although
private rooms are available where guests sit on the floor. Sitting on
the floor with legs crossed for at least an hour's dining and business
can be a pain, but it will give you a glimpse of traditional Korean
dining ceremonies. Koreans usually use a spoon for eating rice, and
chopsticks for noodles or side dishes. Only right hands are used to
hold a spoon or chopsticks. Blowing your nose during a meal can be one
of the most embarrassing things you can do in Korea.
Manners
and Table Settings
These
table setting tips should help you avoid embarrassment when planning
a dinner in South Korea. If you still need more information, let us
know. A long time ago throughout Korea Koreans used to have different
table settings based upon the occasion at hand. There was of course
the main dish and then various side dishes.
Although
traditional table settings are not as common for the average meal formal
table settings are still used for formal situations such as a child's
100th day celebration from birth, an elder's 60th birthday, a wedding,
or in some cases, memorial services.
The
average and everyday table setting is called pansang. This breaks down
into a 3, 5, 7, 9, or 12 chop. In this case the term "chop" with a long
O, means side dish. (i.e. 7 course meal as an example). Instead of the
word course, the word chop is used. Typically things like rice, soup,
kimchi, and sauces are not counted as an item in the chop manifest.
A 12 chop meal would usually be reserved for very formal situations
and was seen years ago at the tables of royalty.
South
Korean families usually eat rice at every meal, some soup, and maybe
4 side dishes. From each place setting starting on the left are placed
rice, soup, spoon, and chopsticks. Main courses like beef, stews, and
side dishes are in the center of he table for all to share and this
is quite common even today. South Koreans believe that sharing food
brings people closer together and in all reality is seems to work. Although
some South Korean restaurants will offer separate bowls and plates.
Unlike the Chinese, South Koreans do not hold their bowls or plates
in their hands while eating.
South Koreans
are very formal when drinking at a table or gathering. These practices
may date back hundreds of years or more as Korean history dates
back just over 2,500 years. Rich in tradition, these drinking
and serving practices are an important part of etiquette. In South
Korea, it is very common to see South Koreans offer glasses of
liquor to each other rather than pouring their own. If someone
offers you and empty liquor glass, you are expected to hold it
out toward them and receive a full glass. Drink it all and then
return it to the person who offered it to you. Juniors always
keep the glasses of seniors full. If a senior offers a glass to
a junior, the junior should accept the glass with both hands and
consume the drink with the head turned toward the side so as not
to face the senior directly. When pouring for anyone as a general
rule, it is always a good idea, and polite to cup the right arm
or elbow with the left hand while pouring with the right arm.
Don't
write a Korean name in red! If
you do, it means they are dead. This is not recommended if you
are trying to make friends. Another ritual reserved for the dead
is to leave the chopsticks sticking out of a bowl of rice. Doing
this at the table is disrespectful. Never blow your nose at the
table, only in the bathroom. If your nose is running from eating
all that spicy kimchi, simply wipe. Do not drink from your soup
bowl.
Subways
and buses These
are free for alls and manners sometimes go out the window. However
there are certain behaviors that you should not do, or tolerate
from others. Pushing and shoving - A light brush is understandable,
but sometimes, Koreans have been known to shove with their hands,
cut you off in line, or start pushing like American football players.
It is a good idea to either let everyone else on first, or stand
firmly in your place or to politely jump a line-jumper. If they
are old, let them go. Unless they are exceptionally rude, they
have priority over you.Keep
in mind, that when the Korean elderly were growing up, Korea was
underdeveloped; pushing, shoving, spitting, and staring at foreigners
was common. In this respect, they are very like the Chinese. Younger
Koreans still do some shoving, but if they are in a hurry they
may gently touch your arm so that you may let them pass.
Banks
and ATMs Your
money is your business, and no one else's. Many Koreans respect
this, however, sometimes they may lean over to see how much money
you have in your account. Some bank employees rifle through your
bank book to see your current balance. This is not ok. Complain
if someone does this to you. Call 1330 for an interpretor. Koreans
at ATMs are paranoid, but mostly of looky-loos. Protect your screen
but there is no need to be paranoid. There are mirrors to help
you see people behind you.
Paying
for meals One
person will pay for everyone's meal. However, people usually take
turns doing this. Always bring enough money with you and offer
to pay at least once.
Visiting
a home or restaurant Depending
on the restaurant, you should remove your shoes. Place them near
the door or in a shoe shelf. You shouldn't have to worry about
anyone stealing them; no one ever does. When visiting a Korean
home,
always remove
your shoes!
