KMK: 10 Korean Cultural Customs

Living in a new country means wrapping your head around a different way of thinking and living. Hopefully this list of a few Korean customs will help you understand the country and avoid a few pitfalls.

As always if you have any more suggestions to  add to the list please leave them in the comments!

1. You Want The Truth? You Can’t Handle the Truth!

Koreans can sometimes make the phrase brutally honest seem all too true. There’s no compunction about stating one’s opinion without the least bit of tact. So don’t feel too offended if someone says your fat, have a big nose, a big head, or need to dress better. They only want to make sure you know so you can fix the problem.

2. Man’s Best Friend, Mmm Delicious

Known as a delicacy and sure fire remedy to improve health and improve stamina dog is a meal entrenched in Korean culture. Sometimes the conditions the animals are kept in are unfit and cruel. That should be stopped much like the cages upon cages of chickens back home.

3. All the Single Ladies Stay at Home in Your Room

If you’re a lady with no ring then you’ll be expected to stay at home with mom and dad until you can get one on that finger. It doesn’t matter if you’re twenty, thirty, forty, or pushing fifty. Not only do you need to be at home, but you also need to be home by a certain time. To be fair this also applies to the guys, but they have a little more leeway to buck this custom.

4. Love, Marriage, and the Middleman

Korea is all about marriage and children. Love while nice, may have to take a backseat especially when some families still use matchmakers to find that special someone for their son or daughter. A marriage should benefit the whole family not just a single individual. Some couples may ignore any matchmaking efforts, but whoever they do bring home will have to survive the scrutiny of mom and dad and if their intended doesn’t pass the test then its back to the dating game for them.

If the nuptials do happen then, as a guest, be prepared to bring a crisp white envelop filled with money for the bride and groom. Make sure the notes add up to an odd number not even to ward off bad luck.

5. R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Aretha said it’s sweeter than honey and in Korea she’d be right on the money. It’s all about respect in the land of the morning calm especially toward the elderly who sit atop the mountain dispensing orders, advice, and judgement like Moses with a couple of tablets. This can manifest in many ways such as turning one’s head when pouring a drink for an elder, offering your seat to an elder on public transportation, receiving items with two hands, bowing ninety degrees, and waiting until the elders eat first at a table.

6. A family that Bathes Together, Stays Together

In Korea it’s not uncommon for the whole family or a group of friends to get together and head off to the sauna for the day. There, segregated by gender, folks strip bare and indulge in a relaxed atmosphere of relaxation. There’s usually various hot and cold baths, some with ginseng, green tea, as well as different oils and minerals all designed to health and vitality to the body. All ages and body types roam about and its not unusual to see family members scrubbing each other clean. You can also pay extra for a massage at some locations.

Sometimes there’s also a dry sauna area that will be mixed. Here folks lay about in their pajamas, eat, or sleep.  Remember, its not just for Koreans so be sure to experience it for yourself though you might feel more comfortable leaving mom and dad at home.

7. You’re a Year Old, Time to Pick a Career!

In Korea the dol or doljanchi – 돌 or 돌잔치 is the first birthday party of a baby. During the celebration the baby wears a tol-bok, a brightly colored garment, and is surrounded by family. The past intent of the celebration was to pray for the health and longevity of the child. Rice cake is the food du jour along with fruit. The highlight of the occasion is when the child is presented with a table full of items such as thread, money, a microphone, a computer mouse, a brush, pencil, book, calligraphy set, and various other items.

The item that the child is drawn to and picks up will determine the child’s future.

8. Shoes off, Slippers on

Wearing your outside shoes indoors is a big no no in Korea. Instead, once you’ve entered someone’s home or the office simply slip into your comfortable pair of slippers. If not then you’ll have to go in your socks or bare feet! Hopefully those toe nails have been tamed!

9. The Dating Game

Dating in Korea can be full of pitfalls for the unwary foreigner. If you’re lucky your Korean date might cut you some slack since you’ll probably be unfamiliar with the customs. If not then be ready for a few surprises.

First up, if you’re a guy be sure to bring plenty of cash. You’l be paying. Though it is becoming more common to go “dutch”. Also guys carry the girl’s purse albeit usually only after they are a couple. On a first date you may be joined by friends. It helps ease the tension. After 100 days it’s time to celebrate your union with a fine meal, and tokens of your affection in the form of couple rings though it’s not a necessity!

Of course it goes without saying that you’ll be wearing matching outfits and that is a necessity.

10. It’s All About the Legs!

Korea is definitely a leg country. Here you’ll find short shorts, ultra mini skirts, and skimpy scraps of clothing all for the ladies to show of those gams even in the dead of winter. Also  a stylish shoe artfully completes the look.

Legs are definitely in. On the other hand the shoulder and chest area remain concealed with the up most modesty. No low cut blouses or tank tops or v necks in sight! Women are so covered up from the waist up that you’d think they’d all just entered the nunnery.

That’s because in Korea Koreans keep the girls under wrap and frown on those who do not.  Why this happens this way is a whole other kettle of fish! Readers illuminate me if you have an answer!

That wraps things up about the customs, but I thought it would be neat to throw in a few superstitions into the mix! If you know of any others give us the scoop!

SUPERSTITIONS

• If you give a boyfriend or girlfriend a pair of shoes, they will leave you.
• Washing your hair on the day of a big test washes out the memories.
• If you sleep in a room with a fan on, you might die.
• Dreaming of pigs is good luck, dreaming of dogs is bad luck.
• Don’t blow a whistle at night or snakes will come.
• Shake your leg and you shake out the luck.
• If you are born with big ears, you will be rich!