Things You'll Need:
- Willingness to learn
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Step 1
Bow at the beginning and ending of a session or when leaving a social gathering. People often greet each other with a slight bow, which may or may not be followed by a handshake. A handshake is always initiated by an elder person or one higher in status.
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Step 2
Korean women acknowledge your greeting with a nod. It is not customary for them to shake hands with Western men.
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Step 3
Stand at attention every time you hear the Korean national anthem played.
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Step 4
Take care not to criticize anyone in public. Never cause them to lose face in front of their peers. Always discuss your issues with someone in a private manner.
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Step 5
Never use your index finger to beckon to someone as this is considered very rude.
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Step 6
Always modulate the tone of your voice when talking or laughing. Loudness or showing off in any manner is considered vulgar.
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Step 7
Always show deference for elder people. It is considered a sign of respect when you take time to engage an elder person in conversation and wish him or her good health. Never cross your legs in front of a person older than yourself.
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Step 8
Learn to limit physical contact to family members and good friends. Acquaintances or people you don’t know very well, especially those older than you, do not appreciate casual contact, like the touching of their arm or hand or giving them a pat in the back.
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Step 9
When invited to a person’s house try your best to arrive on time. Always remove your shoes when entering a home. When meeting a person’s family for the first time, it is encouraged to bring a small gift of flowers, fruit or sweets.
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Step 10
Upon leaving a gathering, always allow your host to accompany you outdoors or to your car. It is considered rude to say goodbye to person while he is within his host’s home.
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Step 11
Gift-giving is a practice that has its own customs in Korean society. Always give the gift with both hands, as it is a sign of respect. Do not give gifts that are too expensive because it will be humiliating for the recipient not to be able to reciprocate in kind. Never use red ink in writing the recipient’s name or wrap your gift in red paper, as the color red symbolizes death. If your gift is wrapped, never open it in front of the giver.
