Koreans have a long history of being an aggressive, meaningful country. Some body gestures backed up by firm belief of reasons may be universal or individualistic. Motivated by the desire for exposure to culture or professionally dependent on global economy, Asia is the highest ranked on the travel wish list. As cultural influences spread, behaviors change toward group acceptance.
Spitting or Blowing Your Nose on the Ground
On any given day on the crowded city streets or even in the farm fields, these unsanitary litter actions happen. Tissues are used but if one does not have one its no surprise to see someone block one nostril and blow a hard clean quick shot, hopefully with no stringy sticky mucus lingering. Koreans view it as a matter of body cleansing.
Slurp and Burp, But Don’t Blow Your Nose At The Dinner Table
Slurps and burps are heard throughout a meal as a sign of satisfied enjoyment. Korean food is filled with not so pleasant stenches of seafood, garlic, spices, pepper and onions. Yet a sign of tough tolerance is to sustain the pain of spicy cuisine without resorting to blowing your nose at the table.
Lack of Respect From a Newly Introduced Friend
Until a service, skill, or knowledge is pointed out, don’t be alarmed if a newly introduced friend(s) show signs of distance or even avoidance. As a collective society, it is believed each member has something to benefit the group. Present what you can give to impress and gain acceptance.
Same Sex Friends Arm in Arm and Sitting In Laps
Public displays of borderline sexual vulgarity is unacceptable in Korea, however same sex close friends will walk arm in arm or even sit on each others laps. This is not a sign of homosexuality; it is a sign of trust built over time.
Slap, Whack and Yell
Disciplinary methods used on children, students, and subordinates include these three techniques. Loud outbursts of ridiculed shame with a few disciplined aggressive hits on the back of the head are common.
Genital Exposure
Avoid stances that have your genitals facing someone, especially a superior. An ankle resting on the opposite knee or crouched with your legs spread. Koreans crouch a lot. It’s a challenging position to keep the feet flat and sit for hours. It’s a regular daily pose on the streets. Respectable ladies will keep their legs closed and avoid a direct view of the space between their legs. Legs are positioned at a side angle.
Turning your back
Seiza, a knelt stance, is used across many oriental martial arts including Korean Taekwondo. This is actually a sign of humility and respect. Backed turned to the defeated opponent gives them dignity, to spare them the embarrassment of humiliation. Facing a superior shows respect.
Point with Feet or Step Over Someone
Don’t step over someone as this can also expose your middle gender parts. Along with pointing with the feet, it gives an arrogant impression the person is so low class and undeserving of respectful humanity at the level of an animal.
Use of the left hand or single hand offering
Offer your business card, money, gifts, a handshake, or a glass with both hands. It is sign of humbleness. In many cultures, and a popular current human relations tactic, use the respected right hand if necessary.
Robbing or Offering
A kind seated stranger in front of you on a crowded public transportation means may tug at your load of books or bags to let you know they are willing to hold them for you. Of course use caution and trusted instinct.
The Stare Down
Avoid direct eye contact or prolonged stares with a superior. It is viewed as a challenge. A more humble sign is to look down as if lost in serious consideration of what is being said.
Up yours
A Korean offensive hand gesture signaling ‘up your anal hole’ is the American Sign Language for the letter T. Avoid playing the American version of "I got your nose" cute child game.
Personal three foot private imaginary body space is non-existent in crowded Korea. No kind pardon me’s are exchanged on crammed buses, streets, and trains. However, position of status and body movements display levels of esteem. In Asia, the lower the body is positioned with a crouch, bow, or stance the higher respectable status is given. Cultures still may clash, especially if two people attempt to follow each other’s cultural manners that either end up received as offense or appreciated acceptance of effort.
Sources:
Vegdahl, Sonja and Ben Seunghwa Hur. Culture Shock! A Survival Guid to Customs and Etiquette: Korea. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited, 2005.
Specht, Allegra and Jay Freborne. Korea Calling. The Essential Handbook for Teaching English and Living in South Korea. United States: Woodpecker Press, 1996.
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