Learning Korean is more than just grammar and vocabulary. You have to embrace the South Korean culture and how Korean society works to deepen your understanding and improve your learning. Language reflects a culture’s values and traditions, and South Korea has a rich one.
This guide takes you through the Korean etiquette rules and the key aspects of Korean culture as you learn the language.
When you learn Korean with an online course, one aspect of Korean culture is respecting elders. The Korean language uses different words based on a person’s age and social status. This extends to everyday behavior, such as letting elders order first or giving the best seats inside a bus.
You have to learn the Korean honorifics to speak respectfully with elders or people in authority. Misusing these formalities can come off as disrespectful, so pay attention to how native speakers use honorifics in their speech.
Bowing is a traditional greeting of Korean people. But it’s not just ordinary bowing. The depth of the bow is based on the situation and the relationship. You only have to do a slight nod in casual settings, while a deeper bow is given to elders and done in formal situations.
Practicing bowing along with the greeting “안녕하세요” (annyeonghaseyo) or “안녕하십니까” (annyeonghasimnikka) for formal settings can add a natural and respectful feel to your interactions. As a language learner, mastering bowing is crucial to understanding Korean culture.
Korean dining culture is another level of formal. Here, the eldest person sits first, and everyone waits for them to start eating before they can eat. You must also pour drinks into others’ glasses before getting some. It’s a huge part of the Korean customs that you need to learn if you’re visiting South Korea anytime soon.
Other dining table etiquette include:
Learn Korean dining phrases, such as “잘 먹겠습니다” (jal meokgesseumnida) before a meal, which means “I will eat well,” and “잘 먹었습니다” (jal meogeotseumnida) after a meal, which means “I ate well,” to show your appreciation for the host and the food.
It's okay to be your usual self when casually dining with Korean friends of the same age, but table manners are essential in formal settings.
Recognizing ranks in the Korean business world can get you into good graces. It determines roles, decision-making powers, and seating arrangements in meetings.
If you plan to visit Korea for business purposes, learn how to address people and respect their titles. Address seniors or colleagues by their title and name.
For example, “김부장님” (Kim Bujang-nim). Bujang is a managerial title and the affix -nim for respecting people of higher ranking. Following this Korean business etiquette reflects your professionalism.
Shaking hands is more common in the West, but in Korea, personal space is held to a regard in public or professional settings. Korean people prefer to bow or nod. They also receive a handshake with two hands and shake the hand gently to show respect.
Learning to respect boundaries early on can show how much you value Korean etiquette and understand Korean culture.
The concept of Nunchi is subtly understanding people’s moods without direct communication. Harmony is valued in group settings, so you should know how to read the room. It’s a valuable skill to learn in Korea, where being direct can brand you as impolite.
While Nunchi shows how Korean interpersonal relationships operate, collectivism in Korean culture prioritizes the group over the person. The welfare of the people and others’ opinions come first before the major decision.
When studying with Korean peers, being one with the group can show harmony to the entire team. The phrase “같이 해요” (gachi haeyo), meaning “Let’s do it together,” sits well with togetherness.
One of the important Korean etiquette rules to follow is gift-giving. It usually happens on holidays, social visits, or a simple occasion to show appreciation.
Gifts are a sign of respect and gratitude. Whether a small token or a thank-you gift for a host, every gift is well appreciated.
Wrap your gift as nicely as possible, but don’t overdo it. Simple gestures are also more appreciated than flashy gifts. Following this rule shows how you value relationships with Korean people.
Humility is highly valued, and modesty is expected, especially for Korean women, in their culture. Compliments get modest responses, downplaying achievements instead of boasting them.
It can be challenging to be indirect when you’re used to communicating directly. You must pay attention to how Koreans phrase things to sound humble and indirect to avoid any conflict.
Learning a language also includes learning the culture that comes with it. With Korea’s rich culture that values respect and social harmony, learning Korean from a cultural point of view helps you understand how words are used.
Proper etiquette is a must-follow, whether in traditional Korean restaurants or any other formal setting. A meaningful connection with Korean culture is a big bonus when you follow Korean etiquette rules along with your language learning.