Customs & Oddities - Seoul Travel Guide

Seoul Travel Guide

Compared to Koreans, Americans are very casual when speaking with people unfamiliar to them. Like many other languages, the form of Korean speech/language goes from very informal to very formal. The younger generation is a bit more accepting of different customs and cultures--there are very inquisitive and curious, so try not to be offended when a question, which may come across very frank and tactless, is meant to be a friendly exchange. The younger generation is more accepting of public displays of emotions. However, there are other old-fashioned conservative individuals. To this day, Korea is very homophobic--there is a sizeable gay and lesbian population, most of which is in ITAEWON (near the US Army Base). Koreans dress more formal than Americans. Even during the humid hot summers, Korean men (young and old) continue to wear long pants. Women have a bit more flexibility--sometimes a bit too much. As Korea's population is homogenous, there remains a 'trend-based' culture. Individuality is starting to emerge, however there are many Koreans whom dress just like the person next to them. When shopping, people of thin frame small feet tend to fare best. A 'small' in Korea would be an 'extra small' in the U.S. (U.S. sizes 0-4), medium (4-6), large (6-8 or 10). Larger sizes may get lucky, but you'll have to look harder. For shoes, a size 8 (American) tends to be the largest size stores sell for women. You can order shoes to be made, they don't cost any more than what you'd pay if you had been able to purchase it on the spot. Men probably have more selection. The only other place that may cater to larger individuals is ITAEWON--land of knock-offs. When it comes to eating, Koreans do not tip, unless you are dining at a hotel. As with most other activities, many Koreans wait for the eldest to take the first bite. At a traditional Korean home, it may be common for (the older) Koreans to burp, on ocassion, during a meal. Although burping is accepted, sneezing/blowing your nose in front of others is considered rude. If you have to blow your nose, excuse yourself and go somewhere where they can barely hear you. Also, Koreans will usually knock before entering places, such as toilet stalls or one's office. If in a toilet, and you do not knock back or respond, the person will assume that it is not occupied and attempt to open the door. Koreans, particularly those residing in Seoul, can be pushy, aggressive and at times frustrating, especially if you come from a small town or suburb. If you're there for a while, as I was, you will get into that mode and be just as brisk, if not more. You will experience this with drivers (there is no concept of driving in the designated lanes) and walkers (although they do wait for the pedestrian light to flash 'go') bumping in and out of foot traffic. Although Korean society is constantly changing, there still exists a hierarchy--and this is apparent in most activities. For example, when eating and drinking with elders, it is common to offer (and pour) drinks to those older. However, one of the benefits is that the older individual usually pays. Koreans are very generous to visitors and guests--it is extremely important that they be good hosts.

Customs & Oddities, Seoul

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