Their house; Their Rules.
RESPECT - one simple word that will go a long, long way during your time in Korea. Korea is a country built on tradition and respect. Respect for family, friends, elders, loved ones. Family is the most important value in most Koreans lives.
As well, respect for elders is eminent in their culture as their entire language is structured in formal ways of addressing anyone superior in age. As a result, by being a guest in their country, in their home, it is always important to treat whomever you encounter with the utmost respect.
Part of your responsibility while living abroad is acting as an ambassador to your home country – educating coworkers, students, and friends on your values, traditions and culture - and you should never forget where you came from – but you must understand that you are not in your country. You are not home. You are a guest in their country, in their home, and you should understand that you are there to educate them about where you come from, not extricate them from their values, traditions and culture. So although you may have differing views, it is important to remember that Koreans are not confrontational people by nature, so don’t force your beliefs and values onto them. But do embrace their willingness and openness to share theirs with you.
Although the English language has become a considerable influence in Korea, there is still a rather large generation gap between the young and old. There are those who feel the English language is destroying their face and their culture, and those who feel the English language will open doors and provide opportunities for the country as a whole. So do be grateful for those, especially elders, who approach you and want to speak English with you. Treat them with the utmost respect and the easiest way to do this is by saying a word or phrase in Korean – this simple gesture shows them that you too are trying to embrace and learn from them, just as they are doing with you.
Do take your shoes off any time you enter a building.
Do carry toilet paper with you wherever you go – most public places (even schools!) don’t provide toilet paper.
Don’t be offended when people talk with their mouths full and chew with their mouths open.
Do try to learn their language and traditions – this will go a long way!
Don’t be offended if people stare at you, or want a picture of you/with you.
Don’t be surprised / offended by the brutal honesty that comes from students and coworkers. They are quick to tell you if you’ve gained or lost weight; if you look better with or without glasses; etc.
Do try all the different types of foods. Koreans love people who love to eat – so if you show an interest in trying their foods, this will help create a bond between you and your coworkers/friends.
Do remember that you are living in a foreign country with different laws and governing policies, so what would normally fly at home may put you away and/or get you deported. Play by their rules!
Do remember that Koreans are more concerned about the collective whole than they are about their individuality. This is much different than most western cultures, but something to keep in mind as it is this way of thinking that leads many Westerners to have a bad reputation in Korea. This dawned on me when my coteacher asked me “if a Canadian travels abroad and goes on a killing spree, do you feel responsible for that person? Does Canada feel embarrassed?” To which I responded, “No, not really – that is that individuals decision making that led to that point and I have no influence or reason to feel responsible for that individual.” And her response was “If a Korean did that, we, as a country and as individuals would feel embarrassed and do all that we can to right the wrong that was done.” This completely opened my eyes to the stark differences that exist between our cultures, but you must try to embrace this aspect of their culture and be understanding of their core values as a country.
Do have the time of your life. Make friends – foreigners and Koreans. The best advice I received before leaving was to meet the locals – you will see and taste things you would not normally see and taste, and this will make your experience that much richer – and it certainly did.
Erin Saccomano
Footprints Alumni