My class on Korean culture was very good. I enjoyed this brief - here are a few things I learned.
In Korean culture -
You do not shake hands first, you bow to each other first, then the older person can offer their hand during the bow for a hand shake.
Elderly are given special attention, respect and care. The older the person, the deeper the bow.
When eating the oldest person eats first.
You always pass thing with 2 hands.
When visiting a Korean home: *always remove your shoes *make sure you wear hole free & clean socks,if you are wearing sandals you will normally be offered slippers to wear *always bring a gift of aprox $10 in value * Koreans usually do not open the gift in front of you *when offered a drink, take it.
Do not use your finger to point with, you use your whole hand.
Korean's don't keep eye contact when talking with you (this one might make me insane)
In stores and on the street Koreans shove and bump into people, personal space is non-existent here. (again, me=insane)
Little is usually said during meal time.
Females & males hold hands with friends of the same sex to express their friendship. It is not unusual to see same sex walking down the street holding hands.
Koreans avoid confrontation and raising their voices when dealing with others....they are very calm all the time. (I hope this rubs off on me)
Koreans do not hug or kiss when meeting with family or friends. (I'm a hugger)
Koreans do not write names in red.
Koreans do not drink in front of someone older or of higher status without permission.
You do not sit with your legs crossed...foot sitting on knee. This is a sign of disrespect, it is telling everyone around you they are lower than the dirt on your foot.
Korean women typically dress much nicer than American women. They rarely wear sneakers out.