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Korean Culture
Korean Culture
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Korea has it's own unique traditional
music, films,
art and museums and
local food. Other general cultural information includes:
dating Korean,
(coming soon)
Korean marriage,
Korean history,
The Hermit Kingdom,
the sweet people of Korea,
alcohol,
Buddhists temples and Monks,
bath houses and
Korean language.
- The ancient culture of Korea has rich and unique qualities. As Michael Breen, a journalist from England and over 20 years living in Korea, mostly Seoul, writes from his splendid book, "The Koreans", “the need to understand this unique society becomes more and more apparent.”
Korea is an economically booming nation with unique qualities, such as respect for others as a general social rule, and interesting attributes to offer the world. Work hard, play hard and
be respectful of others underlines society. One such interesting idea, that will most likely never influence the Western hemisphere, is Korean age. When a Korean is born a person is already 1 year old. All Koreans age at the same time on January 1st. A Korean does not age on their birthday. Interestingly, one Korean co-teacher was born December 31st and within
hours was already 2 years old.
- Another difference from the western hemisphere, with Korean society and its culture, is that it has been largely influenced by Confucianism. Confucianism is mostly about devotion and respect - for parents, family, friends
and those in positions of authority. You can notice in Korea that even middle school and high school students have great respect for their teachers, parents and others and show this mostly by
bowing, courtesy and discipline.
- Confucianism also emphasizes justice, peace, education, reform and humanitarianism. Many Koreans attribute their country's remarkable success in recent decades to this attitude, such as their economic boom within the last few decades. People in Korea, in general,
have a very strong work ethic, which has also had an
inpact on their success.
- In modern Korean society, Confucianism is most noticeable
in relations between people. Confucianism's “Five Relationships” prescribe behavior between ruler and subject, father and son, husband and wife, old and young, and between friends. If you fall outside any of these relationships, you do not, effectively, exist. This means meeting someone usually requires a third party introduction, but not always; most Koreans
are very warm, open and curious to meet foreigners, although many are too shy to speak to you first.
- Meeting people is usually done within specific affiliated groups such as school, work, or some extra curricular activity. People do not tend to meet in a cafe for example or pub as in western culture though it can happen in Korea, just not as often. Some travelers may find Korean locals rude but chances are they just haven't noticed you or as many are, shy, or simply someone going
about their own business. However, once you're
introduced to someone, you'll fall within the rules
for friends and things will start looking up.
- Korea is a very hierarchical society where one's age, sex and status have a major bearing on how others relate to you. As a Westerner, you will mostly be immune from this sort of judgment to an extent, although Koreans who meet you will still want some information as to where you fit on the social totem pole. So questions such as “How old are you?“, “Are you married?” and “What is your job?" are simply ways for Koreans to get a feeling of where in society you fit and of course to get to know you. This can be similar in the west, but for many (even in Korea) this kind of information does not really matter much when meeting others,
but instead, who you are as a person.
- Age is important in Korea. Formal
Korean language is
used to address elders, such as "Opa" (Older Brother) and informal language is used to address
younger people. Friends of the same age tend to use informal
language.
Elaborate Information Including Korean Education
Dating Korean
- I am conveying here some insightful knowledge of my own experience, interviewing people and observations of others. I have learned a great deal of general truth about dating in Korea. Please keep in mind that dating experiences will depend largely on you, the individual.
- First of all, meeting people of
other cultures can be very interesting
and holds come curiosity. Small talk can
be easier when approaching someone from
another country or culture. This is the
same when dating. For example, just saying hi
can be a great conversation starter when meeting
someone of another culture, followed by questions
pertaining to what life is like in their particular
part of the world.
- We know Koreans are very easily approachable. Many will be curious about you, and after you say hi, usually first, you will get a good sense of whether or not this person is interested in conversing with you. Sometimes Koreans will be too shy, or lack English enough for talking. This will contribute to their possible lack of interest.
- Being yourself is a great idea.
Relax, take your time and don’t think too much ahead of expectations. Have patience if communication is slow and enjoy yourself. You will know naturally and perhaps fairly quickly if there is a natural connection and attraction for further dating of someone. This can account true for anywhere in the world.
- Many Koreans hang out with several friends at once,
both male and female and for these people dating is more
like just hanging out as friends,
especially for younger generations.
Later on they may pair up as a couple. The word 'meeting' in Korea can
refer to an informal gathering of friends, or co-workers or even
family. It can often refer to any general meeting, work or at play.
It can also refer to dating. According to English journalist
Michael Breen, "The Koreans", "Some 'meetings' begin as group affairs and
couples pair off".
In the beginning you may feel you are dating someone
and have some commitment, but in fact this person may feel like you are just hanging out. They may do this with others as well.
In this case you may become jealous. It is not a good idea to get jealous or at least show any jealousy when first getting to know someone, or that usually means good-bye.
- Often you may get mixed signals, and exclamations of not wanting a boy or girl friend. Don't worry about this and again, take your time, and be yourself. Many times people will not want to seem over eager and so simply say they don't want an intimate relationship, but at the same time in many cases Koreans you meet will only want to be friends. Taking people at face value is your best bet. If this person wants intimacy and a further committed relationship, you will know. Often saying no to something a couple times, then yes, is a common Korean style.
- Do not be discouraged if dating someone does not work out. There are many people in Korea. If you are looking for Mr. or Miss right, be patient. If you are just having fun, even more reason not to be discouraged.
- On the first few dates to get to know someone you may want to have a nice casual date. Dinner and a movie is considered more of a formal date in Korea. Drinks at a pub and live music are always great. Or simply go to a nice coffee shop and see what happens. Nothing fancy shows you are relaxed and casual, with no expectations.
- It is better to date someone who has some interest in westerners and or western culture. Many Koreans want to live and study English abroad or at least visit a western nation. In this case their English may be fairly good. Of course it helps if you too have an interest in Korea and its language as well. The more genuine interest you have of each other’s culture, the better your chances of good communication and relationship.
- Many activities for dating or just hanging out to get to
know someone include:
hiking,
art and museums,
weekend getaways,
Buddhists Temples,
cinema and film,
beaches,
local food, coffee shops, and more. Have fun!
Elaborate Information
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