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Knowing about South Korea etiquette is a pleasant way to forge a better understanding of the culture of South Korea. South Korea etiquette, in most cases, would seem quirky, but delve a bit more into them and you will actually come up with a keener insight into the customs and traditions of this ancient land, apart from getting around in South Korea without offending the natives.
About South Korea Etiquette
There are some quite interesting dining rules that are followed as regards South Korea etiquette. Since you will be eating out a lot in your South Korea holidays, it is always worthwhile to stock up on the more significant ones of them: - South Korea etiquette involves some very strict rules regarding who should sit here at the dinner table and it is best to wait till you are told where to sit. Don't commit a social blunder by making a dash for the empty seat beside the pretty lady.
- According to Korean etiquette the eldest person at the table eats first. So don't pounce on your food as soon as it arrives on the table, however famished you might be.
- Practice saying no when eating out in South Korea. This is because South Korea etiquette dictates that the first offer of the second helping should always be refused.
- Don't give rise to the frowns and the raised eyebrows by pointing your chopsticks.
- Don't leave your chopsticks sticking out of the rice bowl. This is a definite no-no, as this is funeral ritual.
- However comfortable it may seem, don't use your hands to pick up food.
- Table manners in South Korea say that you don't leave anything on your plate. Indicate that you are full by keeping your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or on the table.
After dinner, it's the drinks and there are South Korea etiquette to follow herein also, but nothing very elaborate and all easy to remember.
- Etiquette in South Korea says that you pour each other drinks. Understandably so, for Korea is a generous and giving society where the people don't just help themselves.
- If someone senior to you is extending you a drink, you should adhere to South Korea etiquette and accept it with both your hands cupped on the glass. More importantly, you are expected to drink with your head turned sideways, away from your senior.
- This is for the juniors. Ensure that you keep the glasses of your seniors always full; a good way of being in their good books.
There are some other do's and don'ts in South Korea that would help you in your dealings, both personal and professional, with the Korean locals.
- Always remove your shoes when entering a South Korean house. There are also some restaurants where you are supposed to enter bare feet.
- Being half-an-hour late is acceptable in South Korea. Now this is probably one thing that is sure to bring on the smiles, especially for those flouting the hands of the watch is a habit.
Get a hang of South Korea etiquette, make it a point to remember the nitty-grittys of it and you will go through your South Korea vacations without ruffling Korean feathers.
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