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Korean Culture and History

CULTURAL SENSITIVITIES

LIVING IN ANOTHER CULTURE
You are walking into a new experience that will trigger feelings that are full of joy, interest and expectation. But you will also feel powerless, rejected, exploited and at times extremely lost. These feelings are ok. They are part of living in an unfamiliar culture and people group.

It is important to realize that South Korea doesn’t have many foreigners living in their country. You haven’t lived through their history, you don’t speak their language, you don’t understand their cultural in the way you understand and live out your own. There needs to be recognition of your differences, whether you can understand or appreciate them or not.

You will find out very quickly that Koreans lack an awareness of what we know as personal space. It doesn’t exist in any form as we know it. This leads to foreigners feeling uncomfortable, claustrophobic, and pushed around. These feelings will only grow stronger if you only know Koreans as a crowd of strangers on the subway or on a busy street. It isn’t until you step inside the realm of an individual Korean that you can be rest assured of their love, care and pleasant humanity. Find a friend, host family, or co-worker where you can begin a relationship to look inside and see their beauties.

Koreans do not wear their shoes inside their homes and many other locations such as offices, restaurants, and schools. Slippers, or inside shoes, or socks are often worn instead of outdoor footwear. Shoes are considered to be extremely dirty by the Korean people, and you’ll probably agree after walking around on the streets and sidewalks as well.

It is quite rude in Korean culture to put your feet up on tables, bus seats, handrails, etc. You should also avoid pointing the sole of your foot at another person as this is considered rude as well.
Most Asians do not touch each other’s heads. Touching a person’s head is equating to petting a dog, so it is quite insulting. Remember this when working with children as well.

REPRESENTING YOUR OWN CULTURE
You are part of the very few in Korea who have the responsibility of representing a large many back home. Your words, actions, interactions, efforts and care for Korean people and their culture will speak volumes to Koreans about you as a person and about the people and culture of your own country. You represent the country you are from, whether you like it or not, in everything that you say and do. Be a stranger that is a blessing and a gift.

LEARNING THE KOREAN LANGUAGE
Learning the language makes a difference in your experience here. If you can understand them, your time here can be more enjoyable. It is a notable way to show your host county that you are willing to take a step towards them and learn about and dive into their culture. It is a difficult task, but one worth trying. The rewards of being able to understand the amount of your grocery bill when the teller says it in Korean, and being able to ask a passer-by how to get somewhere, are significant.

Be aware that Koreans have very few people in the world attempting to learn their language. They can be insensitive to your attempts and unwilling, even unable, to hear through your accent to what you are trying to say. Perseverance is key.

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