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Hello! Today we'll explore the first topic in our Korean Culture Series: Korean greetings and basic etiquette. I've compiled essential information to help first-time visitors to Korea communicate smoothly with locals and enjoy their time without cultural misunderstandings.
How Are Korean Greetings Different?
Korean greeting culture is based on respect and reverence. Unlike Western handshakes or hugs, the basic greeting in Korea is bowing ('jeol'). This simple gesture has various forms and rules depending on the situation and relationship.
Basic Greeting Methods: Nods and Bows
1. Waving or Light Nod (Casual Greeting)
- For very close relationships, a simple wave is appropriate
- For other relationships, a slight 15-degree head bow is common in everyday encounters
- Accompanied by saying "Annyeong-haseyo" (Hello)
- Suitable for colleagues or people of similar age
2. Respectful Bow (Formal Situations)
- A deeper 30-degree bow from the waist is used in more formal situations
- Appropriate when meeting someone new, elders, or superiors
- Keep your hands naturally at your sides or gently clasped in front
3. Deep Bow (Very Formal Situations)
- A 90-degree deep bow is used in highly formal situations
- Seen at weddings, funerals, and when giving New Year's greetings (sebae) to elders
- As a foreigner, this level of bow is generally not expected of you
Traveler's Tip: When meeting Koreans, try giving a simple nod. This small gesture of cultural respect can make a great impression!
Korean Language Etiquette: The World of Formal and Informal Speech
One of the most distinctive features of Korean language is using different language forms depending on who you're speaking to. This is the distinction between 'jondaemal' (formal speech) and 'banmal' (informal speech).
Jondaemal: Polite Language Expression
Basics of Formal Speech
- Sentences end with honorific suffixes like "-습니다/습니까" or "-세요"
- Examples: "안녕하세요" (Hello), "감사합니다" (Thank you), "어디에 가세요?" (Where are you going?)
- Used with people you're meeting for the first time, older people, and in formal situations
Honorific Prefix '시-'
- Added to verbs to show respect for the subject's actions
- Examples: "드시다" (honorific form of "to eat"), "주무시다" (honorific form of "to sleep")
Banmal: Familiar Expression
- Drops the honorific endings or uses "-어/아" forms
- Examples: "안녕" (Hi), "고마워" (Thanks), "어디 가?" (Where are you going?)
- Only used with very close friends, peers, or younger people
- If used with someone you've just met, older people, or in formal situations, you'll be considered extremely rude. Please be mindful of this.
Note: As a foreigner learning Korean, it's always safest to use formal speech at first. Even after becoming close with Korean friends, it's polite to maintain formal speech until your Korean friend suggests switching to informal speech.
Essential Korean Etiquette
Respecting Elders
Korea has deeply embedded Confucian culture (influenced by the Chinese philosopher Confucius), making respect for elders extremely important.
- Wait for elders to begin eating before you start
- When drinking alcohol in front of elders, slightly turn your body away
- Additional drinking etiquette includes covering the label when pouring drinks and keeping your glass lower than an elder's glass
- When giving or receiving items from elders, use both hands
Shoe Culture
- Always remove your shoes when entering Korean homes, traditional restaurants, hanok houses, temples, etc.
- There's a clear boundary between the entrance and indoor space, and Koreans maintain cleanliness indoors using vacuum cleaners and mops. They appreciate this being respected.
Simple Dining Etiquette Tips
- Wait until elders pick up their utensils before starting to eat
- While holding rice and soup bowls might be acceptable depending on the situation, in formal settings it's considered impolite. Other dishes should remain on the table while eating
Practical Korean Greetings for Foreigners
Basic Greetings
- 안녕하세요 (An-nyeong-ha-se-yo) - Hello (formal)
- 안녕 (An-nyeong) - Hi (informal, be cautious as this is banmal)
- 감사합니다 (Gam-sa-ham-ni-da) - Thank you (formal)
- 고마워요 (Go-ma-wo-yo) - Thanks (slightly less formal)
- 죄송합니다 (Joe-song-ham-ni-da) - I'm sorry (formal)
- 실례합니다 (Sil-lye-ham-ni-da) - Excuse me
Self-Introduction
- 만나서 반갑습니다 (Man-na-seo ban-gap-sum-ni-da) - Nice to meet you
- 저는 [이름]입니다 (Jeo-neun [name]-im-ni-da) - I am [name]
- 저는 [국가]에서 왔어요 (Jeo-neun [country]-e-seo wa-sseo-yo) - I'm from [country]
Conclusion
Korean greeting culture and basic etiquette embody values of mutual respect and deference. By understanding and honoring these cultural practices, your travel or business experience in Korea will be much more enriching and meaningful.
Koreans greatly appreciate when foreigners try to learn their culture, and they show great kindness even to small attempts. Don't worry about being perfect! What's most important is showing genuine interest and a respectful attitude.
Next time, we'll explore Korean family culture in greater depth. What unique greeting customs exist in your country? Please share in the comments!
Recommended Place
If you want to experience Korean greeting culture firsthand, try participating in the traditional etiquette program at Seoul's Namsangol Hanok Village. You can learn everything from proper bowing techniques to tea ceremony etiquette while wearing traditional clothing.
Was this article helpful? Look forward to our next post: 'Korean Family Culture'!
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