Common mistakes from cultural difference

While living in Korea as a foreigner, you can easily make a mistake cause of cultural difference. I'd like to tell you some of the mistakes.

1. Do not wave your hands to elders

  It seems like unfair. But in Korean or Confucianism culture, older person is regarded to be eligible for respect. However in western culture it is not. So at the beginning, it may considered to be rude that your word or acts without considering for elders or your superior. you had better consider the principal or boss in your workplace. If you have any experience of learning Korean, you may understanding easily. In Korean there is different way of making sentences for elders which is called '존대말'.  

 Little bit over 10 years ago English boom was occurred. Some company hired is second-generation Korean Americans for their ability of both language. But soon they shocked cause the Korean American's behavior. they wave their hands to their boss. it seems to be rude. waving your hands is only for your friends or same level person. To elder or higher level of person you had better bow instead of waving your hands.

2. Don't misunderstand

 While staying in Korean you may face some people who run away or evaded after your asking. They don't ignore you but they are suppose to speak in English without confidence. So if some one run away at your asking, don't be misunderstanding another person will help you.
 Many Koreans possibly ask your age. It is not interrogate you in Korean language there is different ward to elders and friends. So asking age is very common thing in Korea.

3. Different sign of come here

Korean style come here

Western style come here

 In USA or Europe the sing of come on is like right picture. Standing up your hands and move the fingers. But in Korea the sign of come on is like left picture. Down your hands and move the fingers. So if some one act like this, it means 'come on'.

4. Elder's first

  Like a 'lady first' in Korean manners, there is 'Elder's first'. When you have a meal with elders or professor, you need to wait for elders for starting to eat as a cultured person. If the boss allow to eat first than it is fine. But usually Elder's first. And if you adjust your speed of eat following elder's, you will be considered to have a sense of manner.

5. Use two hands for elders

When you give something or receive something to or from elders, you can show your respect to use your two hands for elders. Otherwise the elder could deem you be rude. Especially when you drink with elders you should use two hand at elder's pouring. If you turn your face opposite side of elders and hide drinking yous your hands. It is much better.


Let's learn Korean culture while staying in Korea. learning Korean culture will help you to expend your understanding and knowledge. If you need any help, reach your hand to MANNAM they will help you.