Teaching East Asia: Korea Teaching East Asia: Korea | Page 281
Korean Etiquette: Helpful Information for Educators
Historical Background:
Korean society is heavily influenced by Confucian beliefs which place great importance
on respect for superiors and parents, duty to family, loyalty to friends, humility, sincerity
and courtesy. Korean etiquette is strongly influenced by Confucian tradition which values
above all hierarchy and respect for one’s elders.
Background information for interacting with recent arrivals from Korea, the older
generation of Koreans and many, but not all Korean American families:
Names:
1. Names are very personal. Westerners like to address another person by his or her first
name regardless of age. For Koreans addressing someone directly by the first name is
disrespectful unless they are very close friends. For example, you should refer to an
individual as Mr. Kim or Miss Park. Students who have recently arrived from Korea may
call their teacher, “Teacher.” They do not mean to be disrespectful.
2. Married women in Korea keep their family name even after they get married, but many
immigrant women will follow the American tradition and take their husband’s last name.
In order to be safe, don’t call Mr. Kim’s wife Mrs. Kim, but refer to her as “John’s
mother.” Koreans will also refer to a married woman as “the wife of Mr. Kim.”
3. Another option is to use titles when addressing someone such as President Kim,
Director Lee or Reverend Park. In the Korean language there are no terms like sir or
madam so titles are used.
Introductions, Eye-Contact, and Business Cards:
4. When introduced, Koreans bow, exchange business cards, and shake hands using both
hands respectfully. The importance of business cards is to note the person’s name and
position. Knowing a person’s status is critical, since the proper language level to be used
depends on the position of each person.
5. Koreans believe that direct eye contact during conversation shows boldness, and out of
politeness they concentrate on the conversation, usually avoiding eye-to-eye contact.
Students who have recently arrived from Korea will avoid eye-to-eye contact.
6. Koreans always use the right hand when giving an object to a person of higher status.
To show the most respect, both hands hold the object as it is given or received. Use both
hands when presenting business cards and ensure that the writing on the card is facing the
recipient. Cards should be received with both hands and placed on the table in front of
you. To immediately put the card in your pocket or bag is considered rude. You should
look at the card occasionally throughout the meeting. Don’t write comments on the other
person’s business card in their presence.
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