General, this is not what you see.
Every letter in the following is a secret ,
only the codess know it
- The small area of Korea seem close to any post or base is no different than areas around military posts in the states, it doesn't represent the country or area.
- Koreans shake hands and bow at the same time.
- 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.
- Often Korean people stare, it is curiosity and not intended to insult anyone. Grimacing or gesturing toward them will only produce conflict. A friendly smile, returned or not and moving along is always best.
- Don't be surprised if you see two Korean women or men walking arm and arm. They are just good friends and nothing sexual is implied.
- Never write names of living people in red ink; the names of the dead are written in red ink.
- Remove your shoes when visiting a home, temple and some restaurants. Always wear clean socks without holes.
- When having dinner with someone, one person often pays for everything. Sharing the cost is not considered polite. You will be able to return the favor next time you are together. This is one way to tie a friendship together, give and take. Remember not to tip.
- When you see what appears to be swastika in Korea, don't be alarmed, it has nothing to do with the Nazi affiliation or other hate groups. It is a Buddhist symbol far older than it's misuse in the west.
- Dinner in a traditional Korean home or restaurant is quite different from American-style dining. Guests sit on cushions around a low table. Many different dishes are served all at one time, each cut into bite-sized pieces. Each person has his own bowl of rice, but helps themselves to other food directly from the serving dishes. Koreans traditionally use chopsticks and a large-bowled spoon, although today forks are also used.
- Never rest your chop sticks/spoon standing up in your rice bowl, this is a funeral/memorial service custom.
- Do not compare Korean with Japanese. Never be complementary of things Japanese in comparison with anything Korean. Many Koreans still remember their ancestor's sorrow during the 36 years' of Japanese occupation. - If you attend a wedding or funeral, it's customary to take a white envelope containing a sum of money. Handing cash to someone is considered rude except when paying a shopkeeper for merchandise.
- Men should never be in public without a shirt.
- Be conscious of Korean customs and etiquette, but don't become obsessed with adopting Korean ways. Expect to have fun and enjoy yourself.