Culture and Customs of Seoul

If you're a tourist traveling to Seoul for the first time, it's advisable to be aware of the prevalent customs beforehand. Just like other far eastern countries like China and Japan, Korean society is dictated by manners stemmed from Confucianism. Though South Korea, most especially Seoul, has been adopting more modern ways of thinking in the past years, the customs and attitudes have at the core, remained the same. A discerning tourist always needs a proper guidance to a city so that he can explore the nuances of the place he is visiting.

 

The capital city of South Korea attracts thousands of tourists with its perfect blend of the modern trails and the traditional ways. The modern and the old cultures have interlinked with each other to create a sparkling atmosphere in the city. The city dotted with the towering skyscrapers and glitzy shopping malls is home to the very traditional Koreans. They have never overlooked their traditions on their way to becoming modern. The city streets might portray a busy picture of a fast paced life, always choked with traffic, and the people never having the time to care about their personal lives. But close inspection of reality would reveal the inner sense of tranquility with serene Buddhist temples and the beautifully crafted gardens spread all across the city. The sound of the Buddhist hymns casts a magical spell epitomizing the rich Korean culture.

 

Korean Family Values

The family is the most important part of Korean life and family is a rigid structure.  In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter, and to approve the marriages of family members. The eldest son has special duties: first to his parents, then to his brothers from older to younger, then to his sons, then to his wife, and lastly to his daughters. Family welfare is much more important than the personal needs of the individual. Members of the family are tied to each other because the actions of one family member reflect on the rest of the family.

 

The Concept of Kibun

Kibun is a word with no literal English translation; the closest terms are pride, face, mood, feelings, or state of mind. If you hurt someone's kibun you hurt their pride, cause them to lose dignity, and lose face. Korean interpersonal relationships operate on the principle of harmony. It is important to maintain a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere at all times, even if it means telling a "white lie". Kibun enters into every facet of Korean life. Nunchi is the ability to determine another person's kibun by using the eye, accomplished by watching body language and listening to the tone of voice as well as what is said. Kibun is a deep respectful approach towards all.

 

Here are some general cultural norms:

1. Greetings in Korea follow a strict protocol. Most Koreans shake hands after a bow.

2. It is inconsiderate to give someone an expensive gift, if you know they cannot reciprocate accordingly. Use both hands while giving a gift.

3. When you enter a Korean home, remove your shoes outside. They often eat and sleep on the floor, so it is considered extremely disrespectful if you don’t. Greet each person individually with a bow, wait to be told where to sit and send a Thank You note the next day.

4. Kimchi is a very strong symbol of Korean culture. Koreans love it and eat it with every meal. If you can withstand the spicy flavour, you will earn their respect.

 

 

 

Very Important Tip

To a Korean, there is no such thing as The Sea of Japan. The body of water between Korea and Japan is known only as the East Sea.

Also, Koreans fervently believe that Dokdo – the disputed islets between Korea and Japan (known in Japan as Takeshima) – belong only to Korea.

It would be most unwise to attempt to disagree with either of these points, as Koreans don’t consider them up for debate.