Small talk in South Korea
Within the last 50 years South Korea has developed from an agricultural country to one of the new Tiger Economies. Korean society is highly structured; great respect is paid to age. They are Buddhists with a strong Confucian tradition.
Mind your manners:
- When invited to a Korean home remove your shoes and wait to be invited inside.
- Don't knock at the door, it's a western tradition. Koreans find it intrusive. Cough or call out their names instead.
- They are on first-name terms only with people they know very well.
- Avoid topics like socialism, communism or Korean politics.
- At parties stay with your hosts or your group. Don't circulate on your own. At home, don't leave your Korean guests. Circulate with them.
- They tend to stand close to you when talking and touch your arm to attract attention.
- Don't be offended when a Korean asks: "where are you going? What time are you going to eat? What's that book you're reading?" Smile and say something vague - that's what is expected.
- Be prepared for personal questions: "Are you married? How old are you? How much do you earn?"
- Conversation takes place after the meal, not during the meal.
- After a meal you say "I've eaten very well. It was really delicious." A mere "Thank you" is not enough. It sounds insincere.
- Smiles are reserved for personal relationships. Smiling at new-comers is considered to be to pushy.
- Laughter is a sign of embarrassment, a sort of apology after having committed a blunder.
- Don't scratch your nose. Finger to nose gestures are very rude. Keep your fingers away from your face.
- Saying "no" when offered something is a sign of politeness. Say no a couple of times and then accept. You don't have to eat, drink or smoke it.
Reference: Small Talk for big business, Rene Bosewitz
