Throughout my stay here in Korea, I learned so much about the Korean culture. Here are some of the observations that I wanted to share:
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Korea is influenced by Shamanism, Confucianism, Christianity. The influence of Shamanism is embedded in Korea’s way of thinking. Confucianism heavily affects way of life of Koreans – from their language to everyday actions, among others. Korean Confucianism values faith, loyalty, filial piety (hierarchy), harmony (collectivism), and intellectualism. Five distinct relationships in society that are regarded as very important in Korea manifest these Confucian values. These are: respect and obedience between father and son, loyalty between king and subject, distinction between husband and wife, respect between old and young, and trust among friends. As evidently shown, Koreans have high regard to elders. Even in their language or speech, they have nopinmal (for older people or same age) and banmal (for younger ones).
2. Contrary to popular belief, a lot of Koreans are atheist or agnostic. Christianity in Korea is the way we know it because of the influence of Shamanism. They evangelize, preach and proclaim God wholeheartedly because of their Shamanistic background.
3. Suicide rate in Korea is so high (that is, even if there a lot of Christian churches). Probably due to the pressure to excel in academics and in life. Plus the importance of saving face. Koreans wanting to show their best image to other people with the fear of losing face, sometimes resort to commit suicide, because they were not able to take the social pressure of high social expectations. This is evidenced by the World Health Organization report, which states that South Korea has the highest suicide rate in the world. The number of suicides in 2009 was 14,579, a rise of 18.8 from 12,270 in 2008. This implies that the suicide rate in 2009 was 29.9 for every 100,000 persons, which is 2 1/2 times the rate in the United States and significantly higher than in nearby Japan, where suicide is deeply embedded in the culture. This is a sad reality, hopefully social ties (family, peer groups, church groups) will be strengthened to form better support system and minimize such incidents.
4. Social status is important. The Korean society has strong focus on social appearances—having the right education, job or perceived level of success. Conspicuous consumption is very rampant for Koreans to show off their social status and to display their income or wealth. For example, Koreans‘ preference for branded clothes and cars reveals a state of mind of wanting to display their status and economic strength through symbols associated with those variables.
5. Koreans are also conscious of shame associated with moral inadequacy. Feeling honorable and proper is a critical component in experiences of shame and chemyeon (Korea’s social face). Proper behavior and fulfilled obligations bring an individual a sense of honor and propriety needed to preserve one‘s chemyeon. In Korea, there is a moral responsibility to obey and to teach especially to the younger generations.
6. The importance of education and English. Education due to influence of Confucianism. Hagwons are all around the corner. Kids are sent to hagwons and abroad to pursue further studies and to improve their English skills. Studying at an early age with the expectation to excel, education has been a factor that contributes to stress for most Korean youth. Coupled with the extremely high regard for education, goose fathers are now prevalent in the Korean society. Kids and their mother are sent abroad to study (mostly to study English).
7. Koreans are so into physical beauty. For instance, plastic surgery is widely accepted in society (especially double eyelid). Teenagers as young as 14 are undergoing this operation, and eye jobs have become a favorite high school graduation gift from proud parents. About 25% of Korean mothers who have daughters between the ages of 12 and 16 suggested plastic surgery to their daughters. The majority of cosmetic surgeries in Korea come for the eyelids, but nose jobs are also becoming popular among teens. Liposuction performed on thighs is also prevalent among Koreans. In connection with this, another observation is that there are many cosmetics brands in Korea – Faceshop, Skinfood, Etude House, Missha, Hanskin, Tony Moly, The Saem, Aritaum, Nature Republic, Baviphat, Innisfree, among others. Korea is said to be the testing hot spot of major cosmetics brands around the world.
8. Amazing technology – Korea is the most wired city. Internet is so fast. There are also wifi zones almost anywhere. In addition, other amazing technology include the GPRS, the ATM machines (which can deposit and withdraw cash or checks), the DMB cellphones, the subway digital machine with embedded internet and calling capacity, the ordering gadget in restaurants (instead of the usual number system), to name a few.
9. This might sound silly, but I like the fact that there is a tissue in almost every bathroom. And the toilets are clean. Even the public restrooms, have tissue available for use.
10. Drinking is a major socializing activity. You’ll learn to eventually drink a lot (soju, mekju, somek, dongdongju etc.) – in meetings, birthdays, and almost every social event. Note that you cannot pour yourself a drink. Someone should do so for you. Also note that you have to turn away from an elder when drinking.
11. Noraebang (karaoke room), PC bang (internet room), Jimjilbang (spa/sauna) are very famous. Plus the new multibang (PC bang, noraebang plus sofa and bed for sleeping, plus wii and other computer games). (Koreans are addicted to PC games like star craft, war craft to name a few. The tournaments here are known worldwide).
12. Subway and transportation is very convenient. You can use your T-money in bus, train, subway and even on purchases. You can even book trains in the internet!!! When I rode a Mugunghwa train to Nonsan, I got my confirmation ticket via my cellphone. It is so quick and easy.
13. Korea is a safe place to be. People are kind and trustworthy. You can leave your valuables anywhere and no one will get it. You can expect to retrieve your belongings when you return to the place where you left your things. And also the other time when I boarded the Mugunghwa train, no one actually inspected the train ticket – you just go to the platform during the allotted schedule and hop on the train.
14. Korean TV, movie, film, music industry is thriving. Thanks to the Hallyu / Korean wave.
15. Korean food as we know it is spicy. (Most Korean restaurants also serve coffee for free. Coffee with candy is a nice combination.) But there are other interesting foods too. And by the way, Koreans eat dog (dish name: boshintang).
16. Last but not the least, do know that Koreans are very prompt. ^_^
Post Notes:
(Additional things I forgot to mention above)
1. Mountain hiking is a famous activity. Ajussi and ajumma go with their groups. It is also an alternative family bonding activity (sometimes they even bring their little ones when hiking) unlike in the Philippines where Malling and window shopping culture is rampant.
2. They have a lot of bakeshops and pastry shops too. And they all taste good and the presentation and packaging is very nicely done too.
3. If you’re a foreigner, you won’t run out of activities to do, just check the enormous websites available for volunteer activities or art exhibits or exhibitions, etc.
See related post:
http://abigailgo.blogspot.com/2011/02/observations-about-korea.html
By: Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor
