The South Korean Cultures

Cultural Context
          The Korean philosophies have caused South Korea to become an exceptionally high context society. In the early 15^th century, the new policies introduced by the Chosun dynasty were very strictly aligned with Confucianism. Its strong influence continues till today. Based on the teachings of Confucius, juniors should bow 90 degree when greeting their seniors and use formalities and honorifics when talking to them even if their age gap is a year apart. An example would be girls calling their older guy friends 'oppa' instead of their names as it is rude to do so.

South Koreans bowing to each other

      As South Koreans are a high context society, they have a high cultural context’s communication. Therefore, their communication is more formal and indirect. They do not say what is on their minds to prevent offending anyone. Often, they will keep silent to help sustain peace and avoid problems. South Koreans are able to understand what is being communicated by others just by looking at one’s facial expression, body posture and gesture. Whenever South Koreans speak to older people or even to foreigners, they will use formalities and honorifics to show respect to them. For example, they will add ‘yo’-the polite verb ending or ‘ni da’-the formal verb ending at every end of their sentences. 

          In South Korea, a lot of unspoken information is implicitly transferred during communication. Besides, South Koreans tend to emphasize on long term business relationships and loyalty. Therefore,they have less rules and structure implemented. Most of the time, people from a low context society encounter some problems when running their business in South Korea such as misunderstanding when exchanging information as there is not much information provided by the South Koreans. South Koreans prefer to deal with people who are expected to be a long term customers because they emphasize on long term business relationship. Although there could be some unwritten rules in contracts that can be taken for granted but it can easily be missed by the others. 

Legal & Ethics

 

The emblem of South Korea

       The South Korean legal system effectively dates from the introduction of the original Constitution of the Republic of Korea and the organization of South Korea as an independent state. During the existence of the Republic of Korea, the Constitution has been revised or rewritten several times. ; Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_South_Korea

           In South Korea, one is considered legally able to drink at the age of 19 years old. Beside that, South Koreans are strongly against drugs and have absolutely no tolerance and compassion towards drug abuse. Even the misused of drugs that are prescribed by doctors or the ones that are available in the pharmacies are unacceptable. Legal actions such as jail sentences and a large amount of fine will be charged to those involved in drug abuse and drug trafficking.

      The law in South Korea has also change the working hours from 40 hours a week to the 5 day workweek system. This has helped employees reduce the number of working hours in a day. Those under the age of 18 years old are prohibited from working without their parents consent. They are also not allowed to work any night shifts unless they have the permission to do so by the Labor Ministry.

Confucius

      The beliefs of Confucianism are still strong in the cultural ethics of South Korea. Confucianism is considered a code of ethics instead of a religion in South Korea. The Confucian ethics puts an importance in the significance of family, the value of harmony in a group, and respect towards those in power. These ethics have played a big role in shaping the current South Korean work ethic and also the family life in South Korea.

Social Customs

         First would be their concept of time and personal space. South Koreans place a great emphasis on sticking to schedules and deadlines. They value and expect punctuality and diligence. The transportation system schedules are usually on time. Between teachers and students, it is considered alright for the teacher to pat the student on the back or even knock their head (lightly).

          Second would be their values. Family is the most important part in the life of a South Korean. In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide the necessities to his family. He also makes the decision to approve the marriages of the family members. The eldest son has special duties: first to his parents, then to his brothers from the eldest to the youngest, then to his sons, then to his wife, and lastly to his daughters. Members of the family are tied to each other because the actions of one family member reflect on the rest of the family. 

          
Next is the belief in South Korea. Of the South Korean population in 2005, 46.5% were classified as Irreligious, 22.8% were Buddhist, 29.2% were Christians, and the rest adhered to various minority religions including Jeung San Do, Daesun Jinrihoe, Cheondoism, Taoism, Confucianism and Won Buddhism. A smaller minority of Koreans also professed Islam.

      
The next would be the manners practiced in business and social settings. In a social setting, one of the table manners would be to not sit anywhere until told where so. Out of politeness, it is recommended to not take the first offer of second helpings. One should also never criticize Korean cuisine as South Koreans are very proud of their food and will feel offended if it has been criticized. 

      In the business setting, do try to have a third party to initiate a business. South Koreans prefer to do business with someone they are already connected to. Business relationships grow through social gatherings that are informal which includes food and drink. South Koreans are direct, so be direct in return and be punctual when attending any business events. 

      Lastly would be the respect for authorities.Respect for authorities according to seniority is a pillar in Korea's Confucian traditions. Seniority is based on age, position in the family, job position, being a teacher and the list goes on. Out of respect for the elderly, young people normally get up and give up their seats to an elderly person in a crowded bus or subway train.

Non-Verbal Communication

            In the Korean culture, non-verbal communication is important. Eye contact and smiling are very much appreciated by South Koreans as signs of welcoming and friendship. However, eye contact often don't happen between South Koreans due to their age, gender and social status difference. Eye contact is more commonly shown when speaking with the people they know. In business, direct eye contact should be avoided between the authority and the subordinates because it is seen as rude or even as a challenge towards the authority. Facial expressions are barely channeled to show emotions during any formal events in South Korea. Smiling is fine most of the time but if one smiles during an inappropriate time, it can cause a misinterpretation.



A South Korean woman smiling

         Beside that, the style of dress in South Korea is also very important.  They dress appropriately as a way to show respect towards whoever they are meeting up. Normally, South Korean mens would wear a formal suit and tie whenever they attend any formal events and to work. The women of South Korea are also famous for dressing up fashionably. They dress up appropriately and avoid wearing clothes that show their bare skin and short,tight skirts to the workplace or even when they go out and eat especially in traditional restaurants as they are required to sit on the floor.

        South Koreans also do not have physical contact with strangers of different gender. They aren't exactly comfortable with overly familiar touch too. Affection is hardly shown among South Koreans even towards their family members. Affectionate touch in South Korea traditionally started by the elder person and reciprocated by the younger person.

 

Conducting Business

          South Koreans conduct business meetings firstly by greeting each other followed by a bow and a handshake. The managers will then exchange their name cards to formally introduce themselves. Both sides should receive the name cards using both hands or by using the right hand with the other hand supporting the receiving or giving hand. After receiving the name card, one should immediately and closely take a look at it and place the name card at the meeting table visibly. The action of putting someone’s name card in the pocket without looking at it or writing on it is disrespectful to the person giving it.        

Giving and receiving name cards using both hands in South Korea

Bowing to each other to show respect among South Koreans

        In addition, the guest of the meeting must show respect towards the influential people of the company. Guests should only take their seat after the company’s high-rank manager or the CEO of the company has taken his seat. In the first few meetings, the South Koreans will try and build a good relationship with their meeting partner. They are also known for their punctuality when attending and carrying out meetings as it is a form of respect towards their meeting partners.

          

         Negotiations among South Koreans begin with meetings between executives of high position  to form a relationship on the necessary personal basis. The lower level managers will then continue the negotiation to discuss more in detail. Generally, South Koreans are aggressive and dislike waiting. They make instant and emotional decisions when negotiating and will only sign contracts with companies that they feel comfortable with or whom they are close with.