ESL 21b

Essay 1.2

Distinct Cultural Patterns of Korea

    It is known to be true that every country has their own cultural aspects which vary from a country to other countries. Many people who have experienced these varieties might also have experienced "cultural shock." Koreans' somewhat excessive politeness may confuse foreigners. Politeness to elderly people, especially, is considered as one of the most important values of Korean culture. In order to prevent any difficulties which foreigners might have, it would be better for them to acquire information about different cultural aspects before they travel.

    First of all, In Korea, it is polite to bow to elderly people. So, when foreigners get to meet elderly people, they should bow to them to show some respects. Also, when foreigners have lunch or dinner with elderly people, they should not show their teeth which means, they should try not to show their food in their mouth. Making loud noises while they are eating is not acceptable, either.

    Second, in my opinion, the most important rule for foreigners to know is eye-contacting.Awkward While foreigners are talking or listening to an elderly person, they should look downwards. If they look straight to an elderly person's eyes, it is treated as a rude behavior. This is very different from many other foreigners' culture, especially Americans and Europeans.

    Moreover, punctuality is really important virtue in Korean culture. Koreans are usually in a hurry. Even if they are not, they tend to do their job as soon as possibleAwkward. This is a characteristic of Koreans. Most Koreans are not very generous about makingVTense them wait. Therefore, foreigners are betterAwkward to be on time when they have an appointment with Koreans. Concepts about time vary from a culture to another. This is very well-explained in the article "Time Talks." According to the article, the author was in shock when the author realized Brazilians' different concepts of time. Brazilians were usually late for their classes but it seemed that they did not care about it. As I read the article, I was also shocked and realized the cultural difference affects even on the time concept.

    Last but not least, Koreans do not use gestures while they communicate as much as Americans do. When I started to study in U.S.A, I was surprised by how often people from other countries use gestures while they are communicating. It seems like using gesture is also a mean of communication in everyday-life for them. However, if a person uses gestures a lot while they speak, Koreans would think that they are imprudent or not reliable. Therefore, foreigners who visit Korea should pay attention to the usage of gestures.

    In brief, every country has their own concepts that people from other countries can not judge about. Koreans value politeness, punctuality and the way people communicate - eye contacting and using gestures. If more and more efforts are made to understand other cultures, intercultural problems would be able to be solved and true "global village" will be made.