1. No daylight time saving
Koreans notice how Americans complain about how daylight time saving changes affect their sleep-wake cycles. They talk about having to get used to adjusting to the new time change. Koreans have never experienced this as daylight time saving does not exist in their country and in most of Asia.
2. Patience is a virtue
Another shock for the Koreans is how Americans expect to be on hold for 20 minutes–or even an hour–when they call a company or government department. In Korea, the average wait time for a call is three to four minutes so they think Americans are very patient.
3. Resumes are shorter
When Koreans apply for a job, they are forced to mention their parents’ job histories and education as well! The reason for this is that many of the big Korean corporations are family owned. It is also a reflection of how important family ties are in their society.
4. No military conscription
Korean visitors are usually pleasantly surprised to note that there is no military conscription in the USA. All South Korean males between the ages of 18 and 35 must serve in the army for a two-year period. This is a very controversial aspect of Korean life. Many Koreans envy countries like the USA, where the military draft ended in 1973
5. Service expectations are different
Koreans always notice how much longer everything seems to take in restaurants. They are used to shouting out “Yeogiyo” which means “come here, please.” They find it difficult to adjust to the technique of catching the waiter’s eye, which is considered more polite in American culture but can take a lot longer.
6. Great variety of food and meals
Koreans love eating in America because they are stunned by the variety of dishes and the fact that there are different menus for breakfast, lunch or dinner. In Korea, they always have rice which is served with a vast variety of side dishes. Their staple dishes, such as kimchi (fermented cabbage), can be delicious. Chopchae is another very tasty option.
7. Formality vs. informality
In South Korea, everyone greets each other with a little bow as a sign of respect. In many ways life is much more formal than in the USA. They find it strange that everyone seems to be on first name terms. In Korea, first names are reserved for close friends. Formality extends to clothes and fashion when, for example, showing too much cleavage is not really coo. The concept of saying “Bless you” when someone sneezes is strange. Since this is a normal body function, there is no reason to acknowledge it. A similar attitude is shown when Koreans do not say “I’m sorry” when they step on someone’s foot in the subway. They find that courtesy a pleasant surprise in America.
8. Distances take some getting used to
When you think that South Korea is about the same area of Indiana, you can understand how Koreans find talk of travel and distances disconcerting. If you suggest a road trip lasting more than 3 hours, that would be the equivalent of travelling the length of their country!
9. Americans have more free time
Koreans work very hard; figures show that they work 14% longer than we do. It is also shocking to discover how short their vacations are–sometimes only 3 days! They envy this and marvel at how much more free time we have to relax and enjoy life.
10. Workplace etiquette is very different
When Koreans see how Americans are relaxed and casual in the workplace, they blink again. It is a totally new world for them. They will normally have to address their manager with respectful titles, which may include the word “teacher.” They have to wear suits and ties, and women are not allowed to dress casually. Status is so important that it is not surprising to learn that Korean grammar reflects this. Americans are normally very friendly, informal and direct in almost every level of society. They prefer to speak frankly and economically. If you see Koreans looking puzzled or having difficulty adjusting, you now know why. Featured photo credit: Kieran Lynam via flickr.com
title: “10 Things Koreans Discover When Visiting America” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-21” author: “David Stone”
1. Everyone says “thank you” for every little thing.
Especially in larger cities, Americans tend to use the phrase “thank you!’ on a frequent basis. For example, when a clerk hands over change at the store, the customer gives thanks. This isn’t the Korean way. It’s not that Koreans are impolite—far from it! It’s just that Korean cities tend to be even more densely populated than their US equivalents, and everything moves at a faster pace.
2. The buildings are so much shorter than those in Korea.
Most people in Korea live in high-rise apartments, reflecting the fact that space is at a premium. Of course there are very densely-populated areas in America and more rural spots in Korea, but as a rule, Koreans are more accustomed to living and working in buildings that are much taller than those in the average American town.
3. The portions seem huge.
America has an international reputation for serving large portions of food at restaurants and diners. Koreans, like many foreign visitors, are frequently surprised to discover how much value the typical American meal offers.
4. Students spend far fewer hours in school compared with Korean youngsters.
It isn’t uncommon for students to spend several hours more in school each day in Korea, compared with those in the American education system. In addition, students often attend after-school activities, like sports and or programs for learning additional languages.
5. American employees work fewer hours.
Americans work long hours—no doubt about it. However, Korea is notable for its “work hard, play hard” culture. On average, Koreans work 10–15% more hours per week than Americans. There is also a more ingrained culture of post-work socialization.
6. In America, cross-generational friendships and relationships between employees and managers are more common.
In general, Koreans consider it appropriate to stick to friends of one’s own age rather than those of other generations. Traditionally, there is a great sense of respect towards elders and those in higher-up positions at work. While a typical American employee may be on first-name terms with their line managers and may even consider them a friend, a Korean worker would refer to this person by their title instead.
7. The rules for showing cleavage are different.
Although too much cleavage is frowned upon in America, it is quite acceptable for women to show some in most social settings (within the realms of good taste and decency, of course). However, this would not be appropriate in Korea.
8. Tattoos and piercings are more common and acceptable in America.
Tattoos and piercings can be seen across most parts of the US, and are perceived as a means of self-expression. Koreans, however, are less likely to get inked or to wear body jewelry. This stems from a deeply-ingrained cultural difference. Traditionally, American culture has been more pro-individualism, whereas Korean culture has historically valued conformity and group harmony.
9. People say “Bless You!” when someone sneezes.
There is no equivalent of ‘Bless You!’ in Korea. In general, if someone sneezes, it isn’t considered a big deal.
10. Tipping is expected in America.
When eating out in an American restaurant, standard etiquette demands that you tip the wait staff 15–20%, depending on the quality of service received. This is novelty for Korean visitors—tipping is not a regular or expected phenomenon in their home country. So if you ever find yourself talking to a Korean visitor, don’t be surprised if you discover some cultural differences! As long as everyone remains respectful of this diversity, such differences can only make the world a more fascinating place in which to live. Featured photo credit: Unsplash/Pixabay via pixabay.com
