Business and Workplace Series EP 10: "Understanding Korean Cultural Etiquette"

 

Episode 10: "Understanding Korean Cultural Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts"

We’ll explore the fascinating world of Korean cultural etiquette. From bowing to gift-giving and dining manners, understanding these cultural nuances will help you navigate both social and professional situations smoothly.

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[ 1: Key Vocabulary ]

"Here are some key words related to Korean etiquette:

• 예의 (yeyi) – Etiquette
• 인사 (insa) – Greeting
• 존댓말 (jondaetmal) – Polite language
• 선물 (seonmul) – Gift
• 식사 예절 (siksa yejeol) – Dining manners

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[2: Cultural Etiquette Highlights ]

1. Bowing and Greetings:

• Bow slightly when greeting someone, especially in formal settings.
• Use '안녕하세요' (annyeonghaseyo) for polite greetings.

2. Gift-Giving:

• Bring a small gift when visiting someone’s home.
• Say, '작은 선물이지만 받아 주세요.' (Jageun seonmurijiman bada juseyo.) – It’s a small gift, but please accept it.

      

3. Dining Manners:

• Wait for the eldest person to start eating.
• Say, '잘 먹겠습니다.' (Jal meokgetseumnida.) – I will eat well, before the meal.
• Use both hands when pouring drinks for others.

Host:
"Repeat after me:

1. 잘 먹겠습니다. (Jal meokgetseumnida.)
2. 작은 선물이지만 받아 주세요. (Jageun seonmurijiman bada juseyo.)
3. 안녕하세요. (Annyeonghaseyo.)
   

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[3: Practice Dialogue]

Scenario 1: Visiting a Friend’s Home

You:
안녕하세요. 작은 선물이지만 받아 주세요.
(Annyeonghaseyo. Jageun seonmurijiman bada juseyo.) – Hello. It’s a small gift, but please accept it.

Friend:
감사합니다! 들어오세요.
(Gamsahamnida! Deureoseyo.) – Thank you! Please come in.

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Scenario 2: Dining at a Korean Table

Elder:
잘 먹겠습니다.
(Jal meokgetseumnida.) – I will eat well.

You:
잘 먹겠습니다.
(Jal meokgetseumnida.) – I will eat well.

Elder:
분위기가 정말 좋네요.
(Bunwigiga jeongmal jonneyo.) – The atmosphere is really nice.

You:
맞아요. 감사합니다.
(Majayo. Gamsahamnida.) – That’s right. Thank you.

“You did amazing today! See you next time! 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo).”