INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

(SOUTH KOREA)

PARTS:

1.​ Basic Information

• Sarina

●​ Location: East Asia on the Korean Peninsula (South Korea and North Korea)
Capital city of South Korea is Seoul while North Korea is Pyongyang.
●​ Language: Hangugeo in South Korea and Chosŏnŏ in North Korea. While
the Korean writing is called Hangeul in South Korea and Chosŏn'gŭl in North Korea.
●​ Population: 51,683,358
●​ Cultural Influences: K-pop, films, foods, technology, and customs.
●​ •Unique Cultural Traits: One unique cultural trait is the concept of "jeong," an emotional
connection that fosters deep relationships between people, whether it's family or friends.

2.​ Values, Norms, Communication Conventions

(2 persons)
•Taghoy
• Consigna

-​ Communication in South Korea is usually indirect, particularly when speaking with

someone older or in a higher position. People prefer not to be too straightforward
because it may come across as disrespectful. Most of the time, individuals talk formally
to show respect, especially in professional or unfamiliar situations. However, with close
friends, the conversation becomes more casual and relaxed.
-​ In South Korean culture, elders are highly respected, and younger individuals are taught
to be polite. The society is more collectivist, which means that people prioritize group
needs over individual interests. Even in today's society, Korean values such as family
obedience, protection, and proper etiquette among family members are still highly
valued.

3.​ Etiquette and Social Behavior:

• Guia

Do's and Don'ts.

DO’S

-​ Take off your shoes

-​ Wait for Elders to Start Eating
-​ Pour Drinks for Others
-​ Bow
 -​ Present and Receive Items use Both Hands

DON’TS

-​ Avoid Using Red Ink in Writing name

-​ Don't Leave Chopsticks Sticking Upright
-​ Don't Blow your nose at the table
-​ Don't Refuse Drinks Abruptly
-​ Avoid Public Displays of Emotion

How should someone behave in a public places, restaurants and formal setting?

In Public Places

-​ Be Quiet & Respectful

-​ Follow Queueing Etiquette
-​ Give Priority to Elders
-​ Dispose of Trash Properly
-​ Avoid PDA (Public Display of Affection)

Restaurants & Dining Etiquette

-​ Wait for Elders to Start Eating

-​ Use Both Hands When Receiving/Pouring Drinks
-​ Finish Your Food
-​ Don't Stick Chopsticks Upright in Rice
-​ Avoid Making Noise While Eating

Formal & Business Settings

-​ Greet with a Bow

-​ Use Both Hands When Giving/Receiving Business Cards
-​ Address People by Their Title + Last Name

What topics are acceptable or inappropriate in conversation?

Acceptable Topics

1.​ Korean Culture & Traditions

2.​ Hobbies & Interests
3.​ Food & Cuisine
Inappropriate Topics

●​ Politics & North Korea

●​ Religion & Personal Beliefs
●​ Negative Comments on Korean Culture

4.​ Language and Greetings:

•Jana

Filipino tourists should learn some basic Korean greetings and polite expressions to enhance
their travel experience.

Basic Greetings

- "Hello"

- Formal: 안녕하십니까 (annyeong hasim nikka)

- Standard: 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)

- Informal: 안녕 (annyeong)

- "Good Morning"

- Formal: 잘 주무셨어요? (jal jumu syeosse oyo) or 안녕히 주무셨어요? (annyeong hi jumu
syeosse oyo)

- Standard: 좋은 아침이에요 (joe una chimie yo) or 잘 잤어요? (jal jasseo yo?)

- Informal: 잘 잤어? (jal jasseo) or 좋은 아침 (joe un achim)

- "Good Evening"

- Formal: 안녕히 계셨어요? (annyeong hi gyesyeosse oyo)

- Standard: 좋은 저녁이에요 (joe un jeonyeogi yo)

- Informal: 좋은 저녁 (joe un jeonyeok)

- "Good Night"
- Formal: 안녕히 주무세요 (annyeong hi jumu seyo)

- Standard: 잘 자요 (jal jayo)

- Informal: 잘 자 (jal ja)

- "Thank You"

- Formal: 감사합니다 (kamsahamnida)

- Standard: 고맙습니다 (go맙습니다)

- Informal: 고마워 (gomawo)

- "You're Welcome"

- Formal: 천만에요 (cheonma neyo)

- Standard: 아니에요 (anieyo)

- Informal: 괜찮아요 (gwaenchana yo)

Polite Expressions

- "Excuse me"

- Formal: 실례합니다 (silly e hamnida)

- Standard: 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)

- Informal: 미안해요 (mianhae yo)

- "Please"

- Formal: 주세요 (juseyo)

- Standard: 부탁드립니다 (butakdeurimnida)

- Informal: 부탁해 (butakhae)

- "I'm sorry"

- Formal: 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)

- Standard: 미안합니다 (mianhamnida)

- Informal: 미안해 (mianhae)

Tips for Using Korean Greetings

- Consider Age and Social Status: Koreans use honorifics (formal language) when speaking to
someone older or of higher social status.

- Bowing: Bowing is a common greeting in Korea, especially in formal settings. The depth of the
bow depends on the age and social status of the person you are greeting.

- Don't be Afraid to Practice: Even if you don't speak Korean fluently, locals will appreciate your
effort to communicate in their language.

misunderstood words

- "Si-ba" (시바) sounds like a curse (씨발). Add "gyeon" (견) to clarify "Shiba dog" (시바견).

- Numbers like "18" (십팔) can sound like swearing. Pronounce carefully.

- Avoid "cheonmaneyo" (천만에요) for "you’re welcome"; use "anieyo" (아니에요) or

"gwaenchana yo" (괜찮아요).

Gestures to Avoid:

- Palm-up beckoning (calling animals). Use palm-down instead.

- Thumbs-up with palm down can imply "money," not approval.

- Pointing with one finger is rude; use an open hand.

Cultural Tips:

- Bowing depth matters: slight nod (casual) vs. deeper bow (respect).

- Use both hands when giving/receiving items (e.g., money, gifts).

- Avoid saying "michin" (crazy); it’s highly offensive.

Key Advice:

- Practice basic phrases (annyeonghaseyo, kamsahamnida).

- Mimic locals’ gestures to avoid accidental rudeness.

- Smile and apologize (joesonghamnida) if unsure—Koreans appreciate the effort!

By being mindful to this nuances, Filipino tourists can navigate social interactions smoothly and
avoid unintended offense.

5.​ Practical Travel Tips

Scenarios or examples (2 persons)
• Galvan

Scenario 1: Ordering Food

Communication Challenge - A Filipino tourist tries to order kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) at a
restaurant with limited English signage. They struggle to pronounce the dish's name correctly,
and the server doesn't understand. The tourist also doesn't understand the server's response
about available options.

Strategies for Overcoming Language Barriers - The tourist could use a translation app to show
the server the Korean characters for kimchi jjigae. They could also point at pictures on the
menu or use gestures to indicate what they want. If all else fails, politely asking for a
recommendation might work.

Showing Respect and Adaptability - The tourist could smile, use polite Korean phrases like
"annyeonghaseyo" (hello) and "gamsahamnida" (thank you), and patiently work through the
communication difficulties. They could also accept the server's recommendation gracefully if
they can't order their preferred dish.

Scenario 2: Asking for Directions

Communication Challenge - A Filipino tourist is lost and needs directions to the Gyeongbokgung
Palace. They attempt to ask a local but struggle to communicate the palace's name in Korean.
The local may not speak English.

Strategies for Overcoming Language Barriers - The tourist could show a picture of the palace or
use a map app to show the destination. They could also try writing the palace name in English
and showing it to the local. Using a translation app to show the question and the response
would be helpful.

Showing Respect and Adaptability - The tourist could bow slightly when asking for directions (a
common sign of respect in Korean culture). They should also listen attentively to the response,
even if they don't fully understand, and try to follow the directions given. If they are still unsure,
politely asking for clarification is appropriate.

Scenario 3: Navigating Public Transportation

Communication Challenge - A Filipino tourist needs to purchase a T-money card for using public
transportation. They don't understand the instructions on the vending machine, and the
attendant doesn't speak English.

Strategies for Overcoming Language Barriers - The tourist could observe other passengers
purchasing cards to understand the process. They could also look for visual cues on the
machine, such as pictures or symbols. Using a translation app to read the instructions and
understand the attendant's responses would be beneficial.

Showing Respect and Adaptability - The tourist could wait patiently in line, avoid cutting in front
of others, and use polite body language. They could also express gratitude to the attendant,
even if the interaction was challenging. They should adapt to the process, even if it differs from
what they are used to in the Philippines.

• Aggabao
Scenario 1: Difficulty Communicating with Locals

-​ A Filipino tourist tries to ask for directions to Gyeongbokgung Palace, but the local does
not understand English.

Strategy to Overcome Language Barriers:

-​ Use translation apps like Papago or Google Translate.
-​ Learn basic Korean phrases such as “어디에요?” (Eodieyo? - Where is it?)
-​ Show a map or written address to help communicate.

Showing Respect & Adaptability:

-​ Be patient and use polite language.
-​ Bow slightly when thanking someone, as bowing is a sign of respect in Korean culture.

Scenario 2: Ordering Food at a Restaurant

-​ The tourist wants to try authentic Korean dishes but struggles to read the menu written in
Hangul.

Strategy to Overcome Language Barriers:

-​ Look for restaurants with English menus or food pictures.
 -​ Learn essential food-related phrases like "이거 주세요" (Igeo juseyo - Please give me
this).
-​ Point at a dish that another customer ordered if it looks good.

Showing Respect & Adaptability:

-​ Follow dining etiquette, such as using both hands when receiving something.
-​ Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, as it resembles funeral rituals.

Scenario 3: Navigating Public Transportation

-​ The tourist is unsure how to use the subway system and struggles with the
Korean-language signage.

Strategy to Overcome Language Barriers:

-​ Download apps like Naver Map or Kakao Metro for real-time subway guides.
-​ Memorize common station names or their Korean pronunciations.
-​ Ask station staff or nearby passengers politely for help.

Showing Respect & Adaptability:

-​ Follow the queue when entering trains and avoid speaking loudly.
-​ Offer seats to the elderly, pregnant women, or persons with disabilities, as respect for
elders is important in Korean culture.