For a really good site on language phrases and culture see Life in Korea website and check out Korean Practice and Culture.
Korea, "Land of the Morning Calm," is a land of opposites existing in conjunction with each other. It combines ancient Oriental tradition with modern technology.
Daejeon is a city where science and education comes together to give the best excitement and entertainment.
Koreans will go out of their way to accomodate visitors or help solve any problems that may come up. Outside of Seoul, where the super hustlebustle is crazy and people don't have much patience, Koreans are outgoing and friendly, curious about foreigners and english language (compulsory from primary school) - they're happy to help with directions and might even escort you!
Although there are a lot of customs and culture that locals need to do, foreigners will be forgiven and aren't expected to adapt to all the culture - particularly for example the formal, casual, same-level, low-form and high form in speech! But it is really nice to try and make an effort to not offend and to learn a few words. People will highly appreciate if you make a genuine effort!
Cultural differences will pop up left right and centre - what to do? Smile! Universal in any language ^^
Some Basic Korean
It's one of the easier languages to pick up - the 'characters' are actually a syllable made up of 2-3 letters! Korean is a very logical alphabet, devised by King Sejong in the Joseon dynasty. The letters reflect the movement of the throat when pronouncing them and is mostly phonetic.
Korean conjugations are based, not around gender like european ones, but around the other person's age relative to your age.
Thus the first question you'll probably be asked following 'What's your name?' is 'What's your age?'!
A few basic expressions including (F) formal ones are in the table below (all in polite form): Politeness is really important.  Note: There's no difference between morning/afternoon/evening in greetings - same for every time of day!
 INsider Tip: While you might be inclined to say 'Mianhamnida' when accidentally bumping into someone, Koreans generally reserve this for something more serious and don't say anything when bumping. You might get some strange looks!
Yo dude! If trying to use Korean and not sure about the level of politeness, it's safest to add -yo to the end of any thing you say. For example 'Australia' instead of 'Hoju' say 'Hoju-yo'
What happened to 4? It sounds similar to the word for death so many building won't have a fourth floor - it frequently goes 1,2,3,F,5 or just misses it all together. A bit like American ships, which don't have a deck 13. Any colour but red! When exchanging addresses etc, try to avoid red pen. It can mean unfriendliness.
Body language - Koreans usually greet with a bow or a bow+handshake. Same for goodbye. Hugging isn't too common in public, but bumping or sitting very close on a crowded metro train etc is ok. Avoid touching anyone on the head though.
Girls: It's not common to show shoulders so be mindful of this in your clothing choices. You'll find that local girls sometimes wear quite short skirts, just no visable shoulders/collarbone. My french housemate & I had a theory on this - There's no official rule, but at any rate, we noticed it everywhere.
TWO HANDS: Perhaps the most important conference tip you can know is that when given and receiving business cards you must use two hands to be polite. Give and receive the business card with both hands.
Soju-yo? I'll let you discover this one in Korea ^^ When drinking with friends, usually one pours other people's and then lets someone else pour their own. It's considered rude to pour your own alchoholic beverage. Pour with your right hand, with your left palm facing up and resting on your right arm. The closer to the wrist you put the left palm, the more you respect the person.
Mr/Ms/Mrs Kim? If you'd like to be respectful to older Korean nationals - it's easy to remember how to say Mr/Ms/Mrs - just add '-shi' at the end of their last name! For example Mr Lee = Lee-shi or Mrs Soyoung Park = Park Soyoung-shi. Too easy!
Cultural differences will pop up left right and centre - what to do? Smile! Universal in any language ^^
Not FAQ: Some on the ground less frequently thought to ask about questions:
My credit/debit card doesn't work to withdraw money!
It probably won't, unless the ATM (bancomat) you're trying to use has a 'Global ATM' sign marked somewhere around it. You can use foreign cards to pay for things normally in shops, restaurants though without problem.
Airport ATMs are definitely global at Incheon. Also many 7/11 type convenience stores have global ATMs.
Mobile/Cell Phones:
Korean phones use a different system with a non removable SIM card, so you won't be able to just swap SIMs at the airport. Check with your provider if international roaming will work in Korea, don't assume it will, you must check individually.You can hire a cell/mobile phone at Incheon International Airport on arrival.
I just want a 'normal' shop:
E-Mart has everything and anything - supermarket and department store in one. There's a really big E-Mart on the main bus route. Yellow with Black Letters. You can't miss it!
Fun around town:
Wherever the evening starts, it will end at Noraebang. There is almost one on every street corner! They have many songs in English, Chinese, Japanese and some other languages. 노래방, known in english as karaoke is one of the most favourite forms of entertainment among Korean students and young people. You pay for a private room with super comfy couches around the walls and can have food and drink served while you sing the night away! Less than 10euro total for everyone. Hire rooms by the hour - you'll be surprised - it's not enough!
DVD방 (DVDbang)
Oh, yes - if you somehow find yourself with spare time - you and friends can rent out not just a DVD, but a mini theatre room to watch it in!
PC방 (PCbang)
If you haven't figured by now 방 means 'room' - so PC방 is all the internet and gaming cafe's - there are so many, all at such reasonable rates, you'll never be short of access to home!
National Science Museum in Daejeon (mostly space!) Centre
See this webpage for detailed information. Astronomical Hall, Astrovision and Space Theatre!!
We will pay for your entry as part of the SGC09 Program on Oct 9!
Still cranking at this hour??
Yep! Korean shops etc are open until very late at night - "officially" 8pm but usually around 11pm and then the Noraebangs etc until even later - including during the week! Walking down the street at any hour you'll find an amazing buzz of activity and culture happening all around!
Smile!
^.^ or more commonly ^^ = :) or :-)
\(^o^)/ is a face cheering! (see the arms?)
TT is crying/sad, similar to :( or :-(
Observations by an Aussie who lived in and loved Korea! Feel free to comment/ask more questions.I look forward to meeting you in Daejon and showing you my adopted home! -ABoyd |
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