Etiquettes for Korean home visits that Koreans think

Etiquettes for Korean home visits that Koreans think

The etymology of Korea is an English name in the Coseon Dynasty in the late 18th century. Originally, the etymology of Korea came from the fact that Korea was founded in the Goryeo Dynasty (AD 918-1392) and became known to Europe. The Spanish name for Goryeo is Coree. It was marked as 'Conary' on a map made by Durado in 1568 during the Chosun dynasty (1392-1910), and marked as Cory on a map made by Herera in 1601. Through this process, the name of Korea became ‘Corea’ in Spanish and ‘Corée’ in French. And in the late 19th century, ‘C’ was changed to ‘K’ in the English-speaking world and became ‘Korea’.

As Korea became known to Europe, Korea became known as a country of courtesy in the East or a white-clad people (white clothes were traditional clothing). 

The Korean nation was a country with deep Confucianism religiously, so Koreans had a very strong respect for their ancestors and elders.

If you visit Korea, a country of etiquette in the East, as a foreigner, you will understand foreigners, but if you visit a Koran house for meeting and greeting to Korean adults or parents, you need to consider some important courtesies.

First, in Korea, you must take off your shoes when entering a house. -In Korea, the floor of the house is warm, and this kind of heating is the 'Ondol' culture discovered in the Baekje dynasty-. This part will be dealt with later. If you take off your shoes, put them in a shoe box or leave them neatly and then into its living room. (Recently, there are many people who casually throw off their shoes, and they still consider it impolite to do so.)

Second, the Korean way of greeting is to bend your waist about 30 degrees and say 'Hello' (Annenghaseyo). It is best not to hug, kiss on the cheek, or shake hands in the first meeting.

Third, it is good to prepare inexpensive gifts. Most Koreans buy small gifts when they go to someone's house. If the adults in the family like to drinks(Whisky, Wine etc), they will love it if we buy good wine or special alchole from the visitor's country. (If you only buy alcohol, elder's wife may not like it, so it is a tip to prepare other gifts besides alcohol)

Fourth, meal etiquette. When eating, there are spoons and chopsticks on the Korean table. It's not a bad idea to ask for a fork if chopsticks are awkward, but you can score points by practicing chopsticks in advance. Before eating, the elder(most elder) of the family should not touch the food first before holding a spoon or chopsticks. This part is very important. It is also not polite to eat soup first in advence rice when eating food (If you eat soup first, it is a not good way, and it is said that it is Ssangnon(A lower class in the social status system of until Coseon Dynasty similar to slavery behavior), I think which is a very bad word and people never say like that and also know bad tradition and it is being erased noblemen's social system. most of Korean think that 'We are novelmen family but it is not true) It originated from noblemen in the past saying disparaging words, but there are many adults who still think that way). It's good to eat food without leaving anything and it looks good. Also, they like people who eat well. This part seems to be the same in other countries. Korean food culture is to put only one food on several plates and share the food. It can be said that it is unhygienic, but it is polite to bring food little by little with chopsticks because it is a culture and still basic in Korean homes. When finishing a meal, do not finish eating your own food until the elder puts down the spoon or chopstics. Even if you finish eating first, it is polite to wait until the top adult has finished eating and put down the spoon or chopsticks before putting them down together.

Fifth, after a meal, if there are guests, it is basic to have refreshments or drink alcohol. Most of them will drink alcohol. When drinking alcohol, it is basic to start with alcohol that adults like. When an adult pours a cup of  drink, you should receive it with both hands, and after receiving the drink, pouring the drink into the adult's glass is another courtesy as a guest. When drinking, it is said that it is good etiquette to drink at the same speed as an adult, and to turn the glass sideways rather than looking at the adult. I don't drink that much... but I have to pour alcohol when the adult's glass is completely empty. It is not poured when there is still alcohol, but when the glass is completely empty.

Sixth, when you leave the house after visiting the house, just say hello and put on your shoes as if you were visiting the house for the first time. At this time, you can say goodbye (Annynghigeseyo).

I hope to make good memories in Korea, and next time I will introduce etiquette, travel destinations, and various cultures and history that Koreans tell us.