Since I’ve been in Korea, I’ve noticed some major differences between here and back home. They are random things, some good, so bad. It’s interesting to me how cultures can be so different. Here are a few things I’ve observed in my SEVEN MONTHS HERE!! (what WHAT?!):
USA:
A boy is taught at a young age to open doors, give up their seats somewhere, or just be a gentleman in general towards women.
Korea:
It’s every man (or woman) for himself/herself!! On multiple occasions, I’ve had a door slammed in my face by a guy who went inside before me and couldn’t bother offering me the door. I’ve had a man start running toward a taxi to get there first, when it was obvious that was my destination. I’ve had multiple bags in my hands on the subway, and been standing by a row of younger guys…none of whom gave up their seats. (Let me clarify: I'm definitely not trying to Korea-bash...I'm simply pointing out differences in cultures.) :)
USA:
When there is an accident on the road or highway, EVERYBODY has to slow down and stare at the cars and people involved. This obviously causes traffic jams, irritates people, and probably doesn’t help the accident situation any.
Korea:
When there is an accident, the police and tow trucks are there within minutes to clear away the accident. (They are extremely efficient!) Also, the drivers passing by turn on their emergency flashers as a sign of respect until they pass the accident scene.
Another random thought about the emergency flashers in Korea…whenever someone lets a person in front of them on the road, they always flash their emergency lights to say thank you. I love that. :)
USA:
In any sit-down restaurant you go to, it is expected that you tip your waiter or waitress. If you have a bigger party with you (5+), you typically have to tip 20% or more just for the inconvenience of serving so many people.
Korea:
It is extremely offensive if you give a tip at a restaurant or in a taxi. People know they are doing their job well, so it’s offensive for someone to tell them that they are. (They try to give the best service every time.)
USA:
When you go to a restaurant, you are typically given a menu and wait for the waiter to come to your table and take your order. Your drinks are brought to you first, then your appetizer and/or your meal.
Korea:
The menu, if there is one at all, is written or hanging on the wall. When you are ready to order, you either yell across the restaurant to one of the workers, or you walk up to the kitchen and tell them what you want. You get your own drink and appetizers from the buffet area, and replenish both whenever you’d like, free of charge.
USA:
When you check-out at the grocery store or department store, the typical question you receive is, “paper or plastic?” More and more, people have been bringing their own reusable bags, too!
Korea:
When you check-out at the market, you have to ask for a bag, which they charge a small fee for ($0.10), or they’ll assume you have your own bag. I quickly learned to bring an empty backpack to the market for my shopping so I wouldn’t have to use a bag. They really don’t like giving them out.
USA:
Every person driving an automobile of some sort is responsible for adhering to the rules of the road. Anyone can be given a ticket; anyone can be pulled over.
Korea:
Buses ALWAYS have the right of way (no, not people!!), and taxis are a close second. If the lights are red at an intersection and a bus is approaching, the bus driver barely slows down to check for oncoming traffic before he rips around the corner. People don’t even honk when buses cut them off. I’ve been in a taxi before when that happened, and the driver just slammed on the brakes and let the bus go.
USA:
You typically greet people however you’d like, or say hello to random strangers as you see fit.
Korea:
You always nod your head or bow to people as you enter and exit places, or if you make eye contact with someone inside or outside. You do this ESPECIALLY if they are older than you, since that is seen as a sign of respect. (This is definitely going to be a tough habit to break when I go back home!! I’m so used to bowing to everyone!)
USA:
The state where I’m from has sales tax.
Korea:
There is no sales tax here, so the price you see is the price you pay! Super convenient, and very nice whole numbers. (Apparently it’s built-in somehow…but it doesn’t make sense to me, nor does it really matter.) :)
USA:
Depending on who you’re with, you hold your tongue or “sugar coat” things sometimes when you’re talking to people. When you’re with your friends, you can be more honest and joke around. But, when you are with acquaintances or people you work with, you have to be careful not to offend anyone by what you say.
Korea:
Everyone is very forward and direct, no matter their age. If someone is frustrated about something, they will tell you. Or, if someone has an opinion, you will know it. They think very highly of their opinions, and think it is important to express them…always.
This was a conversation that took place during one of my middle school classes this week:
Students: Jamie Teacher, why your hair is back in a tie like this? (imitating my hair pulled back in a bun.)
Jamie: I don’t know. I was late, so I was trying to get ready fast.
Students: Oh. Well, you look like boy.
Jamie: Wow. Okay. Thank you?
Students: Your hair beautiful if you have down. Maybe tomorrow you have down hair?
Jamie: Definitely.
Students: Teacher. You have pretty eyes.
This class is full of really sweet students, and I know their intentions are good. Their culture tells them to be very critical of appearances and to be honest with people, even though I never asked for their opinion about my hair….It definitely takes some getting used to, but as long as I know where their heart is, it’s hard to be offended by it.
So...those are just a few observations I've made about the USA vs. South Korea. There are things that I like in both places, and things that I don't prefer about both places. I think that's one of the cool things about living abroad: being able to experience a culture that's SO different from my own and experience the "quirks" of that country.
