Bathrooms
Lets talk about using the bathroom. We all have to do it, it's nature's calling. Now, many foreigners who visit Korea are in for a shock of a lifetime if they assume that toilet paper can be found in bathrooms. Shocking, I know. I, fortunately, was not one of the unfortunate that go to the bathroom to do their business, and are left trapped on the toilet with no tissue paper. That crisis is one that will leave many scarred for life, so take this tip if you don't want to end up trapped in a bathroom with no way out because you forgot to bring toilet paper or tissues with you. Though I was prepared for this, I found myself having a hard time getting used to this. Not only do you have to bring your own toilet paper or tissues, you cannot flush it down the toilet as the plumbing system may not allow it. There is almost always a little trashcan placed conveniently next to the toilet for you to toss any trash into. With all this being said, however, there are bathrooms that have toilet paper and allow people to flush the toilet paper into the toilet. Just make sure to be aware of the signs located outside the bathroom or on the stalls!
-Mandeep
Cuteness Overload
Korea is very... well, cute. There are cute things everywhere, people act cute, and the cuteness is called Aegyo: 애교. Aegyo is basically acting in a cute way, either through a cute baby voice, facial expressions, or gestures. When I first saw people doing aegyo I was taken aback because seeing aegyo in America is extremely rare. I got used to it after a while, but just expect to see many people acting cute.
-Mandeep
-Mandeep
Hierarchy
For those who don't study the Korean language, Korean has levels of formality in its speech. Depending on who you are taking to and even who you are talking about, the words you use and how your verbs are conjugated change based on the level of formality that is appropriate. This reflects the social hierarchy as well. In Korea, those who are older than you deserve respect that is reflected in the language and culture. Social rank is based off of age, occupation, and more. There is a lot more respect for the elderly in Korean culture and this is shown in how people treat the elderly and even in buses and on subways where there are seats reserved for the elderly. Also, people born in the same year can use the same speech formality with each other, but this also depends on the personal relationship they have. In short, formality and hierarchy is very important to Korean society and how you use the Korean language reflects it!
-Katie
-Katie
Fashion
Despite the fact that Crocs are extremely popular in Korea, Korean people tend to be more fashionable than Americans. You will almost never see someone out and about in sweatpants and t-shirt. It is very common to see women in heels and a skirt or men wearing those glasses without lenses and a classy button down. In addition, you can find shirts with English phrases in any clothing store you come across, and more often than not, the English is grammatically incorrect or just makes no sense. Just like most popular things in Korea, English is "trendy", so you find it anywhere and everywhere, including on what you wear.
-Brooklyn
-Brooklyn
Beauty Standards
One's appearance in America is definitely emphasized, but Korea's idea of beauty is quite different from what we typically perceive as "beautiful" in the U.S. With Seoul being the plastic surgery capital of the world, it is no surprise that looks are everything in Korea. For instance, you will see ads for plastic surgery on the buses and in the subway, with "double eyelid" surgery being one of the most popular forms, and is often a graduation gift to students from their parents. Looks may be so important due to the fact that your appearance may directly impact your chances of getting a job, because you are required to include a headshot on your resume. Skin care is also extremely important, and the country is famous for having a "10 step daily routine" as the secret to perfect skin. In addition, pale skin, a "v-line" (small face with a v shaped jaw) and an "S-line" (curvy body shaped like an S) are among other popular beauty trends in Korea.
-Brooklyn
-Brooklyn
Transportation Etiquette
This is a big one, especially for those coming from rural or suburban areas in the USA where cars are the main mode of transportation. When you take a train or a bus, it is important to be quiet. Often those on public transportation are headed to and from work and just want a peaceful ride. If you are being loud and rambunctious, you will get glared at and possibly scolded. Also note that this rule does not apply to the elderly. They are at the top of the hierarchy, and you must respect them, so they can get away with screaming at each other on the subway. Also, do not take the seats marked for the elderly, sick, or pregnant. You will get scolded. I've seen it happen.
In addition to noise level, it is also important to remember that your personal space bubble shrinks when you are in a big city like Seoul. Sometimes you will take a train or a bus at rush hour and it will be PACKED full. Do not shove people or complain. Just suck it up, pile in, and go to your happy place until you arrive at your happy place. Also, please move out of the way for those trying to get off the bus/train, and then move further back. It makes life easier for everyone.
-Raffaella
In addition to noise level, it is also important to remember that your personal space bubble shrinks when you are in a big city like Seoul. Sometimes you will take a train or a bus at rush hour and it will be PACKED full. Do not shove people or complain. Just suck it up, pile in, and go to your happy place until you arrive at your happy place. Also, please move out of the way for those trying to get off the bus/train, and then move further back. It makes life easier for everyone.
-Raffaella
Rules
Rules in Korea are often more like suggestions than actual rules to abide. This may sound weird, but I'm not talking about breaking the law like stealing a car or kidnapping someone; it's more like smoking in a no-smoking zone or jaywalking. Everyone breaks these rules. So, if you are unsure if you are allowed to do something, just do it. If you really aren't supposed to do it, someone will come tell you and there's no harm done. This one takes a lot of getting used to.
-Raffaella
-Raffaella