Culturally correct; How to behave like a local in South Korea

April 27, 10:05 PMLA Celebrity Hot Spots ExaminerJane Lasky

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 A middle-aged gentleman garbed in a beautifully turned-out business suit suddenly let out a very loud belch. Sitting at   adjoining tables, we were dining in an upscale Seoul restaurant so when this happened, I automatically averted my eyes only to be asked what was wrong by my Korean colleague.

"I guess I am embarrassed for that man," I said softly in very rapid English, still a bit shocked.

"Oh, don't be," said my sage Asian friend.  "Letting out gas to make yourself more comfortable is perfectly acceptable here."

Not totally convinced, I made a silent note to self: Watch for a repeat performance to make sure public burping is truly the proper way to act when visiting Korea.  

Alas, I never did hear anyone else's burp during that trip or any other to Seoul, but I have been reassured many times by many Korean counterparts that the practice is definitely on the up-and-up. 

"Still, I think I'll keep those kinds of sounds to myself," I commented in kind whenever I was reassured about this surprising practice. 

To be sure, learning the ins and outs of how to behave in South Korea takes special scrutiny.  That said, following are some other culturally corrects ways to act in this Southeast Asia:  

+  Suppress the need to blow your nose in public.  Instead, find a private place to take action or you will be considered crass by any Korean standing by.

 +  When someone says "yes" to a question, he or she may really mean "no."  In Korea, it is more popular to answer in the affirmative so that happens on a regular basis and even when, in fact, the true answer should be (and actually is) a sound negative.

+  When you initially meet someone, even for business purposes, skip the shop talk for small talk and you will be seen as trustworthy.  If, instead, you shift immediately upon introduction into work mode, you will be starting off on the wrong foot in South Korea.

+  Also, when you first meet someone, do not be shy about who you are and what you have accomplished.  It is very acceptable to become a talking resume at that point, and you can expect the same from your Korean counterpart.

 +  Although Americans sometimes call the index finger the pointing finger, don’t use it for that purpose in Korea as pointing at anything or anyone is considered improper.

 +  Always have a small gift---say a key chain marked with your company logo or a small box of chocolates---on hand because in Korea there are many occasions in which it is proper to exchange presents. 

 +  When conducting business in Korea, you can find out how your meeting went even when no words are given as an indication.  Instead, simply watch how your Korean contact bows as the gathering comes to a close.  If he or she goes low and deep then you can consider your talk successful.  However, if the bow is short and shallow after discussions cease, you can assume that that particular work effort was not very well received by the person or people you were trying to impress.

 +  Finally, never discuss Korean culture in public.  Rather, take this topic private and make it among friends because even if you say something nice when you are out and about on how traditions are practiced in this friendly Asian country, you will be breaking the rules of proper Korean etiquette.