Korean society 101

I'm a little worried. What if I do something rude without knowing it?

Everyone makes small mistakes at first.

Korean customs aren't better or worse than yours, just different.

Let's try five everyday scenes.

Scene one. You meet an older student from your department for the first time.

What would you do? Talk casually, like a friend, or use polite speech?

In Korea, age and seniority shape how people talk.

Polite speech, with endings like 'yo', is a safe start.

Many seniors will tell you when it's okay to relax.

So polite first isn't cold. It's a way of showing respect.

Exactly. And in many cultures, being casual is how people show friendliness.

Both are kind, in their own way.

Scene two. Your group meeting starts at two, and you're running five minutes late.

What would you do?

Many people in Korea send a quick message before the start time.

In classes and at work, being on time, or saying early that you'll be late, shows

respect.

Scene three. You've just finished a takeaway meal in your dorm.

Where does it all go?

Korea sorts household waste.

Food waste, recyclables, and general trash go separately.

Rules differ by building, so check your dorm's guide.

Scene four. Your mom calls while you're on a crowded bus.

What would you do?

Public transport in Korea is usually quiet.

People answer softly and keep it short, or send a message and call back later.

Got it. I'll call Mom back from my room.

Scene five.

Late in the evening, your project group chat lights up with a question about

tomorrow.

What would you do?

A short reply, like 'Got it, I'll check tomorrow,' helps a lot.

Much group work in Korea runs through group chats.

It's also fine to say politely when you're available.

There's so much to remember. What if I feel lost?

That's part of the journey.

Many people go through four stages: excitement, culture shock, adjustment, and

finally feeling at home.

Feeling homesick in month two or three is normal. It usually passes.

If it's hard, talk to your friends, your school's international office, or GEA.

You don't have to handle it alone.

And remember, the goal isn't to become someone else.

Keep your own culture, and add a Korean one.

My culture, plus a new one. I like that!