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CULTURE OF KOREA

While living and teaching in Korea since 2001 and observing the culture of a people, several things come to mind. Firstly, I realize, like any country, that not all local people share the same likes and dislikes, view points and such. Over generalizing about a country and its people as a culture is not my intention. Here are just a few observations.
1. Yes, Kimchi is the king of side dishes, but, believe it, not all Koreans like it. However, most locals probably do.
2. Most local Koreans tend to show tremendous respect for others, especially elders and authority figures, such as teachers. In the case of the foreign teacher, respect may not come so easy from young students, due to language and cultural barriers. But, you will find you can gain much respect from young students with some work and patience. Mature and adult students is a different case and you fall into a teacher or authoritative role, and thus highly revered by most.
3. Education is highly valued and treated as the best source of economic, social and other growth within Korean society. As you may know, Korean students study hard, and much longer hours than in many or perhaps most other countries.
4. Like anywhere, people are people. We walk, speak, eat, love, show anger, smile, all of the traits that make us human, just like in Korea.
5. You may be perceived as an alien (exaggerated of course) to many locals, especially in more rural areas. Please note, this is not in a negative manner, but more of a Curiosity. Many locals are very curious to meet you and truly want to know about your own culture. Many locals may still glance at you, the foreign teacher, with some curiosity.
6. Korea is very much like a homogenous culture, of yes, Koreans.
7. Most locals, except the few bad apples like anywhere, are very warm hearted, genuine, down to Earth, and extremely helpful people.
8. Many locals are shy and you may need to say hi” first.

The ancient culture of Korea has rich and unique qualities. As Michael Breen, a journalist from England and over 20 years living in Korea, writes from his splendid book, "The Koreans", “the need to understand this unique society becomes more and more apparent.” Korea is an economically booming nation with unique qualities, such as respect for others as a general social rule, and interesting attributes to offer the world. Work hard, play hard and be respectful of others underlines society.

Local Food
Kimchi is the king of side dishes. It is Korea's staple side dish which, along with rice, accompanies almost every meal. For me, and for most who try it for the first time, usually will not enjoy it. It is an acquired taste, but many long-term foreigner English teachers will find themselves missing the flavour of kimchi after a time without it. Many Korean food dishes can be somewhat spicy and salty, especially soups, but certainly very popular for most who try them. Most western food is available as well.
View here for an extensive look at Korean food and prices.

Drinking
Drinking culture in Korea like many aspects of Korean life can be somewhat more formal than in the West. Yet, as a foreign English teacher you may be excused from certain formal practices. However, you will only look better and well cultured if you at least try. This implies mostly to more formal settings of course, such as school dinners and nights out, or drinking with elders or anyone with some authority. These practices include for example, holding your glass with two hands, pouring with two hands, and pouring to elders first. Sometime during a dinner or at a bar, one person will go around the room and pour a drink to everyone. It is best to use both hands and even bow in thankfulness. Again, in most cases, as a foreign English teacher you may not be perceived as rude if you do not bow or even use two hands. I usually do the formalities in these situations, especially a school function. If you do not drink, no problem, simply ask for or hand the person pouring, a substitute such as soda pop. This is fine. In many cases they may ask you again, and in some even try to pressure you, but stay firm and tactfully say “no thank you.” I have many times. If you are with Korean friends your age, or close friends, you will find it much more like back home, such as pour your own drinks and such. Take care and have fun!

Singing Rooms
Usually after a meal and or bar, accompanied with drinking, many like to go to a singing room. A room with a crowed, like a private karaoke. There is a screen for viewing words of songs, usually pop songs, in Korean and Western, some classic rock and some Korean traditional music. The room has a table and chairs. Some dance. Side dishes may be served and alcohol. It can be a blast!

Popular Music
Many Korean pop stars and groups are well known throughout East Asia and Southeast Asia. K-pop often features young performers. The pop music of Korea which was constantly developing was arranged by many musicians. In the 1970s and 1980s many musicians appeared. Cho Yong Pil was the most renowned musician in that period. He introduced many sources such as the use of the synthesizer. Among his influence, he is well-known for popularizing rock music. You will also find a wide array of music from around the world, from "The Beatles" to "Beethoven", and much more. It is interesting to note I have also heard on occasion “The Doors” being played in a Starbucks as well.

Korean Folk Music
I personally enjoy a wide array of music, including "Korean folk music [which] is varied and complex, but all forms maintain a set of rhythms (called Jangdan) and a loosely defined set of melodic modes. Because the folk songs of various areas are categorized under Dongbu folk songs, their vocal styles and modes are limited. Therefore, currently scholars are attempting to categorize the Dongbu folk songs further based on different musical features. These songs are mostly simple and bright. Namdo folk songs are those of Jeolla Province and a part of Chungcheong Province. While the folk songs of other regions are mostly musically simple, the folk songs of the Namdo region, where the famous musical genres pansori and sanjo were created, are rich and dramatic. Some Namdo folk songs are used in pansori or developed by professional singers and are included as part of their repertories. Jeju folk songs are sung on the Jeju Island. They are more abundant in number than any other regional folk songs, and approximately 1600 songs are transmitted today. Jeju folk songs are characterized by their simple and unique melodic lines and rich texts."
(Korean Folk Music text in quotes"" from wikipedia.org)

Bath Houses
The first time I tried a bath house it was amazing and I have loved them ever since. It is a weekly pass time, to relax, unwind and clear the mind. Some are shy to enter the first time, but once you do, you will most likely be hooked on using them. The sizes range from very small and basic to much larger and quite elaborate. Prices are from around 3000 won to 8000 won or even more for some of the fancier hotel bath houses. You first scrub down with soap and a wash cloth, then enter baths, saunas and steam rooms. It often feels very rejuvenating and re-energizing. Men and women are separate. Enjoy!