10 things that are considered RUDE in Korea [KOR/ENG sub]

Let's learn about 10 things considered rude in Korea 🇰🇷 I hope this video can help you with your life in Korea or when you're interacting with Korean people. Even if you accidentally do something that could be perceived as rude in Korea, it's okay! That's a natural process of learning a new culture, right? And people will understand that you didn't mean it. So, please relax and enjoy this video without worrying about accidentally being rude 😊

Also, if there is anything you want to ask about this video, please feel free to leave a comment! I'd LOVE to talk about cultural differences between Korea and other countries! 💖

0:00-0:59 Introduction
1:00-2:46 At a wedding
2:47-4:23 When shaking hands
4:24-7:03 Superstitions
7:04-8:55 Pointing directions with your eyes or chin
8:56-10:31 Making eye contact
10:32-11:31 Using one hand
11:32-13:29 Crossing your leg
13:30-15:02 Throwing an object to give it to someone else
15:03-16:48 Basic drinking etiquettes
16:49-18:55 Who's going to eat first?
18:56-19:38 Conclusion

#LearnKorean #TTMIK #한국어

[talktomeinkorean]

0:00-0:59 Introduction
1:00-2:46 At a wedding
2:47-4:23 When shaking hands
4:24-7:03 Superstitions
7:04-8:55 Pointing directions with your eyes or chin
8:56-10:31 Making eye contact
10:32-11:31 Using one hand
11:32-13:29 Crossing your leg
13:30-15:02 Throwing an object to give it to someone else
15:03-16:48 Basic drinking etiquettes
16:49-18:55 Who's going to eat first?
18:56-19:38 Conclusion

[dreamannemusic]

When I was teaching in Korea I started writing the student's names in red marker on the whiteboard and they all shouted "TEACHER NO!!!!". I learnt the hard way haha

[coraliep]

10.: in Germany when you eat with the family, it is important that you do not start eating first without saying anything, because everyone needs to start eating at the same time. So when everyone gathered at the table, including the person who gave out the food, then someone says „let‘s eat“ and then everyone can start eating.

[O-Demi]

Reading the comments I remembered that when someone was scolded at school teachers or the headmaster would even say angrily, "Why are you lowering your eyes? Are you feeling guilty now?" Lowering your eyes would be seen as the person feeling guilty and not wanting to listen to the 'lecture', like attempting to ignore it.

[auricia]

1. Interesting, I think that in the west wearing a black dress for a wedding would be considered rude, as if you were unhappy about their relationship 😅
We also don't wear white, but bright colors are allowed

[cynamun]

Looking at this from Western (especially American) and Eastern (specifically Korean) perspectives, respect seems to be about how direct or engaging we are. Names vs titles, eye contact vs diverted gazes, hugs vs distance. In the US, we want to connect with the person but in Korea, there should be a respectful distance. It's like the categories are the same but the specifics are opposite. An extremely spread-out posture like the guy in the video is considered arrogant but an open posture is expected when listening. If you aren't facing the person with your body or your arms are crossed, it's like you are blocking their communication with your body.

[TamBeauProductions]

I liked the natural pace at which you were talking. I can tell I am picking up the language even better. I also liked hearing first, second, third, etc. I have been trying to understand how to say it. This is a great video to get one's ear acclimated to the language.

[Kytchin]

I grew up in France. When I was being scolded as a child, I couldn't maintain eye contact because it felt uncomfortable. But my parents forced me to do it and were even angrier when I couldn't look in their eyes. Since then, I kept eye contact even when I didn't want to.

[knjgoldencomics]

Eye contact, at least in America, is taught as respect and attentiveness. Looking away is perceived as not caring/disinterested. Looking away while being scolded can be seen as guilt, and what the person is saying isn't important. Eye contact engages the listener to the. speaker (and vice versa) because you are paying attention, establishing a connection, and showing respect. The same goes for eating; if someone is looking away, it comes off as if you are not worth their time and they are disinterested in you and the conversation.

[annazackova]

To making eye contact. When I was scolded by my mother (or teacher, whoever), the go to argument was "look at me, when I'm speaking with you!". So i think here we have to at least make eye contact to "listen" to being scolded. I'm from Czech republic, I don't know how it is in other countries haha

[irenkazoika]

Last year on summer when I was at the wedding party with my husband (we live in Poland) I wear cornflower blue colour dress. But my dress was one of the darkest dresses at this party. There were many yellow dresses, pink, red, green, lilac ones, especially among young people. When coming to wedding party, we often dance that is why we choose colourful and let's say "happy colours". Black colour is associated with greeve, pain (people who lost their relatives wear it) and also with classic elegance but that does not exactly fit at wedding parties. That is why our black wedding party dresses are often sparkling or we add fashion accesories another colour to black dresscode. Personally, I do not think black colour is suitable for me, cosidering my skin tone. Wedding dress is wedding dress. We do not have dresscode for quests, but it depends on the people (bride and groom).

[MissGardenGG]

In France, there are several things that, like in your country, are considered impolite: for example keeping your hands in your pockets when greeting someone, throwing something at a person or adopting a position that is too casual (unless you are with friends or relative).
As for table habits, here's how it works in my region: you always have to wait for everyone to be served (whether at a family meal, with friends or in a restaurant). Then you say "Bon appetit" ("맛있게 드세요") and everyone starts at the same time. (In the past, it was the hostess who gave the signal) I don't drink wine but if I want to drink water for example, I ask for the bottle to be passed to me and then I have to ask the people nearby of me who also wants to drink water. If someone hands their glass, I pour it first before helping myself.It's usually the same for people drinking wine...
You must always look people in the face when they talk to you, otherwise they will think that you are not paying attention to what they are saying, that you don't care or even that you are going to lie.
One of the things that is considered very rude here (and which you don't talk about in your video) is not holding the door for someone who is following you when you are leaving a store for example. We say “Shut the door in your face”. It's really rough...
@MissGardenGG1

[SaarEskimo]

This was super interesting to learn about! I would love to learn more about Korean Culture from you guys.
As for here in Europe, I think there are certain things that are also concidered impolite, but it's not necesarily looked down upon. Things such as pointing with your chin/nodding or throwing items to someone older (except maybe an older sibling or friend) is not something I would ever do, but I don't think you'd necesarily be concidered rude if you did.

I think when you're being scolded and you look down, in a lot of contexts (such as school and at work) it would be concidered as you seeming weak, which can make people look down on you. I somewhat wish this wasn't the case because I'm very bad at maintaining eye contact when I'm being scolded haha (luckily it doesn't happen too often).

There's no real "rules" for eye contact during drinking, but here in Belgium it's definitely concidered polite to look into someone's eyes as you "cheers" before you start drinking.

Sitting etiquette depends on where you are. It's concidered rude to take up a lot of space (like "manspreading" or setting your bag next to you (although this one most of us do anyway to maintain our personal bubble haha)) when you're meant to share the seating with others like on public transport or during meetings at work, but when you're a guest on a show or in private settings, you can usually get comfortable.

Wearing colour at wedding's is usually ok, wearing a white dress is not and I have heard stories of wearing a red dress implying that you oppose the marriage, but I'm not sure about those details, I think in general wearing bright red is concidered very attention-seeking over here as it's such a bright and noticible colour.

[liznotslow]

I was out to eat in America, with my Korean friend and a couple of her Korean friends. We had been chatting and getting along so well. Once the food came, everyone stopped talking. I was trying to keep the conversation going by asking questions. To me, it seemed like they got angry all the sudden. Or that they were mad at me or annoyed with me. It was so uncomfortable. I asked my friend later and she said “Oh, we just don’t really talk while we eat.” Is that just something Korean people do? Or is it rude to chat during a meal? It’s interesting because in America you are a good dinner guest by being warm, and being a good conversationalist. And telling stories or jokes, or asking people questions about their life. It was a very enlightening moment for me!

[태이씨]

I'm started today on the level 9 ttmik, and I understand all the speech in this video! Although some of them in context. Thank you so much for your work!

[ViDinhPhamThuc]

These kinds of videos are good for you to practice shadowing in Korean and to get Korea's cultural knowledge. I really love this.

[Laura-evqe]

This is so interesting. Thank you for sharing. Here are just some points in the U.S. Everyone does dress up wanting to look their best for their family or friend's wedding. It is very much a huge celebration. We do shake hands here when you meet someone new, but I haven't seen people with a hand in their pocket while shaking hands (but I'm sure it does happen in a casual setting and not so much in a business setting). If you are getting scolded it is expected to keep your attention on the person which shows that you are paying attention. If you look the other way while being scolded, it can be seen as not paying attention and ignoring them. Throwing things to other people (even if they are older) depends on how close the relationship is, whether family or friend. Usually this happens when the other person asks you to throw it to them. Throwing something to someone, without them asking, can seem rude. As far as the drinking, there really are no rules. You don't have to look away or look them in the eyes and it is Ok to pour your own drink. When eating in a group (at a restaurant), we usually wait until most of the orders are in the table. But if the other's say that it's Ok to eat, you can begin eating. Age really doesn't matter. Of course, these are my experiences. It might be different in other regions of the U.S.

[mielv]

이게 너ㅓㅓㅓ무 신기했어요! 20분 아니고 5분 영상을 보는 게 느껴졌다! 솔직히 일부 단어를 잘 모른데 많이 배웠다. 앞으로 이런 영상을 많이 기대돼요. 감사합니다 예지 선생님!!! 🙇

[amy-janefoster]

This is great, thank you. I'm British and honestly, in my opinion, not many of these 10 are the same here. Respect for those older is very active, but nowhere near as strong. I am studying Korean and a big fan of Korean culture, dramas and music so some have rubbed off on me already - aleady not writing my name in read - and not staring at mum when she is she is cross with me... 😉✌

[asham]

I love these podcasts! Can I just add, as an intermediate learner, I prefer the large text, voice only style, it's easier to focus (no distraction, great production) and the text is right at the centre and Yeji you have such a great calming voice for voice work! I really do love these vids though and wanted to say THANK YOU YEJI AND TTMIK TEAM.