Let's Learn KOREAN

Trivia #1 : Tradition & Culture

TRADITION AND CULTURE
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● You will see teenage boys walking in the street with their arms around each other's shoulders and teenage girls walking hand-in-hand. This means nothing more than intimacy. Touching close friends while talking to them is perfectly acceptable in Korea. Koreans will touch any children to show their warm affection. This is a compliment to let the child know how cute he is. Bumping into other people while passing is acceptable unless you shove them offensively.

● Take off your shoes when entering someone's home. There is usually a shelf or ample space for every guest's shoes.

● There are many family rituals tied to Confucian tradition. You might see a string of dried red peppers hung across an entrance to a Korean home. These signify the birth of a boy within a week.

● Because 60 years is considered a cycle in the Asian Zodiac, a large birthday celebration is held for those who turn 60 years of age. In the past, living to the age of 60 also exceeded the average life expectancy in Korea. It is also an age when a man can retire and let his sons support him.

● In Korea, the surname (family name) is given first. First names are seldom used in addressing another because of the social hierarchy established by Confucianism. Addressing a person by title or position is most correct. These include 선생님 (sunsaengnim - teacher) or 박사 (paksa - doctor). Individuals who have achieved this title are given high respect because highest respect is deserved for scholars in the Confucian tradition.

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That's all for today!
See you in my next class.