TravelFeedTravelFeed Logo
[Features of Korean culture] Relationship between people

[Features of Korean culture] Relationship between people

May 2019 · 4 min read · Ojeong-gu

Probably the most important issue in the whole world is the question of relations between people. Different cultures - different rules. Different people - different relationships. In South Korea, all relationships are based on hierarchy..


Confucius

zqipjgr24o.png


In general, Koreans believe in blood group compatibility. Yes, and the nature of a person is determined by blood type. And when applying for a job, the resume has this item. But about getting a job, and how it is working in a Korean company, I will tell you another time.

Let's return to the question of hierarchy. In educational institutions, too, there is a hierarchy. Korean universities have a strict separation between Sonba and Huba , i.e. on undergrad and undergraduate. And they usually turn to undergraduates, not by name, but by “title” - Sonbe. Or so that it is clear to which sonbe the appeal is directed, a name is also added before Sonbe . For example, if your sonbe is called Hon Gil Dong, then when applying you can call him: “Gil Dong Sonbe!” And the undergraduates, in turn, turn to younger students simply by name or also “Huba”. Moreover, undergraduates may apply to the hub in a simple, say informal form, to “You”, but it is rare to say that when they switch to “you”.

Korean is probably one of the most polite languages in the world. At least one of those that I know. There are at least three respectable forms in Korean. Sometimes, even the words themselves are different. The same “thank you” sounds differently to different degrees of respect.
In Korea, there is an interesting unspoken rule. Sonbe must at least once treat his huba. Of course, not all hubes at the faculty, but only those whom you know. And even then, usually the hubs are the first to approach the sonbe and ask to buy food for them. In Korea, it is in the order of things. Although I, for my 4 years, have not been able to voice this phrase with my sonba. But being a sonbe, I had to fork out a couple of times for the hub.

The workplace is basically the same situation. Only here is not a sonbe and a hub, there are already posts. If we are accustomed to contacting senior or old - by name and patronymic, then they emphasize the position in Korea. For example, I applied to my boss as a company director or in Korean “Sadzhannim” ". And there are so many posts in Korea that not all of them can be translated into Russian.

Let's talk about the relationship between a boy and a girl, a husband and a wife . At the beginning of the relationship here, too, there is a respectful form of communication on "You", with all the addresses there and other beauty of the language. Well it is clear. Still not so familiar. Yes, and I want to make each other a good impression. It takes a year, two ..., and we are also on "You." Already we went under the crown, and the children had already appeared, and the spouses were still all to each other on “You” . Who watches Korean dramas knows what I'm talking about. Although, when viewed with Russian subtitles, it is rarely when they correctly convey the form of the appeal. About English subtitles, I generally keep quiet. There is already a question in the very structure of the language.


Korean drama Hojun

By the way, the girls of their boys call "Oppa" . They seldom refer to guys by name. Although the appeal Oppa is used in relation to his older brother, because Translated from Korean, "Oppa" means "girl's older brother." Also, the appeal "Oppa" can be used in relation to friends, guys who are older in age. But this is only for girls. Guys in addressing older brothers or friends use the word "Hyun" **.

Husband and wife can call each other “dear”, which in Korean sounds like “Yobo” . Russians living in Korea love this word very much. I think there is no need to comment on this, everything is clear to everyone.


Korean-Canadian couple

vubzztnqu6.png


Korean greeting

And also, when greeting or expressing gratitude, as well as at parting, in Korea it is customary to bow, lower the torso forward. And the lower you lower the body, the more respect you express. On this I put the last point in this article, bowing low to you.

Don't Forget: Get Travel Health Insurance!

To make your trip a worry-free experience, TravelFeed recommends SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. It provides comprehensive health coverage while you travel, so you can focus on exploring, not the unexpected. Get a quote here

@irisworld


If you have any questions about Korea don't hesitate to contact me here or via instagram

Image

More articles about my travel adventures you can find here

Image


Original versions

Image
Image

Travel Resources for your trip to South Korea

Recommended by TravelFeed

Flights: We recommend checking Kiwi.com to find the best and cheapest flights to South Korea.

Accomodation: Explore the best places to stay in South Korea on Booking.com, Agoda and Hostelworld.

Travel Insurance: Medical emergencies abroad can be pricey, but travel health insurance is not. We always use SafetyWing for affordable and reliable coverage.

Transportation: Use 12go and Omio to find detailed bus and train schedules, making travel planning easier.

Car Rental: For hassle-free car hiring, DiscoverCars is our trusted choice with a wide selection of vehicles.

Internet: Got an eSIM compatible phone? Airalo is perfect for reliable internet access during your trip. Just install it before you go, and you're set!

Day Trips & Tours: We recommend GetYourGuide for a variety of well-organized and enjoyable activities.

Tickets: Save on entrance fees in South Korea with Klook and Tiquets.

Travel Planner: Need a hand planning? Our free travel planner chatbot is your personal guide to South Korea. Chat now.

Disclosure: Posts on TravelFeed may contain affiliate links. See affiliate disclosure.


Share this post

KOREA