Respect has been essential in most of society throughout history around the world. It's what strengthens and bonds human relationships throughout time. Westernization is thought to have brought about the fall of respect in many places around the world. Still, in Korea, the tradition holds steadfast in true to the Korean people. Respect is held up and shown for the people, the land, the traditions, and the natural surroundings.
Korean respect and the etiquette that formed were developed as a pillar of Korean Confucianism traditions and continue in many households today. The Korean people value the respect of their elders overall. They show deep and meaningful respect for their family and their family members by honoring them throughout their everyday lives.
How Koreans Show Respect
Respect is deeply rooted in the Korean way of life in how people eat, drink, communicate, and even conduct themselves out in public. Seniority within Korean traditions dictates how one should act based on people's age, position in the family, career, if they are a teacher, and more. These are just some of the many ways Koreans show respect to those around them.
If you drink with an older person, respect is shown by turning your head away to take a drink. It's a sign of respect to look away.
When speaking with people, it is customary to avoid direct eye contact and be polite and respectful. Koreans believe that direct eye contact can be a way to show boldness and is disrespectful.
Elders need to be always treated with the highest level of respect. When elders are around, the younger Koreans in the group follow the proper etiquette of respect by listening, honoring their words, eating last, and more.
Two hands are expected to be used when shaking hands in greeting or when receiving an object or a gift. It's unsure why but it likely traces back to ancient Korean history as a way of showing no hidden weapons or dangers.
The Korean Bow
Bowing in Korea is common to greet and say farewell and to show people courtesy. It is a traditional way to show respect for Korean customs. Korean greetings were once a complex system of gestures designed to be appropriate for age, location, seniority, and even degree of respect.
Bowing may seem daunting if you are not used to the custom, but there are a few simple rules to follow. It is a part of everyday life and can be as simple as bowing 15 degrees as a sign of courtesy. When meeting someone new formally, you want to bow deeper but not too exaggeratedly because it can make them feel uncomfortable.
Bowing is one of the most common and historically significant cultural experiences and ways to show respect in Korea. You can participate by simply bowing as a courtesy and, in return, when the Korean people bow to you to show your appreciation.
Respect is an integral part of Korean culture and is incorporated into everyday life. Respect is held in high esteem and continues to be engrained in the Korean culture today.