It is that time of year again, people all over are gearing up to PCS, this is another post of general information for moving here to Yongsan, South Korea - I hope it is helpful.
1. This is hard for some American's to get past....personal space is no longer personal. The sooner you accept this, the better off you will be. People bump into you and do not say sorry...people will put their hands on you to move you if you are in their way, this is not rude. I even do it to people now. During rush hour on the subway, you feel like a sardine.
2. Having a copy of the subway map in English & Korean is helpful. I use it all the time when traveling by cab...I just tell/show the cab driver which subway stop I want to be taken to.
3. Use the internet when going someplace new...most locations you want to go to in Seoul have a website and the website has directions in Korean, even if you cannot read them, print them off anyway and give it to your cab driver. Having the phone number helps too....cab drivers will call the location if they have problems finding it. Know where you want to come back to! There are many Koreans that work on post & they are more than happy to help in this area. I have a friend that wrote in Korean where to drop us off; I keep it in my purse and show the cab driver on all return trips.
4.If a cab driver tells you no, or gives you the 'X' with his fingers or arms, and points across the street, he is trying to help you save fare, by telling you to cross the street and catch a cab going the other direction.
5. I never thought I would drive in Seoul. This is one scary place when it comes to driving for some. In the beginning I was terrified, but now, 1 year later, I drive all over the place & I have had several people tell me I should be a cab driver here! :) Some helpful hints for driving...don't be polite, just stick your nose out and shove your way in. Buses always have the right of way. Left turns are not allowed in here. Some red lights are optional!!! I am serious; once you start driving here you will figure this out! I could write a whole blog on driving...maybe I will - later.
On Korean culture -
You do not shake hands first, you bow to each other first, then the older person can offer their hand during the bow for a hand shake.
Elderly are given special attention, respect and care. The older the person, the deeper the bow.
When eating the oldest person eats first.
You always pass thing with 2 hands.
When visiting a Korean home: *always remove your shoes *make sure you wear hole free & clean socks,if you are wearing sandals you will normally be offered slippers to wear *always bring a gift of aprox $10 in value * Koreans usually do not open the gift in front of you *when offered a drink, take it.
Do not use your finger to point with, you use your whole hand.
Korean's don't keep eye contact when talking with you
In stores and on the street Koreans shove and bump into people, personal space is non-existent here.
Little is usually said during meal time.
Females & males hold hands with friends of the same sex to express their friendship. It is not unusual to see same sex walking down the street holding hands.
Koreans avoid confrontation and raising their voices when dealing with others....they are very calm all the time.
Koreans do not hug or kiss when meeting with family or friends, they bow.
Koreans do not write names in red.
Koreans do not drink in front of someone older or of higher status without permission.
You do not sit with your legs crossed...foot sitting on knee. This is a sign of disrespect, it is telling everyone around you they are lower than the dirt on your foot.
Korean women typically dress much nicer than American women. They rarely wear sneakers out.
I hope I have not overwhelmed you....if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
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