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Serving Students at Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College SOUTH KOREA Culture

Cultural Orientation

Given their history of invasion, and their cultural background a foreigner might find Korea closed to much outside influence.  However in all situations, personal involvement is stronger than the rules and laws one might use to control behavior.  So creating a personal relationship with the other party is key.

Koreans are a collectivist culture where an individual is allowed to speak for the group, but the decision for the group is made by concensus with special respect given to the member of the group with the most standing, usually the oldest member.  An individual’s feelings are valued more here than the objective facts in situations.  However, the use of objective facts is becoming more common in negotiations. 

Family

Loyalties to kin always supersede those to friends, neighbors, or the state. The self is downplayed, but Western-style individualism is beginning to be felt.  One must save face and not cause another to lose face, so an outright "no" is not used.  Intra-group harmony is very important to the Korean culture, giving gifts to acquire favors is a common practice in the workplace, and reciprocity is expected this is a method for creating goodwill and harmonious relationships.  Friends expect to rely on each other for everything.  They spend a lot of time together, and friendships last a lifetime.

Gifts

When visiting a family, it is appropriate to bring a gift of quality fruit, coffee or tea, or candy.  Liquor may be given to a man but not to a woman.  Gift giving is often practiced within a business setting.  Appropriate introductory gifts include impersonal items with the visitor's company logo on them that are not produced in Korea or Japan.  A gift of money should be put in an envelope.  When giving or receiving a gift, use both hands.  The gift is not opened in the presence of the giver.  It is customary to refuse a gift initially but accept it  when pressed again.  The person receiving the gift will reciprocate with one of similar value.  Because of Japan's occupation of Korea, gifts from Japan are not appreciated.