Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DoubleRS]

I'm moving to Korea soon and have a qualm about meeting my boss, co teachers and others when I first get there. What's the proper etiquette when meeting for the first time? Do I shake hands first then bow? or bow only?

Also, I have a couple gifts to give my boss and co-teacher. How do I present them properly? I've wrapped them in red and yellow paper. I heard this is good because they are royal colors?

Any advice?

[nuthatch]

personally, don't bother with weighing your suitcases down with kr.p,

they gave me nothing but a dirty dump to live in

they should be honoring their visitors

glad I gave them nothing

[poet13]

Hmm, a keener.... Gifts not necessary, but a nice start. I don't know about the colors. Older Korean custom would be to take the gift, and just put it aside to open later, so don't be offended if they don't rip of the paper and tell you how wonderful it is. I read once that the idea there is to save face in case the next guy gives a gift of lesser value. A gift is usually given without fanfare. When I give gifts to Koreans here (housewarmings usually), I just put the package down inside the door, or give it to the first lady of the house I see and I don't wait for thanks. Everyone knows who gave what.

I wouldn't go around bowing to anyone yet though. That's just my opinion. There are rules of etiquette here, and unfortunately, it's really easy to screw up and have someone dislike you from the go. Strange but true. Little by little, I am getting awy from the kow-towing and saving it for the very few people who I really do respect.

[sarbonn]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

They'll understand you're new to the culture. Just shake their hands and say 'Nice to meet you'. Generally at public schools it's good to get into the habit of bowing but at hagwons with numerous foreigners circling through it doesn't really matter. It would be a good idea to hand something to your boss or older teachers with two hands.

[elavndrc]

I bow to all the teachers when I meet them. Usually a small bow will suffice unless you're meeting the principal but they don't expect you to know their traditions so if they bow to you...bow to them. They probably will extend their hand for a shake so I just shake and then bow.

Gifts aren't really necessary. You can buy them gifts when you're there. Just buy a little bit for the office when you feel like it. Teachers usually bring food once in awhile, fruits are a big hit too. That's usually how it happens.

[RACETRAITOR]

Koreans don't really seem all that uptight about bowing, provided you don't have inlaws and don't participate in the more traditional of holiday ceremonies.

[Pooty]

Do youself a favor, don't bow. You're not Korean, they don't want you to bow to them because they don't want to bow to you.

Does this make sense?

[DoubleRS]

Makes total sense. Thanks. My strategy:

either: BOW so low as to give the highest respect no matter who I'm bowing to

OR

Don't bow at all unless bowed to!

[Underwaterbob]

Smile and nod. When it comes to making first impressions, nothing else matters.

[RACETRAITOR]