Korean Job Discussion Forums

[curiousaboutkorea]

The greeter at E-mart always makes me feel so awkward. He always does a really thorough, deep bow to greet. I don't know how to respond. Am I supposed to bow in response? If it were a quick little bow, that would be one thing, but he goes to so much effort for that bow. I feel weird not bowing, or doing a little bow in response. I would also feel really weird doing a full on bow at the entrance to a grocery store, especially while pushing a shopping cart.

How do you respond to the greeter/bower?

[coralreefer_1]

I will typically give them a quick acknowledgment, but not so much of a bow., more of a nod.

Koreans typically pay no attention. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Consider yourself lucky that as a foreigner, you get the same bow as the typical Korean.

[sarbonn]

I say hello in Korean and continue on. They know me by now and they don't seem to have any problems with the response. I'd feel kind of crappy just ignoring them, however.

[aboxofchocolates]

Do a full on ninety degree bow with your hands on your naval, greeting them with the highest honorific. you'll make their day.

[Papa Smurf]

i mostly ignore them like everyone else. i used to give them a little smile but i guess ive gotten used to the korean way. pretty crap job though haha

[tzechuk]

I smile. They like that.

[Cliffhanger]

I know how you feel. It's the same thing everytime I enter Lotte Mart. It always feels a bit awkward. When I first got here I would give them a small bow, then later I would give a small nod of aknowledgment. These days, I just walk by as if they didnt' exist like everyone else, but I still feel weird and a little bit of an ass doing that.

Every once in a while, I feel like just stopping in front of them and giving them a 90 degree bow, but I always chicken out at the last moment because there are a hundred other people around that would probably think I'm crazy.

[Robot_Teacher]

No, don't bow. Don't bow to anyone. If a customer service person or a kid bows, don't bow. Since your principal and other teachers won't be bowing you, don't bow.

Don't bow. It's sorta like, don't Wai with your hands in SE Asia.


I just say, anyang haseyo.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I nod and acknowledge them, which seems to be more than most shoppers do.

[cdninkorea]

I usually give a small bow and say "안녕 하세요"
Nothing special, but like others I'd feel rude just ignoring them, even if they are used to it.

[itaewonguy]

I usually walk past think " DAMN dude how many times do you bow in a day" give a nod then walk in...

but after driving past the dancing batton boys outside guiding cars, then the bowing ticket lady, the guy bowing as we walk in is just another person I feel pity for...

[Kryten]

[MrRogers]

curiousaboutkorea - that was such a great question/post

as I have thought about it too, and it was really funny to read responses/comments - it is all a good laugh

and the guys that I saw in the emart in Gwangju were always so nice and smiley - how could one not acknowledge their efforts and smiles

I usually made an effort to acknowledge them back regardless of what Koreans do - even if it just a smile and nod - they like it, too

[PeteJB]

I had a chat with one once. Other days it's just straight to the food for me.

[VanIslander]

I nod.