Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PastorYoon]

We're all in a foreign country here, and one of their customs is to bow to a person of elder status. Do you do it? Anyone have any good thoughts on this subject?

[PastorYoon]

The 5th option was supposed to be "Absolutely not", but I can't figure out how to edit the poll. Ok... 4 options will do.

[chellovek]

I bow to the old 'uns all the time, just in case. Probably better to be too polite than not polite enough. On the other hand, I doubt they really appreciate it.

[Forward Observer]

Don't.

[Wangja]

It's no more than a firm handshake - a respectful greeting.

Waste no time debating it.

[Missihippi]

I do an awkward smiling head nod to my boss.. does that count?

[eamo]

East Asians bow.......I'm not East Asian. I'm European.


However, out of courtesy, I nod my head to my boss and give him the full 'anyong-hassayeo' once or twice a month when I see him.

I also nod my head to my Korean parents in-law........they like that.

[NYC_Gal]

I nod my head, but I did that back home.

I do the bow to the principal once or twice a week. It's polite. I like it more than the handshakes or (fake) hugs from back home.

[waynehead]

I work at a public school...I bow to everyone, even students if they bow to me first (I teach high school). It gets annoying sometimes bowing all the time, but I don't hesitate for a second.

[nomad-ish]

unfortunately, this is one of the habits i've brought home with me as well...

[hochhasd]

[vsiddy]

Yeah I bow all the time. But I think of it as a extended head-nod, and I'm thinking "Yo, what's up dawg?"

[AsiaESLbound]

Well, it's a clean and efficient way of shaking hands, but I don't feel comfortable bowing. It feels like a submission of acknowledging someone else as more powerful who then might take advantage of you. I get this feeling that it says, "I respect you out of custom, but I'm embarrassed about the fact you are more powerful, richer, or successful than me." Really it's a face saving gesture to extinguish these insecure feelings more so than simply showing respect. Don't do what I did. Look a man in the eye with your hand out in front expecting a sincere hand shake and thank you.

[young_clinton]

On formal occasions bowing is expected to superiors like School Principals. I would highly recommend it when the occasion is formal. It's Korea and thier culture.

[HalfJapanese]

Isn't there some occasions where you have to go all out and bow by getting down on all fours and placing your forehead on the ground...then lick the boss's shoes to get that paycheck?