Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Qinella]

When I came here back in March, I was bowing like a damned fool. I bowed to ajummas that I passed on the street, I bowed to every freakin old person I saw, I bowed when I entered and left any establishment... eeeverywhere. It took me a few weeks to realize that was excessive, and I trimmed it down to just bowing as a return-bow, when someone else does it to me. That lasted up until about six weeks ago, when I quit bowing almost completely.

I've realized that, as a foreigner, I can skirt practically every social custom here, and also that I probably look stupid doing it. The last thing I want is to look stupid.

So now, the only times I bow are when a person to whom I should defer, such as an elder, bows and I must return the gesture. Besides that, I just smile and wave, and usually salute in English since I could say, "blah blah blah" when leaving and everyone will understand the general idea.

So, do you bow? Did you stop? Why? Why not? Etc. I'm hoping to somehow either tie this thread into Japanese hatred or satan worshipers for Jesus, so if you can go on one of those angles, please do.

Q.

[JacktheCat]

[Grotto]

I usually follow the lead of any Koreans I am with. I do more of a nod to be specific but it hasnt seemed to offend anyone so thats what I do.

[ajuma]

Funny story: I was recently in the States (still have jet-lag...reason for this hour of posting!) and I was in a supermarket with my Mom. We ran into someone that she knew. She introduced me to him. I BOWED and said "Nice to meet you."

Me thinks I've been here FAR too long!

[itaewonguy]

Ill bow to someone when I feel they have deserved one!

[the_beaver]

[djsmnc]

I usually just make a face like:



and do a little right side head spasm like

" 'sup fool "

[Homer]

Come on now...what idiot voted never?



All jokes aside, bowing is just a simple form of courtesy. It is to be used with common sense.

[periwinkle]

[kangnam mafioso]

i agree with an earlier poster -- it's more of a head nod than a bow. i never got too serious with it unless it was a very formal ocassion.