Need some info about Korean culture?

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more_cow_belll

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I have to give a speech about Korean culture, and I already asked one of my friends (who is from Korea) for help. I need 3 main points to talk about. She gave me two: respect for elders/authority figures is crucial and that in Korea, collectivism is stressed as opposed to individualism in the United States. Can someone maybe give me an idea for one more aspect to talk about? and also, if anyone could elaborate more on the two points I already have, it would be greatly appreciated.
 
You've got a great start.
Other important Korean cultural values:

Respect for tradition but openness to new technology and advancement- (Example of tradition- business card etiquette/exchanging card with both hands or one hand supporting forearm extending the card. Receive card with both hands.) (Openness to technology- see link below)

Indirect communication- someone lower in status will never openly disagree with a senior (another example of respect for hierarchy) but might hint at problem or approach individually after meeting and hint at disagreement. Frequent use of idioms or common phrases to infer point- Look up Taoist phrases for examples. Body language has meaning, and Koreans are very reserved in gestures and body language.

I have a great example both your original points:
Respect for authority: in business meetings, Koreans are careful to defer to more senior colleagues. In some more traditional corporations, the seating arrangement in meetings is based on seniority: most senior at head of table, continuing through the ranks to the opposite end of the table. Business cards clearly outline the educational background of the person. Titles are much more important- Senior Project Engineer Mike Smith, ect.

Group orientation- Within many Korean companies, employees are encouraged to participate in exercise breaks in which a majority of employees engage in stretching and calisthenics. Many companies have dress codes or uniforms.

On a more personal level, Koreans frequently live in multi-generational homes. One Korean man I worked with felt guilt over living in the US without his elderly parents, believing he was depriving his parents and children of a normal Korean lifestyle.

Enjoy your speech!
 
You've got a great start.
Other important Korean cultural values:

Respect for tradition but openness to new technology and advancement- (Example of tradition- business card etiquette/exchanging card with both hands or one hand supporting forearm extending the card. Receive card with both hands.) (Openness to technology- see link below)

Indirect communication- someone lower in status will never openly disagree with a senior (another example of respect for hierarchy) but might hint at problem or approach individually after meeting and hint at disagreement. Frequent use of idioms or common phrases to infer point- Look up Taoist phrases for examples. Body language has meaning, and Koreans are very reserved in gestures and body language.

I have a great example both your original points:
Respect for authority: in business meetings, Koreans are careful to defer to more senior colleagues. In some more traditional corporations, the seating arrangement in meetings is based on seniority: most senior at head of table, continuing through the ranks to the opposite end of the table. Business cards clearly outline the educational background of the person. Titles are much more important- Senior Project Engineer Mike Smith, ect.

Group orientation- Within many Korean companies, employees are encouraged to participate in exercise breaks in which a majority of employees engage in stretching and calisthenics. Many companies have dress codes or uniforms.

On a more personal level, Koreans frequently live in multi-generational homes. One Korean man I worked with felt guilt over living in the US without his elderly parents, believing he was depriving his parents and children of a normal Korean lifestyle.

Enjoy your speech!
 
You can talk about their food... ummm it's delicious! Kimchi is the main side dish: called "ban-chan". Their bbq called "bul-go-gi" or "gal-bi" is very popular throughout the world. or you can talk about what they believe in ... Christianity there is 2nd largest - if I'm not wrong... :)
or talk about taekwondo marshall arts.
 
You can talk about their food... ummm it's delicious! Kimchi is the main side dish: called "ban-chan". Their bbq called "bul-go-gi" or "gal-bi" is very popular throughout the world. or you can talk about what they believe in ... Christianity there is 2nd largest - if I'm not wrong... :)
or talk about taekwondo marshall arts.
 
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