SLAS Winter Magazine 2023 and 24 | Page 47

Close Casket
Avoid Speaking Directly
When Drinking , Refill the Cup When It Is Empty
Never Shake Legs
Always Take Off Your Shoes When You Enter One ’ s House
Use Both Hands While Shaking Hands

05

Close Casket

Unlike foreign funerals , in Korean funerals , the coffin is always closed , and only family and relatives are allowed to see the dead body .

06

Avoid Speaking Directly

When speaking Korean , people tend to speak indirectly . For example , they often use passive voice and indirect verbs . If you speak too directly to Koreans , they might think you are impolite .

07

When Drinking , Refill the Cup When It Is Empty

One of the main differences of culture between Korea and China + Japan is drinking culture . When you are drinking in Japan or China , you have to refill the cup before it becomes empty . On the other hand , in Korea , you should wait until the person finishes to refill the cup .

08

Never Shake Legs

Koreans believe that if you shake your legs , you will have bad luck and be awkward . So , if you shake your legs in public transportation , some might stare at you .

09

Always Take Off Your Shoes When You Enter One ’ s House

Koreans never wear shoes at their home . Furthermore , they spend a lot of time cleaning the floor . So , if you enter their house with your shoes on they will be very mad at you .

10

Use Both Hands While Shaking Hands

Koreans consider politeness as one of the most important values in life . So , by using both hands to shake hands , they express politeness .
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