Manners

Hello,

First off I feel a whole lot better and am no longer sick just a minor stuffy nose nothing big. I couldn't help but notice someones comment about proper Japanese etiquette at the table. Which made me think perhaps I should do a blog about some common Dos and Dont's of Korea. But first I want to point out that these are the more traditional methods And are rarely in use today, much like saying "sorry", Korea has become a bit more modern. Just think, it wasn't that long ago they adopted sleeping on beds as opposed to on the floor.

Shoes
This one still holds true throughout all of Korea. But has some misconceptions. A lot of people believe that you can not wear shoes inside buildings, not true. The fact is you are meant to have two types of shoes, outdoor shoes and indoor shoes. Typically your indoor shoes will be slip on slippers, but they do not have to be. Meaning if you were to carry a  pair of nikes with you to work, you can take off your traveling nikes and put on the other pair of nikes for when you are inside.

Drinking
This one is all but gone, bout the only people who do this are silly Americans trying to "fit in". Okay say you and you buddy have a empty glass. Proper Korean etiquette says you pour your friends drink, he then pours yours. You never pour your own. If you want more to drink, simply pour some for your friend, needed or not.

Eating
I have read a lot of no nos on foul eating habits, but I have never seen a Korean follow them. I think they are meant to make Korea sound more proper then it really is.

     -You should not raise your bowl to your face to eat, keep it on the table (I do this constantly). 

    - Korea is not too big on table knifes yet, so if you want to cut your meat, you ask a waiter for scissors.

    - When paying for your food you hand the money over with one hand, holding your wrist with the other.                      

    - Typically the one who invites, pays, so be careful if you want to hang out with Koreans. Let them ask you ;)

    - When eating/sharing, which is very common, oldest is always first. 

Hope this helps clear up some what to do confusion you all may of had. Honestly, you are American, they are going to love you, so be a slob. 

Peace,

Wintermute