"Thanks for letting the door almost slam in my face," exclaimed a surprised passerby to an even more surprised Korean tourist. In Korea, holding the door for the next person isn't a common practice, with some even feeling that it causes others to feel rushed. However, it's crucial to understand and show due respect to other cultures. The SeoulTech delves into distinctive customs and gestures that exemplify good manners in different countries.

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Korea

Influenced by Confucianism, showing respect to one's elders manifests itself in a variety of ways. First of all, it is good manners to bow to accompany greetings and farewells. Secondly, it is better to use both hands to pass things between one another. These two customs were previously governed according to seniority, but in contemporary society, all adults are accorded respect through these gestures. There are also some interesting table manners in Korea for formal situations. For instance, one should refrain from holding a rice bowl while eating. In addition, it is good manners to turn one's head to the right or left before taking a sip of alcohol. Despite the delicacy of traditional etiquette, in restaurants, it's common for customers to call out to waiters with a raised hand to place orders. When it comes to keeping one's clothing clean while eating out, it is perfectly acceptable for customers to ask for an apron, yet it would be difficult to ever find a napkin to put on one's lap. For customers needing to wipe their mouth or nose, tissues are usually placed on the dining table for convenience.

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France

In France, sticking to the Korean way of calling a waiter could create chaos. In most Western cultures, it's considered highly rude to call out loud or raise a hand above the shoulder in a restaurant. Instead, the game of eye contact is a key. France, in particular, has specific dining etiquette. Representatively, elbows should be kept off the table if hands are holding cutlery. Additionally, in French culture, baguettes are revered as the flesh of Jesus, and this religious belief has turned into a French custom. As a result, touching a baguette with a knife is considered sublated. Instead, It's good manners to tear off a piece with the hand while keeping the baguette itself upright. While this etiquette may seem strict, others encourage a more laissez-faire approach. For instance, when someone is invited to a French person's house for dinner, it is preferred for guests to be late so that the host is allowed more time to prepare. This etiquette is known as "the 15 minutes of politeness."

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Germany

A typical stereotype about Germans is their blunt and straightforward mannerism. Rather than simply talking about the sitives, Germans often provide feedback on improvements. However, one taboo topic that remains is finance. For instance, asking someone how much money they make is considered inappropriate. Understanding these cultural nuances can help avoid unintentionally upsetting German people, who may have different perspectives on social events. For housewarming gifts, Koreans typically bring daily items like toilet paper. However, in Germany, gifts such as flowers and food are preferred, as it's considered to be the host's responsibility to prepare the house.

Different forms of etiquette can cause confusion and make traveling seem more challenging. However, etiquette is often uniquely rooted in cultural backgrounds and histories. By understanding these customs, people can learn about other cultures and show true respect. Therefore, why not follow the adage, "do as the Romans do?"

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Reporter,

Eunkyeul Kim

kyeul@g.seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 김은결

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• e-mail : kyeul@g.seoultech.ac.kr