Korean Lesson #3

Social norms are not universal.

1. In America, asking an adult's age is not a polite question, especially if the person is a woman. In Korea, it is almost always one of the first questions that is asked when you meet someone new.
   
   
2. In America, toilet paper stays in the restroom. In Korea, you may see it sitting on tables in some rather nice restaurants. They use it just like napkins.
   
   
3. In America, most people would not tell you if they think that you are overweight. In Korea, my boss once told me "maybe, you are a little bit fat."
   
   
4. In America, you eat the food on your plate and no one else's. In Korea, sometimes you don't even have a plate; everyone eats out of the same communal dishes.
   
   
5. In America, you would almost never talk about someone sitting right next to you. In Korea, wifes often say "please pray for my husband, he came home drunk last night. I was very angry." They say this with their husbands sitting right next to them. The husband wouldn't be shocked or angry at all.
   
   
6. In America, stripes, plaid, and polka dots don't go together. In Korea, they are a perfect match.
   
   
7. In America, ladies wear sneakers or boots for hiking. In Korea, it is not uncommon for ladies to climb hills in high heals.
   
   
8. In America, teenage boys don't hold hands. In Korea, it is quite acceptable.
   
   
9. In America, high school lasts no more than six hours a day (Monday - Friday). Some Korean students are in school from 9:00-9:00 on the weekdays and a half day on Saturday.
   
   
10. In America, good birthday presents are nice looking things that you may or may not ever use. In Korea, good birthday presents include practical gifts like haircuts and socks.