Life in Korea

When meeting someone for the first time in Korea, it is polite to shake their hand using both hands and/or bow your head towards them. Use both hands when paying for something, giving, and accepting things from others. A common way to express politeness is to support the hand you are using with your other hand.

This is a frequent custom in Korea. You may wish to bring some small gifts from your home country to give to friends or classmates as a token of appreciation.

Time is often "flexible" in social situations - you may expect to find people arriving "late" to parties, dinners, dates, etc. Dinners and social outings may also be very long so you can build relationships with group members.

You may find it difficult to meet new friends. Often people are introduced through personal acquaintances and networks - try to join clubs and activities (like the ISO , BUDDY, and ATTI programs) to meet new people!

In formal situations with superiors, it is often impolite to make direct eye contact. When drinking alcohol with peers, it is common to look away when you drink as a sign of respect.

This really won't apply to you as a student, but exchanging business cards is a customary way to introduce oneself while working in Korea. You might try asking your professors for their business cards!