Phrasebook
Korean

1. Politeness and Hierarchy: Age Rules

In Korea, you do not speak the same way to a friend, an elder, or a stranger. The level of politeness (Jondaetmal) is the foundation of the language.

• The age question : Do not be surprised if a Korean asks for your birth year upon first meeting. It is essential to know which level of politeness to use with you.
• Social titles : First names alone are rarely used. Koreans use affectionate but hierarchical terms such as Oppa (older brother for a girl), Hyung (older brother for a boy), Unni (older sister for a girl), or Sunbae (senior at school or work).

2. At the Table: The Art of Korean Gastronomy

Culinary culture in South Korea is a convivial moment of sharing, but one that follows strict rules.

• The realm of Banchan : At restaurants, small side dishes (kimchi, pickled vegetables) are offered and often unlimited. Do not hesitate to ask for more (Banchan jom deo juseyo)!
• Alcohol etiquette : When pouring Soju or beer for someone older, always use both hands. Likewise, when drinking in front of an elder, it is customary to turn your head slightly to the side out of respect.
• Eating Korean style : Unlike Japan or China, in Korea you never lift your rice bowl from the table. You eat it with a spoon, while chopsticks (often metal) are used to pick up side dishes.

3. Practical Life: A Fast and Ultra-Connected Country

Living or traveling in Korea means adapting to a hectic pace of life ("Palli-Palli" meaning "Quick-Quick"), supported by incredible services.

• Baedal culture (Delivery) : In Korea, you can have food delivered absolutely anywhere, even in the middle of a park along the Han River!
• The ubiquity of Combini (Pyeonuijeom) : Open 24 hours a day, these neighborhood convenience stores let you do everything: buy a hot meal, recharge your T-Money transport card, buy official garbage bags, or send packages.
• Strict recycling : South Korea has one of the strictest recycling systems in the world. Food waste must be separated from regular waste.

4. Accommodation and Well-being: Tradition and Modernity

• Floor heating (Ondol) : If you sleep in a hotel room or traditional lodging (Hanok), you will discover the Ondol system. Heat comes from the floor, which is why Koreans always remove their shoes before entering a home.
• Jjimjilbang (Public baths) : An unmissable experience! Open day and night, people go there to wash, enjoy saunas, eat roasted eggs, and even sleep on floor mats.
• Traditional medicine (Haniwon) : In case of fatigue or a minor sprain, many Koreans turn to traditional medicine (acupuncture, cupping), which is highly developed and accessible.

5. Taboos to Absolutely Avoid (Faux Pas)

To avoid awkward glances, here are some golden rules to remember:

• Never write a name in red : In Korean culture, red ink is reserved for writing the names of the deceased. Using it for a living person is considered bad luck.
• Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice : Sticking chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice resembles incense sticks used in funeral rites.
• Blowing your nose in public : Blowing your nose loudly, especially at the table, is considered very impolite. Prefer to sniff discreetly or go to the restroom to do so.