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| 235776 |
Hiding one's mouth and using both hands in Korea
I notice in a lot of Korean dramas that people tend to hide their mouths when eating/drinking or laughing. Is this a cultural thing?
I have also noticed that when offering something (eg a business card or a book) people tend to use both hands.
I am dreaming of visiting Korea one day and I would like to understand the cultural differences so I do not offend the locals with my European manners. To us it is not rude to show your mouth or offer something using only your dominant hand.
I remember a happening, many years ago, when I was attending a business seminar in Sweden with representatives of our company from all over the world. We had a Thai lady in the group who had to leave early. I went to hug her goodbye and she politely avoided me explaining that in her culture people do not touch or make eye contact. Obviously I apologised and explained that in our culture the opposite was the norm. The funny thing is that as soon as we had clarified this point, the Italian and the Brazilian members rushed into the room all talking at the same time and hugged and kissed her (they were men). She was as pale as a sheet and I thought she was going to faint from embarrassment!
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Language pair: English; Korean
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| 235908 |
Re:Hiding one's mouth and using both hands in Korea
Yes they are too sensitive about hugging. And I think they used to hands as a sign of respect especially if it is someone older than you. I also loved to go to Korea and want to meet other aspirants like me :)
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Language pair: English; Korean
This is a reply to message # 235776
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| 236492 |
Re:Hiding one's mouth and using both hands in Korea
You don't have to hide your mouth when eating, smiling, and speaking. In dramas some jestures are exaggerated.
But When you give something to someone who is older than you or in official situation, you better with two hands! With-Two-hands-giving is quite usual in Korea.
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Language pair: English; Korean
This is a reply to message # 235776
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