When studying and working in South Korea, understanding basic social etiquette can help Vietnamese people adapt more easily to their school, workplace and daily life.
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Pay attention to greetings
When meeting older people, teachers, managers or supervisors, it is polite to give a slight bow when greeting them.
In formal situations, use appropriate forms of address rather than calling older people or senior colleagues by their first names.
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Be punctual
You should arrive on time for school, work and appointments.
If you are likely to be late, inform your teacher, manager or the relevant person in advance.
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Avoid speaking loudly in public
On the underground, buses, in libraries, hospitals and other places where quiet is expected, keep your voice at a reasonable level.
Avoid making loud phone calls or conversations, particularly during busy periods.
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Queue and wait your turn
When using public transport, shopping, completing procedures or waiting for a service, follow the queue.
Do not push in or block entrances, exits or walkways.
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Keep public places clean
Do not litter or leave food, rubbish or personal belongings in public areas.
When using shared toilets, dining areas, accommodation or other communal spaces, leave them clean and tidy.
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Respect other people's personal space
Do not use another person's belongings without permission.
When living in shared accommodation or a dormitory, ask before using someone else's belongings, food or personal space.
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Observe dining etiquette
When eating with older people or senior colleagues, it is polite to wait for them to start eating first.
Do not place chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, and avoid making excessive noise while eating.
When sharing a meal, pay attention to basic table manners and how eating utensils are used.
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Maintain a polite attitude at work
When working with Korean colleagues, use polite language and show respect towards supervisors, colleagues and customers.
If you do not understand a work instruction, ask for clarification rather than making assumptions that could lead to mistakes.
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Do not photograph or record people without permission
Avoid taking photographs or videos of other people without their consent, particularly at workplaces, schools or in private spaces.
Before posting a photograph of someone on social media, ask for their permission if they can be clearly identified.
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Follow the rules of your school, workplace and accommodation
Schools, dormitories, companies and residential buildings may each have their own rules.
Make sure you read and follow the relevant rules concerning:
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Working and school hours
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Cleanliness
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Noise
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Use of communal areas
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Safety
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Absence from school or work
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Use of shared equipment and property
BASIC ETIQUETTE CHECKLIST FOR SOUTH KOREA
□ Use appropriate greetings and forms of address
□ Arrive at school and work on time
□ Keep your voice at a reasonable level in public places
□ Queue and wait your turn
□ Keep shared areas clean
□ Respect other people's personal space and belongings
□ Observe basic dining etiquette
□ Communicate politely in the workplace
□ Ask permission before photographing or posting images of other people
□ Read and follow the rules of your school, workplace and accommodation
These are not the only social etiquette rules in South Korea, but they are some of the basic habits Vietnamese people should adopt when they begin studying, working and living there.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Songda Tohoku Joint Stock Company
Address: L02-L01, Khu A, KĐT Dương Nội, Phường Dương Nội, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Hotline: 0989 044 852
Email: tohokusongda2014@gmail.com
Website: tohoku.vn