When you study or work in South Korea, you will often encounter situations that may seem familiar from Vietnam, such as speaking to teachers, communicating with landlords, or receiving instructions from managers.
However, the way you communicate in similar situations can differ between Vietnam and South Korea. Understanding both the similarities and differences can help Vietnamese students and workers adapt more smoothly to life in South Korea.
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COMMUNICATING WITH KOREAN TEACHERS
When asking about your studies
IN VIETNAM
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Greet your teacher and use an appropriate form of address.
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Ask your teacher when you do not understand something.
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If you need to discuss a personal matter, you can send a message or speak to the teacher directly.
IN SOUTH KOREA
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Greet your teacher politely.
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When sending a message, use polite language and avoid messages that are too short or overly casual.
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If you do not understand a lesson or instruction, ask the teacher to explain it again.
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If you need to speak to your teacher, check their availability in advance.
SIMILARITY
Both Vietnam and South Korea place importance on showing respect to teachers and older people.
DIFFERENCE
In South Korea, the use of appropriate levels of politeness according to the other person's age and position is particularly important. Even if you become familiar with your teacher, continue to use polite language in formal school situations.
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WHEN YOU NEED TO MISS CLASS OR ARRIVE LATE
IN VIETNAM
If you are unwell, have a family matter or are going to be late, you may contact your teacher by phone or message.
IN SOUTH KOREA
If you are going to miss class or arrive late, inform your teacher or school in advance.
It is helpful to provide:
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Your full name
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The reason
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How long you will be absent or your expected arrival time
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When you expect to return to class
If the school requires a specific explanation, do not simply say, “I will be absent”. Provide the necessary information.
SIMILARITY
In both countries, students should inform the school or teacher in advance if they cannot attend class.
DIFFERENCE
Attendance and class times may be strictly managed in South Korea. Avoid unexplained absences and follow the school's attendance rules.
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COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR LANDLORD WHEN RENTING A ROOM
When there is a problem with your accommodation
IN VIETNAM
If there is a problem with electricity, water, equipment or rent, it is common to contact the landlord directly.
IN SOUTH KOREA
The same applies in South Korea. Contact the landlord or property manager if there is a problem with your accommodation.
When reporting a problem, provide:
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Your address or room number
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A description of the problem
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When you noticed the problem
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Photos or videos, if necessary
For example:
“The air conditioner in my room has not been working since last night.”
Providing specific information makes it easier for the landlord to understand and deal with the issue.
SIMILARITY
In both countries, it is important to inform the landlord promptly when a problem is discovered.
DIFFERENCE
In South Korea, the rental agreement may specify the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant in detail. Check your contract before discussing responsibility for repair costs or other expenses.
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PAYING RENT
IN VIETNAM
Rent is normally paid by bank transfer or cash according to the agreement with the landlord.
IN SOUTH KOREA
The same basic principle applies in South Korea. Pay the rent by the agreed deadline.
Keep records of:
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The rental agreement
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Payment dates
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Receipts or bank transfer records
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Messages exchanged with the landlord
SIMILARITY
In both countries, pay rent on time and keep proof of payment.
DIFFERENCE
When renting accommodation in South Korea, carefully check the deposit, rent, management fees, contract period and conditions for moving out before signing the agreement.
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COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR MANAGER OR SUPERVISOR AT WORK
When receiving work instructions
IN VIETNAM
Employees receive instructions from their manager and ask questions if something is unclear.
IN SOUTH KOREA
The same approach applies. If you do not understand an instruction, clarify it before starting the task.
Check:
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What needs to be done
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When it needs to be completed
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How it should be done
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Whether there are any special requirements
Do not pretend to understand and then start working without clarification.
SIMILARITY
In both workplaces, it is important to understand the task correctly and follow instructions.
DIFFERENCE
In South Korean workplaces, hierarchy based on position and age can be more clearly reflected in communication. Use polite language when speaking to managers and older colleagues.
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ASKING FOR TIME OFF OR A SHIFT CHANGE
IN VIETNAM
If you need time off or want to change your shift, discuss it with your manager.
IN SOUTH KOREA
The same applies in South Korea. Speak to your manager or supervisor in advance. This is particularly important when your absence could affect other employees' shifts.
Explain:
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The date you need off
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The reason
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The period of absence
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When you expect to return to work
Avoid taking time off without permission and only informing your manager afterwards.
SIMILARITY
In both countries, employees should ask in advance and follow workplace procedures for approval.
DIFFERENCE
Vietnamese workers in South Korea should pay particular attention to company rules and the assigned work schedule.
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WHEN YOU MAKE A MISTAKE AT WORK
IN VIETNAM
If you make a mistake, report it to your manager and work out how to resolve it.
IN SOUTH KOREA
The same principle applies. Report the mistake as soon as you become aware of it.
Recommended steps:
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Check what went wrong.
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Report it to the person in charge or your manager.
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Briefly explain the cause if required.
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Ask how the mistake should be corrected.
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Check the work again to avoid repeating the same mistake.
Do not hide mistakes or blame other people.
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WHEN YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND KOREAN
This is a common situation for people who have recently arrived in South Korea.
In Vietnam, if you do not understand what someone is saying, you may ask them to repeat or explain it again.
The same approach can be used in South Korea.
A polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves can be expressed in Latin transliteration as:
“Joesonghajiman dasi han beon malsseumhae juseyo.”
Meaning:
“Sorry, could you please say that again?”
You can also use a translation app when necessary.
It is particularly important to make sure you understand information relating to:
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Work
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Class schedules
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Work schedules
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Money
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Contracts
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Administrative procedures
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SIMILARITIES BETWEEN VIETNAMESE AND SOUTH KOREAN COMMUNICATION
Vietnam and South Korea share several similarities in everyday relationships and social behaviour.
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Respecting older people
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Greeting others appropriately
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Being punctual
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Treating others politely
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Respecting teachers and managers
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Following etiquette in group settings
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Maintaining good relationships with colleagues and people around you
Therefore, Vietnamese people do not need to completely change the way they communicate when they move to South Korea.
The important thing is to adjust your language and behaviour to suit the local environment.
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THINGS TO PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO IN SOUTH KOREA
Some behaviours that may be relatively common in Vietnam require more caution depending on the situation in South Korea.
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Calling older people or managers by their first name.
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Using very short or overly casual messages in formal situations.
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Missing school or work without informing the relevant person.
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Arriving late without notifying the school or workplace.
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Changing your work schedule without permission.
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Failing to read your rental agreement carefully.
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Using another person's belongings without permission.
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Not asking questions when you do not understand an instruction.
5 BASIC COMMUNICATION RULES TO REMEMBER IN SOUTH KOREA
When you are unsure how to respond, remember these five basic principles:
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Greet people politely.
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Be punctual.
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Do not make decisions on your own when they affect other people.
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Ask when you do not understand something.
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Report problems to the relevant person as soon as possible.
These are simple principles, but they can be useful in many situations at school, at work and in everyday life for Vietnamese people studying and working in South Korea.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Songda Tohoku Joint Stock Company
Address: L02-L01, Khu A, KĐT Dương Nội, Phường Dương Nội, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Telephone: 0989 044 852
Email: tohokusongda2014@gmail.com
Website: tohoku.vn