Decoded: The Vibrant Korean Culture We See in K-Dramas!

K-Pop and K-Dramas have taken the world by storm. Be it the detailed rituals exhibited in restaurants or the custom and etiquette that are followed in the dramas, K-Culture has always left us with a sense of wonder. But now we’ve decoded the ABCs of South Korean culture, so that when you land in this beautiful country, you know what to do and what not to do, for a smooth hassle-free trip. Read on for the details. 
 

Earn Brownie Points by Following These Etiquettes: 

1. Bowing is their traditional way of greeting, so put those back muscles to work when you’re meeting new people in South Korea. And especially when you’re meeting an elder, never forget to bow—the gesture makes you seem respectful. Prefer shaking hands while greeting? Do so with both your hands as it’s considered more respectful. 
 

2. Carry a little something (food or gift) when you’re visiting an acquaintance, this small gesture will go a long way in making them feel happy, and welcome you with a smile.
 

3. Koreans have only-for-home sandals, so instead of marching in directly, leave your shoes at the doorstep (it’s more hygienic too!).
 

4. Follow the order of eating in a formal setting—offer food to the eldest person in the group before you get started. 
 

5. Appreciate your host before having your meal, be it a private dining setup or a restaurant—a little appreciation goes a long way in winning their hearts. 

 
Discover the Story Behind Every Hanok! 

 

Nothing makes your trip better than a beautiful story about the places you visit. And every traditional Korean house is a story set in stones. Known as ‘hanok’, the traditional houses are made of environment-friendly material with striking aesthetics to soothe your senses. While the large open spaces make good meeting points for the large joint families, the wide and spacious floors double up as living quarters and bedrooms, with floor pillows and tray-like tables (called Soban) dotted here and there.
Interested in experiencing this traditional Korean way of life? You can sign up for a memorable ‘hanok stay’ experience & enjoy traditional customs like tea ceremony (locally called Darye) which varies with the seasons. Darye means ‘etiquette for tea’ and has been practiced in Korea for over a thousand years. And if you’re a green tea lover, you’re in for an absolute treat because this ceremony shows how traditional green tea is prepared.

#MMTSuggests: Make your way to the famous Bukchon Hanok Village on your trip and do make sure to dress up in Hanboks (traditional Korean outfit) while visiting the hanoks, for an immersive experience.

Food Connoisseur? South Korea is the Place to Be! 

 

Korean Food

While rice, vegetables and meat form the majority of the local cuisine, no meal is complete without ‘Kimchi’—a local accompaniment made from a variety of vegetables that are fermented. 
Koreans believe that food and medicine grow from the same root and food isn’t just for physical wellbeing but emotional wellbeing too! You will be spoilt for choice with the amazing culinary options that this East Asian country has to offer. But before you dig in, keep these cultural etiquettes in mind:  
1. Use chopsticks or spoons and never your hand, for eating
2. Don’t hold your chopsticks and spoon together at the same time 
3. Never use your chopsticks like skewers  
#MMTTip: Brush up your chopstick skills before your visit to South Korea! While there are many kinds of chopsticks available, Koreans favor chopsticks made of metal while eating. And guess what? It’s healthier! 


Korean markets are packed with food stalls (locally called Pojangmacha) and here are a few delicacies you must try:  

• Sundae (Korean Sausage)  
• Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)  
• Gimbap (Rice and Seaweed Rolls)
• Dak gangjeong (Seasoned Fried Chicken Pieces)  
• Twigim (Korean-style Tempura)  
• Mandu (Dumplings)  
• Myeon (Noodles)  

  

#JazzItUp with a LIVE K-Drama, on Location! 

 

Seoul Fortress Wall & Namsan Tower

The major South Korean cities are the backdrops for popular K-Dramas. So, while exploring the streets of South Korea, keep an eye out, who knows you may catch your favourite actor performing in front of the camera! Watch the intricacies with which a K-Drama is made, get a glimpse into the cultural aesthetics put in place, pick up some of the local vocabulary and more. 
Here are some popular places you can swing by to try your luck: 

• Garden of the Morning Calm 
• The Seoul Fortress Wall 
• Gwanghwamun Square 
• Namsan Tower 
• Myeongdong 

  

That’s not all. South Koreans love get-togethers and celebrations. And the best way to know more about their culture is to plan your trip around the festivals. Here are two festivals that will give you a sneak peek into the Korean way of life:  

 

Andong Maskdance Festival

1. Andong Maskdance Festival – Held in the picturesque town of Andong every autumn, this festival celebrates the region’s varied socio-historical and religious heritages.
Watch masked dancers take to the stage, learn the art of quiet composure and mindfulness through the performances, explore the historic Andong Hahoe Folk Village dating back to the Joseon dynasty (the venue for this event), pick up colourful masks as souvenirs to carry back home & more.

2. Jinju Lantern Festival – Famous for lighting up the city of Jinju with beautiful lanterns, the Jinju Lantern Festival in October brings together the young and old to pray for good health and prosperity. 
You can build your own lanterns, write your wishes on them and float them down the river. 
#MMTTip: Do not miss clicking pictures, the view of the lanterns is surreal! 
 

South Korea has all this and MORE to offer. Pack your bags and get set for ‘A Korean Odyssey’ you’ll remember forever.