I could use some pointers for Korean culture...

[Jürgen Hubert]

Our university department is already fairly international, with an Indian and a Brazilian Ph.D. student.

But tomorrow, our new North Korean Ph.D. student will arrive, and none of us is very familiar with Korean culture - and the student is unlike to be familiar with Western culture in general, or German culture in particular.

So could anyone give me some pointers about the standards of politeness in Korea - what is permissable and what isn't?

It would be especially useful if you could narrate any experience with North Koreans, if you have any...

 

[johnsemlak]

Wow, South Koreans I have experience with, but North Korea, zilch. It's one of the most isolated countries in the world.

 

[Jdvn1]

Try to pick up a travel book on Nouth Korea. Otherwise, looks like you're going to have to start the conversation with something like, "I'm sorry, I know little about your culture and you likely know little about mine. I'm going to try to be polite with you, but I'm sorry if I unintentionally offend you."

 

[Johnnie Freedom!]

Our university department is already fairly international, with an Indian and a Brazilian Ph.D. student.

But tomorrow, our new North Korean Ph.D. student will arrive, and none of us is very familiar with Korean culture - and the student is unlike to be familiar with Western culture in general, or German culture in particular.

So could anyone give me some pointers about the standards of politeness in Korea - what is permissable and what isn't?

They love capitalism. Give lots of praise to the "free market". They are also very fond of the United States, so make sure to play up the "America rules" angle (I know you're in Germany, but the "America rules" thing will help the North Korean student relate to you). Also, make lots of jokes about Kim Jong-Il and Kim Il-Sung. They're two politicians that are universally loathed in North Korea, and North Koreans often make fun of them.

 

[Dragonbait]

They love capitalism. Give lots of praise to the "free market". They are also very fond of the United States, so make sure to play up the "America rules" angle (I know you're in Germany, but the "America rules" thing will help the North Korean student relate to you). Also, make lots of jokes about Kim Jong-Il and Kim Il-Sung. They're two politicians that are universally loathed in North Korea, and North Koreans often make fun of them.

Ah, satire..
I doubt that there will be any books on North Korean culture, seeing how that pesky DMZ is there. Are you sure he's North Korean? Why was he allowed to leave the country? I know that in South Korea, beer drinking is a big plus during or after a business meeting. Since you're in Germany, that should not be a problem. Use both hands when giving something to him, or taking something from him. I know that is a Japanese thing, and I don't know if it is a Korean thing, but it can't hurt to practice that. I know that cameras are one of the most illegal electronic devices in NK, so he maaaay be skittish around them, especially if he is a refugee. If he were South Korean, I'd say not to expect the stereotypical rigid and ultra-polite asian. South Korean culture is a bit more mercurial from what I remember. I'm sure North Koreans are less so.
Hm.. Damn. I was a young expatriot in South Korea (ages 1 to 6) but learned very little about their culture. A shame.

 

[diaglo]

what little i know (and that ain't much) comes from the mother of a friend of mine. she escaped North Korea during the war.

they have a strong respect for their elders.

 

[Tewligan]

I hear that they eat the hearts of their foes, so be sure to stay on his good side. Either that, or emphasize how undelicious your own heart is in case you end up being his enemy.

 

[DerHauptman]

One thing I know from my tour there, if you eat rice from a bowl do not leave your sticks poked into and supported by the rice. Lay them on the table or edge of the bowl instead. It has to do with respect for the deceased.

Also, age is a big deal even a year means that person is your senior (unless you outrank them at work or academically of course) defer to the elder in all things. Where to eat, where to sit etc.

Small gifts are always given when when visiting another persons house. Usually we gave alcohol of some kind. (good scotch was a premium for them and they knew it was cheap for us at the PX)

And I swear every Korean over the age of 9 smokes - a lot! Then again so do most Europeans so you should be good.

Bout it for me,

Now NK may be a different animal all together so...take those for what they are worth.