Ask a Korean

Why do Koreans feel the need to apologize when they hear that a some Korean somewhere has done something wrong? Should we apologize to Koreans every time we hear one of us has done something wrong?Anonymous

It would be rather nice of you to apologize whenever one of “you” has done something wrong.

We apologize when we hear that some other Korean has done something wrong because we’re a very homogenous culture. If we meet another Korean somewhere in another country, we immediately have a bond based on our shared culture. We also apologize because we’re generally polite people and we find it embarrassing when we hear that one of “us” has done something wrong. It reflects on all of us. We were raised to think that way.

how old are you?Anonymous

Old enough that I’m not going to answer this with a real number.

Can you give advice on accepting a male versus a female high school exchange student from Korea? I know it's pretty horrible to generalize about people, but we have agreed to accept a student for 3 years and have the choice of a girl or boy. I want the experience to be a good one for both my family of 6 (parents and 4 kids plus family dog) and the student who will be joining my family.Anonymous

I would say a girl. But that’s because I’m a girl and I’m amazing.

Can you generalize on how most traditional Koreans view Jews? Would being Jewish deter the average Korean from becoming my friend? My concern in asking is that many people seem upset that we do not accept Jesus as the messiah and they sometimes can't get pass this issue.Anonymous

Do you really want to be friends with people that don’t accept your religious views?

Why do Koreans shout when hiking in the wilderness?Anonymous

We’re just loud.

And if we shout all the time then chances are that if we get lost, someone will know we’re out there somewhere.

Why do Koreans feel the need to apologize when they hear that a some Korean somewhere has done something wrong? Should we apologize to Koreans every time we hear one of us has done something wrong?Anonymous

Absolutely.

if you were at a fan signing and you were there to see your oppas, would you use the yo ending when talking to them or nogdragonsgirl

Always use the yo ending when speaking to someone older, even if you guys are close, unless they told you not to.

My Korean neighbor died. I want to take a fruit basket to his family, is that ok?Anonymous

I’m sure they appreciate the concern. Flowers are more traditional

Hi im african american and i was thinking of auditioning to be a k pop idol do you think korea would accept me even though im a different raceAnonymous

If you spoke Korean, or attempted to learn, then yes.

How do Koreans regard bathing with children? My female Korean friend regularly takes pretty long naked bubble baths with her 6.5 year old daughter. By general American cultural standards, 6.5 is way too old to regularly share baths with a naked parent. I am wondering if this is a cultural difference or something that is unique to this particular person. ThanksAnonymous

It’s probably more cultural. Koreans have a public bathhouse culture so nudity amongst same sex is not uncommon, nor is it regarded as awkward.

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