As a newly industrialized region, South Korea has great potential. South Korea has always given priority to expanding exports, which has led to rapid changes in Korean society.
However, it still retains centuries-old traditions and customs. When these traditions and customs are changed to adapt to the new society, they still have their influence.
On the other hand, foreigners will find that western philosophy, customs, clothing and commodities occupy a large market. For example, as many major western manufacturers turn to South Korea for production,
In this way, you can buy first-class brands and first-class quality goods at a fraction of the American price in Korean department stores.
However, in order to avoid embarrassment or misunderstanding, it is best to know each other's old habits before giving gifts.
When addressing a Korean in a letter or in person, be sure to remember his surname and first name.
Traditionally, Korean names consist of three parts:
The first is the surname (most people in Korea only use a few surnames); Gold at most? Park? , Li? , Cui? wait for
The second is to confirm their "generation" names. Usually, the names of male members in a family are the same.
Then the name or personal name.
When writing their names in Roman letters, or on western-style business cards, Koreans often reverse the word order and put their surnames last.
When accepting gifts, Koreans don't have any special customs, but they usually say some polite words, such as "You really shouldn't bother yourself like this".
They generally don't send thank-you letters except wedding gifts.
In most festivals, red is the most popular color of wrapping paper.
Gifts can be wrapped by the store or by the giver himself. If you meet a Korean after a while, he will invite you to his home.
Although Koreans usually send some food to each other and want to share it with everyone, it is too casual for a foreigner to do so.
Traditionally, flowers are only sent at funerals, so except westernized Koreans, flowers are rarely sent as gifts. The most popular gifts given by foreigners are things brought back from their own countries.
The three main gift-giving festivals are Mid-Autumn Festival (), Lunar New Year () and Christmas (? )。
Mid-Autumn Festival
In some ways, this festival is similar to Thanksgiving Day in America.
On this day (August of the lunar calendar 15), people prepare a feast to celebrate the harvest of new grains and fruits.
Usually you can have three or four days' holiday. They returned to their hometown and held a memorial service in front of their ancestral graves.
Sending newly harvested crops or caught fish among family, friends and business acquaintances is an important part of the celebration. Tonight's special feature is enjoying the moon.
the Spring Festival; Chinese New Year
Although people generally celebrate New Year's Day (1-3 June), the more important celebration-celebrating the Lunar New Year-is on the first day of the first lunar month.
This day is a legal holiday and is also designated as National Day. The forms of celebration include family ancestor worship ceremony, special meals, traditional games and the exchange of gifts between family and friends.
During this period, people give money to people who are more powerful or influential than themselves, hoping to get their favor in the coming year. "Buy" relationship is a very common custom. Foreigners will also find this custom very useful to them.
A smiling Korean woman explained, "It's like going fishing. The gift is bait, not fish. You want to catch big fish by throwing bait. "
Christmas day
Today's Korea is a melting pot of world religions. The three most influential religions are Buddhism, Protestantism (Jesus) and Catholicism. Christians and other citizens celebrate Christmas like westerners.
Adults give Christmas presents to each other, while children expect Santa Claus to come on February 24, 65438.
Other gift-giving festivals include Children's Day, May 5th and May 8th (Parents' Day).
Children's Day is celebrated by holding various activities for children. Parents usually take their children to watch special programs or eat special dishes. Children also get gifts from their parents and other adult family members.
On Parents' Day, people will send some small gifts to their parents to celebrate. Like some western countries, carnations have become symbolic gifts for mothers. Valentine's Day is gradually becoming popular among young people in Korea.
birthday
Koreans have two most important birthdays in their lives: centenary and 60th.
At the former's celebration party, children wear colorful traditional costumes and sit among a pile of biscuits, fruits and rice cakes to receive gifts.
The 60th birthday, also known as Huahua, is a joyous moment, because it is considered as an important milestone in the journey of life.
Holding a luxurious birthday party, with rich dishes and many gifts, wishing you a long life is the main content of celebration.