The Korean norms & taboos & superstition Lecture Dr. RANSOOK KANG

The Korean norms & taboos & supersti-

tion

LectureDr. RANSOOK KANG

Today’s outline

1. Norms in Korea2. Practical example of Korean norms3. Taboo in Korea4. Quiz about Korean norms & taboos5. Game using ‘line palm’6. Discussion about today’s topic

* The following image and video was taken from internet(Google + Youtube)

Norms & Taboo & Superstition

Norms : Social behavior in a group

Taboo : Do or Do not

Superstition : Good or Good luck

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_6eCqU58Qk

What is norms?

1. Social behavior in a particular group or social unit. "The way people do things around here.“

2.  Formal rule or standard laid down be legal, religious, or social authority against which appropriateness of individual’s behavior in judged.  

The feature of Korean norms

“Politeness”

Politeness to … elders, senior, adult

… superior, boss … parents … teacher, professor … stranger

A male-dominated

Equality of male and fe-male

Bow to …. greet each other (except with the same-aged

friends)

Subordinates must greet or bow to superiors first (subordinates have to bow deeper to supe-

riors)

Use honorific in speaking to strangers, older people, superi-

ors

Practically everyone is called by his or her

title, including older siblings and cousins

(except the same-aged friends)

Pass or receive objects with both hands.

Do not sit on the doorstep “ Block off a passage “

Do not shake a leg while sitting.

Do not hit … someone in the head

신체발부수지부모(身體髮膚受之父母)

身：몸 신 體：몸 체 髮：머리털 발 膚：살갗 부 受：받을 수 之：갈 지 父：아비 부 母：어미 모

Turning sideways … when drinking alcohol in front of an older person.

In a group … Koreans fill each other’s glass and often offer their own empty glass to other members in the group.

Subordinates are expected to stand up when a person of higher rank appears

What is taboo?

‘ A social or religious custom pro-

hibiting or restricting a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place, or thing’

- Oxford dictionary  

Korean taboo ‘Make up for man’

Korean taboo ‘ Tattoo on the body ‘

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65uBXG2lxQw  

Korean taboo ‘ fall in love between man’

What is superstition?

‘ A widely held but irrational belief

in supernatural influences, espe-cially as leading to good or bad luck, or a practice based on such a belief’

- Oxford dictionary  

Korean superstition

Symbol of superstition

Do not use… red ink in writing a person’s

name.

Do not leave … a spoon or chop sticks in your bowl.

Do not sit … at corners of the table.

Do not use …number 4

Quiz 1.

Quiz 2.

1. Pillows should not be left standing…?

2. Young people can smoke in front of older people?

3. Women can smoke in public?

Quiz 3.

GAME“Let’s read your ‘line palm’ ’’

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

GAME“Tell me about your ‘line

palm’ ’’

Thank you

“ 감사합니다”