Funny how certain things or actions can be considered taboo in my culture yet totally acceptable in my culture. I remember when I was child I was absolutely forbbiden to remove my shoes in the church sanctuary. Yet here in Korea, it is required to remove your shoes at the threshold of the building. When I was a child and my mother would tell me the story of Daniel's friends, they would always tell us "We do not bow to anyone but God." I understand that bowing is part of the culture here in Korea, and I don't mind doing it but I still feel so uncomfortable when someone does it to me. Another things that surprises me and I have trouble relating to is the meal habits. There is only one way to eat certain food and you can't change the way that food is eaten. You can't take stuff out or add stuff in that's not included in the original dish. When Koreans sit down to eat (shoeless of course), one must eat in silence and quickly. There is no chatting about your day or savoring the food slowly (you don't like it anyways, because they don't let you change it) because that would be considered rude.
Grandparents are to be respected at a distance, never lovingly playing or hugging because that would be inappropriate. The notion of beauty is different in this culture as well. Big eyes and curly hair are valued where even children and men get their hair permed. However, as a society of hard workers and students, things that can be considered outward adornments are considered a distraction and are therefore forbidden. As a result, high schoolers are not allowed to have perms, or pierce their ears or even have long hair. These are all things that can distract a student, so they are not allowed.
They should adapt these measures in the US, huh?
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