Culture 101

There are so many things that you have to know about South Korean culture in order to get by. Luckily, I've been exposed to most of what I'll need before, but adjusting is still a bit difficult. This list is just barely scratching the surface. There's so much more, but for that, you'll have to come to South Korea experience it yourself. ^^

Elders

Anyone who's older than you (yep, even a day), is an elder. As I'm a girl, I'd have to call her onni. That's Korean for "older sister". After 10 years difference or so, she usually becomes "ajumma". But most women don't want to be called that. It's kind of like saying "old lady!".

Older guys, are oppa. Again, it's because I'm a girl. There are different terms for men to use with older men and women. Among the Radiant Ones, there are a few oppas, but I just can't bring myself to say it. Why? Because "oppa" is also used as a term of affection. That's the ONLY way I've ever used it (The fact that "hey babe" and "hey big brother" are the EXACT same thing kinda creeps me out). My friends tend to be younger than me, so I'm used to hearing nuna (the male term for big sister), and NOT saying oppa. But I'll have to get on with it eventually and desensitize myself. I live in South Korea.

People who are ahead of you in work or school are "seonbae" (I'm only writing the pronunciation. Not the actual spelling...). I get tripped up because I'm onni, but she's seonbae, So I have to address her carefully. You're younger than me, but in a more superior position.

Instructors

There are teachers ("seonsaengnim"), professors ("kyosunim") and doctors. ("baksanim"). DO NOT CONFUSE THEM. It's like calling someone Mr.Woods versus Professor Woods versus Doctor Woods. As I'm a foreigner, I get a little bit of slack, but it's still unacceptable to call them by name. Don't EVER use the full name of a professor. Disrespect is no joke here. 

When you see them, you greet them. Doesn't matter when or where. They must be acknowledged. And you don't just wave and go "hey, prof". No. You do the bow and "annyeonghaseyo" (hello) dealie. But as a foreigner, again, I get a pass. Head nod and "hello".

Classes

NO EFFING JOKE, MAN. On allowed absence. I'm not complaining, as this is the graduate level, but it's much more stringent than the program I started Stateside. I missed a few days (I think 4, maybe), but it didn't ding my grade. Here, after your first absence, you're screwed. Also, being late twice is an absence. I like the idea, as punctuality is important, but it's still far more rigid than I was expecting (not that I have difficulty with being on time, anyways). 

There isn't much homework (whereas my PUBA620 prof was in love with multiple assignments per week), but the tests and quizzes will kill you. Up to 60% of a grade comes from the mid-term and final. 

What? That's not so bad. Just study hard and you'll do fine. Yeah...except for....

Grading

Every course is graded on a curve. South Korea is obsessed with ranking. Someone must be the best, and someone must be the worst. Do you know what that means? It means that even if every single person gets 100% on their test, someone will get the A and someone will get the C. A C isn't so bad, except that it's a 4.3 scale and a C here is the equivalent of failing. 

Even a few professors lamented the curve and that they have a LIMITED NUMBER OF A's THEY CAN GIVE. It is one thing about Korean education that I despise. If I worked hard and got the points, give them to me. If another student worked hard and got points, give them to him. Don't discount one of us just because of some grade ceiling.

But a bright side is that the limits leave space in participation. Active participation will likely be the defining line in some cases. Being aware of the tight competition for the best grades, students might try to participate more in the hopes that if it comes down to it, the professor will remember that he or she was more attentive and "present" in class and give them the higher grade. Perhaps talking a lot will actually help me, this time.