Koreans follow the same rules for personal space as Americans. We usually don’t gesture with our hands when we speak. Eye contact is often avoided, especially with teachers, but this is changing somewhat with the younger generation. Bowing is common when greeting someone in a more formal setting. People of the same age shake hands, wave, or nod at each other. Pointing at someone else is considered impolite. Koreans will sometimes smile or laugh when they feel shy or embarrassed. In general, people speak in a softer voice than Americans are used to.
Respect for elders is an important part of Korean culture. Younger people bow to older people when they meet them because it is more respectful. Younger people should use honorific forms of address when talking to or meeting older people. It is considered inappropriate to question the authority of someone much older than you. Families expect that children will obey the wishes of older relatives.
Boys and girls attend school together and are allowed to have social relationships. Although the situation has improved somewhat, many people still prefer sons to daughters. 60% of the Korean population is comprised of men. In 2001, the government created the Ministry of Gender Equality to address issues of discrimination against women. Most women work outside the home, but they are usually solely responsible for cooking and keeping the house clean. There is a mandatory two-year military service for all males.
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Age structure: