한국국제교류재단

"Annyeonghaseyo, mannaseo bangapseumnida, ireumi mueosibnikka?, myeotsarimnikka? gyeolhon hasyeoseoyo?" Such are the sentences that flow with every new acquaintance. The last two sentences mean "how old are you?" and, "Are you married?" These are sometimes surprising questions for Indonesians, and they are sometimes considered impolite, especially when there are lots of people around. For a Korean, however, an introduction stating simply name and address is not nearly enough information.

Never-ending Questions
Questions about age are common and important in Korea as they are related to the use of language. Social intercourse is always referred to in accordance with the age of the person being spoken to. Koreans respect their elders and married people, and the use of language helps to define this respect.

At first I felt that Koreans had no manners, but after I learnt of the reason why they asked such questions, I felt that I'd misjudged them. In the Korean language there is a kind of levelling, as there is in the Javanese language; by knowing their interlocutor's age, Koreans can place themselves on the level to which they belong. Accordingly, questions about age are meant to properly place new acquaintances within a social framework.

Koreans are known for their kindness and friendliness. However, getting acquainted to a Korean is not an easy task. One has to be ready to answer a barrage of unpredictable questions that are sometimes very detailed and personal. Their curiosity is aroused to the point that their interlocutor will feel they are being stripped. And as Koreans are an extroverted people when compared to Indonesian people, introverted Indonesians will sometimes feel they are being interrogated, answering such personal questions in an irritated, or even angry fashion.

One day I went window-shopping in the streets of Masan, where I was greeted by many Koreans along the way. Perhaps it was because I looked strange wearing my "jilbab," which is Muslim female headgear that exposes the face but not the ears, neck or hair. It seemed to arouse their curiosity and they approached me without hesitation. They asked a series of questions, such as what was jilbab, why did I wear jilbab, and did I not feel hot, amongst the many others. I answered the questions and when I decided that I did not want to answer any more, I simply said "geunyang," meaning "just because." They could understand it, and it was then that I realised that they did not want to interrogate me, they simply wanted to know more.

Hard Workers Enjoying Leisure
Koreans are hard workers, as well as quick actors in the face of problems. They are not accustomed to delay in their jobs, and this way of facing life is very much affected by the unfriendly condition of natural Korean environment. Nearly 70% of the Korean landscape is mountainous, stony, and unfertile. However, the land makes hard, tough, disciplined, and strong workers of its inhabitants. The mountainous conditions of their landscape have an effect on the way Koreans move and how it influences their work.

Koreans are workaholics and always do things "ppalli-ppalli" (quickly), but they also comprehend the importance of living a balanced life. After working untiringly everyday, they will go on picnics with their families on the weekends. They will usually go to parks or other such places of entertainment, and to keep their health, they will exercise. One of the cheap, fun, and healthy sports enjoyed by old and young Koreans alike is mountain hiking. We can find lots of people hiking on weekends and holidays. They will walk from one mountain to the next untiringly. For Koreans, the mountains are a place to refresh themselves from the weariness and boredom of their working lives.

Drinking, A Part of Lifestyle
Other than sport, Koreans overcome work-stress and weariness by drinking alcohol. In Korea, drinking alcohol is a part of their lifestyle. For Koreans, it is not a bad habit and it is not forbidden. Koreans like to celebrate success by drinking alcohol with their friends, and it also has a very important social meaning within the culture. According to Koreans, drinking alcohol until drunk is a precondition to an exchange of ideas, or solving problems. It also functions as a means to weave relationships and to strengthen friendships. There is time to study, work, eat, drink, sing, or dance; that is the Korean lifestyle.

Preserving the Natural Environment and Cultural Values
Perhaps Koreans are so accustomed to dividing their time that they also have to divide their loves. There is "kkot sarang" (love of flower), "hakgyo sarang" (love of school), "namu sarang" (love of tree), "munhwajae sarang" (love of cultural assets), and "nara sarang" (love of country). Love starts from these slogans and are probably shields to help preserve their original cultural values by blocking outside influences. Their rooted love to their motherland and ancestral culture make them feel more responsible and loyal to it. Their love of flowers, "kkot sarang," gives birth to a responsibility to keep and take care of flowers, not to abandon them. Such is also their love to their country, "nara sarang", which engenders loyalty to their country. This is realized by preserving the natural environment and ancestral cultural values.

Confucianism and "jal"
Through close interactions with the Korean people, I can see that Korea is very much affected by the teachings of Confucius. Even though Confucianism originated in China, the teachings are deeply rooted in Korean society. Confucian teachings emphasize morality and dedication to parents and country. Confucianism also teaches "love, loyalty, piety, good deeds, self-confidence, and self-discipline."

I respect and admire Korea as it is a country still progressing towards its high-tech future, yet it still manages to preserve ancestral cultures and traditions. Another thing that makes me admire the Korean people is their use of the word "jal." In every conversation the word is never left out. "Jal haseyo, jal gongbuhaeyo, jal gaseyo, jal meokeoyo," and many other words are initiated by the word "jal." These sentences mean, "happy working, happy studying, happy journey, and happy eating." For me, there is an implicit meaning behind these words. The sentences bear hopes of doing things well. Koreans seem accustomed to doing something that they set their minds to well, and perhaps this is what makes it a country capable of so many great achievements.

Koreans are Koreans, and certainly could not be confused with any other race. My journey to Korea has left such an unforgettable impression on me. The beauty of the natural environment and culture are unforgettable, and the hospitality of the people will never leave my thoughts.