India + Korea : Etiquette & Customs

Etiquette and Customs in India

Meeting Etiquette

• Religion, education and social class all influence greetings in India. 
• This is a hierarchical culture, so greet the eldest or most senior person first.
• When leaving a group, each person must be bid farewell individually. 
• Shaking hands is common, especially in the large cities among the more educated who are accustomed to dealing with westerners.
• Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands with other women; however there are seldom handshakes between men and women because of religious beliefs. If you are uncertain, wait for them to extend their hand.

Naming Conventions

Indian names vary based upon religion, social class, and region of the country. The following are some basic guidelines to understanding the naming conventions:

Hindus: 

• In the north, many people have both a given name and a surname. 
• In the south, surnames are less common and a person generally uses the initial of their father's name in front of their own name. 
• The man's formal name is their name "s/o" (son of) and the father's name. Women use "d/o" to refer to themselves as the daughter of their father. 
• At marriage, women drop their father's name and use their first name with their husband's first name as a sort of surname. 

Muslims:

• Many Muslims do not have surnames. Instead, men add the father's name to their own name with the connector 'bin'. So, Abdullah bin Ahmed is Abdullah the son of Ahmad.
• Women use the connector 'binti'. 
• The title Hajji (m) or Hajjah (f) before the name indicates the person has made their pilgrimage to Mecca. 

Sikhs: 

• Sikhs all use the name Singh. It is either adopted as a surname or as a connector name to the surname.

Gift Giving Etiquette

• Indians believe that giving gifts eases the transition into the next life. 
• Gifts of cash are given to friends and members of the extended family to celebrate life events such as birth, death and marriage.
• It is not the value of the gift, but the sincerity with which it is given, that is important to the recipient. 
• If invited to an Indian's home for a meal, it is not necessary to bring a gift, although one will not be turned down. 
• Do not give frangipani or white flowers as they are used at funerals. 
• Yellow, green and red are lucky colours, so try to use them to wrap gifts. 
• A gift from a man should be said to come from both he and his wife/mother/sister or some other female relative. 
• Hindus should not be given gifts made of leather. (Its acceptable nowadays by many Hindu's)
• Muslims should not be given gifts made of pigskin or alcoholic products. 
• Gifts are not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

• Indians entertain in their homes, restaurants, private clubs, or other public venues, depending upon the occasion and circumstances. 
• Although Indians are not always punctual themselves, they expect foreigners to arrive close to the appointed time. 
• Take off your shoes before entering the house. 
• Dress modestly and conservatively. 
• Politely turn down the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks. You will be asked again and again. Saying no to the first invitation is part of the protocol. (lol ... Its gotta in to habit now .. :O )

There are diverse dietary restrictions in India, and these may affect the foods that are served: 

• Hindus do not eat beef and many are vegetarians. 
• Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol. 
• Sikhs do not eat beef. 
• Lamb, chicken, and fish are the most commonly served main courses for non-vegetarian meals as they avoid the meat restrictions of the religious groups.

Table manners are somewhat formal, but this formality is tempered by the religious beliefs of the various groups. 

• Much Indian food is eaten with the fingers. 
• Wait to be told where to sit. 
• If utensils are used, they are generally a tablespoon and a fork. 
• Guests are often served in a particular order: the guest of honour is served first, followed by the men, and the children are served last. Women typically serve the men and eat later. 
• You may be asked to wash your hands before and after sitting down to a meal. 
• Always use your right hand to eat, whether you are using utensils or your fingers. 
• In some situations food may be put on your plate for you, while in other situations you may be allowed to serve yourself from a communal bowl.
• Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that you are satisfied. Finishing all your food means that you are still hungry.

Etiquette & Customs in South Korea

Meeting Etiquette

• Greetings follow strict rules of protocol. 
• Many South Koreans shake hands with expatriates after the bow, thereby blending both cultural styles.
• The person of lower status bows to the person of higher status, yet it is the most senior person who initiates the handshake. 
• The person who initiates the bow says, "man-na-suh pan-gop-sumnida", which means "pleased to meet you." 
• Information about the other person will be given to the person they are being introduced to in advance of the actual meeting. 
• Wait to be introduced at a social gathering. 
• When you leave a social gathering, say good-bye and bow to each person individually.

Gift Giving Etiquette

• Gifts express a great deal about a relationship and are always reciprocated. 
• It is inconsiderate to give someone an expensive gift if you know that they cannot afford to reciprocate accordingly. 
• Bring fruit or good quality chocolates or flowers if invited to a Korean's home. 
• Gifts should be wrapped nicely. 
• The number 4 is considered unlucky, so gifts should not be given in multiples of 4. 
• Giving 7 of an item is considered lucky. 
• Wrap gifts in red or yellow paper, since these are royal colours. Alternatively, use yellow or pink paper since they denote happiness. 
• Do not wrap gifts in green, white, or black paper. 
• Do not sign a card in red ink.
• Use both hands when offering a gift. 
• Gifts are not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a South Korean's house: 

• It is common for guests to meet at a common spot and travel together. 
• You may arrive up to 30 minutes late without giving offence. 
• Remove your shoes before entering the house. 
• The hosts greet each guest individually. 
• The host pours drinks for the guests in their presence. The hostess does not pour drinks. 
• The hosts usually accompany guests to the gate or to their car because they believe that it is insulting to wish your guests farewell indoors. 
• Send a thank you note the following day after being invited to dinner.

Table manners

• Wait to be told where to sit. There is often a strict protocol to be followed. 
• The eldest are served first. 
• The oldest or most senior person is the one who starts the eating process. 
• Never point your chopsticks. 
• Do not pierce your food with chopsticks. 
• Chopsticks should be returned to the table after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak. 
• Do not cross your chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick rest. 
• Do not pick up food with your hands. Fruit should be speared with a toothpick. 
• Bones and shells should be put on the table or an extra plate. 
• Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something is. 
• Refuse the first offer of second helpings. 
• Finish everything on your plate. 
• Indicate you are finished eating by placing your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or on the table. Never place them parallel across your rice bowl.

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