Age is really important to Koreans
Korean social hierarchy is based on age, so when two strangers meet, it's important to establish which person is older.
Often, the first question two strangers will ask each other is "What year were you born?" Oh said.
Age is reflected in the Korean language — Koreans use special honorifics and grammatical forms when speaking to elders.
"Depending on how old you are, they'll address you differently," Oh said. "They'll change the way they talk and the way they act towards you."
Koreans bow to each other — and there are levels of bowing
Bowing is a sign of respect in Korean greetings.
But the way Koreans bow isn't random — the deepness of the bow carries meaning, Oh said.
"The deeper the bow, the more formal the situation," she said.
In casual settings, it's appropriate to give a slight head nod coupled with a 15-degree bow, Oh said. More formal situations like business meetings and interactions with authority figures demand a more formal bow — 45 degrees.
Meanwhile, the most formal of the bows, a full 90-degree bend, is reserved for "deep apologies," Oh said.
On the other hand, if you're greeting a close friend, there's no bow necessary — a handshake or wave will do just fine.
You should never leave your chopsticks standing vertically in a bowl of rice
A typical Korean meal is eaten with metal chopsticks and a large metal spoon.
When you're eating, it's important to remember not to leave your chopsticks standing vertically in your bowl, Oh said. That's an action associated with jesa, a Korean ceremony for honoring one's ancestors, and it would be out of place at the dinner table.
"It's symbolic of offering food to the dead," she said.
Age dictates who gets to eat first
Here's another sign of respect Koreans show elders — no one at the table is allowed to get started until the oldest person picks up their chopsticks or spoon, Oh said.
