Culture Shock! Korea (Paperback)

by Vedahl Sonja Hur (Author), Sevnghwa Ben Hur (Author)
Key Phrases: ancestral ceremonies, most expatriates, honoured person, United States, South Korea, North Korea (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With over three million copies in print, CultureShock! is a bestselling series of culture and etiquette guides covering countless destinations around the world. For anyone at risk of culture shock, whether a tourist or a long-term resident, CultureShock! provides a sympathetic and fun-filled crash course on the do's and don'ts in foreign cultures. Fully updated and sporting a fresh new look, the revised editions of these books enlighten and inform through such topics as language, food and entertaining, social customs, festivals, relationships, and business tips. CultureShock! books are packed with useful details on transportation, taxes, finances, accommodation, health, food and drink, clothes, shopping, festivals, and much, much more.
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Publisher
Newly updated and redesigned in 2005! --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 210 pages
• Publisher: Kuperard; Expanded Ed edition (January 1, 2000)
• ISBN-10: 1857330412
• ISBN-13: 978-1857330410
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,844,944 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 1980s adult culture, but still useful, December 6, 2002

By	Less High Fructose (Oakland, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Culture Shock: Korea (Culture Shock Series) (Paperback)

I read this entire book prior to going to Korea in Nov 2002, and it was very good preparation for a very different culture, one that I already thought I knew pretty well. On the other hand, it did little to prepare me for the fact that a major cultural shift is occurring in Korea, with modern Korea blending western and eastern cultures. For example, respect of elders is still a (very nice) part of the culture, while knowledge of English and western pop culture is much more common among the younger folk. Even the "outdated" information in this book gives insight on today's customs, which seem to be evolving on a year-to-year basis; thus, I forgive this book for not being really current, or the authors omission of the culture of the younger generation. Yes, some sections were too outdated, silly, and based on uncommon experiences (see the cute 'cultural quiz' in the back), but I think it's probably the best book out there regarding the 'culture shock' you will experience.
Things that need to be included: A better understanding of the agrarian history of Korea will prepare one for the sights of cabbage and rice fields interspersed within the city, and the fact that bul-go-gi or kal-bi (bbq beef) is much more expensive than your typical vegetable dish. There should be more useful expressions in the back of the book. For example, here is a typical conversation: "Hello. Where is the bathroom? I don't speak Korean. Do you speak English? Thank you." The Olympics 1988 and World Cup 2002 have made the cities much more tourist- and western- friendly. However, there are negative views towards the American presence, especially since there have been some highly publicized tragedies involving the US military recently. Tap water quality (applying western standards) has improved greatly in the major cities, but still remains an issue in the rural areas. You need to combine this book with an updated travel guide (and more knowledge of current events) for the best preparation.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dated, but still worth it, March 30, 2000

By	Daniel Grabon (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Culture Shock: Korea (Culture Shock Series) (Paperback)

As other reviewers have mentioned, some of the information in this book is dated-- but these days that's almost impossible to avoid. Society is currently changing so rapidly in Korea that even something written a year ago would be outdated now. Also, many of the customs and rules listed are still applicable but not quite as important as the book suggests. Nevertheless, this book should still be required reading before ANY trip to Korea, short- or long-term. It'll give you a much better perspective on where Korean culture has been and where it's going now. Once you arrive you may find yourself overprepared with this book-- but that's much better than the other way around.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don't Leave Home Without It (or an updated version)!, November 27, 2002

By	"smilesalot77" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Culture Shock! Korea (Paperback)

This book answers many common questions about Korean culture. With humor, insight, and understanding, it explains why Koreans do the things they do, especially those things that boggle foreigners staying in Korea (the scoop on personal space, ettiquette with strangers, formal language, work relationships, etc.).

It is, understandibly, OUTDATED. (I believe there is an updated version available, which I haven't read yet.) Read it anyway, if you are going to Korea. You will be prepared for the cultural conflicts you run into; You just might not run into as many differences as the book lead you to expect.

Highly recommended!