Etiquette Guide to Korea: Know the Rules that Make the Difference!

by Boyé Lafayette De Mente, David Lukens (Primary Contributor)

Farewell to faux pas!

South Korea is one of the greatest economic success stories of the past 60 years, and more and more Westerners are traveling to this bustling, modern country for business and pleasure. But no matter why you visit, an understanding of Korea's etiquette and culture is essential to an enjoyable and successful trip.

With Etiquette Guide to Korea, you'll never need to worry about making an embarrassing mistake—this authoritative guide covers everything the courteous traveler needs to know, including the importance of names and how to use them, shaking hands versus bowing, table manners for celebrations and everyday meals, and how to negotiate in Korea.

Also included are invaluable lists of Korean vocabulary and helpful phrases, making this book the most important item you can pack for your trip or extended stay in Korea.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2011

About the author

Boyé Lafayette De Mente was an author, journalist, and adventurer. He wrote more than 100 books, most of them about the culture and language of Japan, East Asia, and Mexico.

De Mente joined the U.S. Navy and began his career as a cryptographer based in Washington, D.C. In 1948, he joined the U.S. Army Security Agency and was a decoding technician stationed in Tokyo. While there, he he founded and edited the agency's newspaper, The ASA Star.

De Mente wrote the first English guides to the Japanese way of doing business ("Japanese Etiquette and Ethics in Business" in 1959 and "How to Do Business in Japan" in 1962). His other books run the gamut from language learning to the night-time "pink" trades in Japan, the sensual nature of Oriental cultures, male-female relations, and understanding and coping with the Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Mexican mindset in business and social situations. He has also written extensively about Mexico and his home state of Arizona.

Reviews

[Yingtai]

I wish I'd read this instead of The Korean Mind. Covers similar ground, in a similar format (topical essays), but MUCH more concisely. But the beginning was a walk through history that didn't hook me.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this would be a good short read for non-Koreans who want to understand more of what is going on around, behind and beneath the Korean films or dramas they may watch! It gives a brief history of Korea and then goes into various social and cultural aspects, tying them back to historical roots for good measure.

There’s a lot of hedging on whether various practices described are actually still prevalent today (and it’s from 2008). But as a business etiquette book it is fun to read and recall scenes from dramas or films that provide examples of what’s described (especially those centered around corporate life!)

[Kes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very compact and entertaining book about Korea. Writing style is succinct.

Unfortunately I sent some excerpts to a Korean colleague (in 2026) and it was the source of much amusement for the office. So I’m fairly sure it is not accurate.

The part about preparing to sing a song just in case was definitely something they found very funny.

It gets 2 stars for entertainment and the vocabulary section at the back.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part travel book - 100 pages in a 5x8 format - and part history and culture review, this is a compact collection of one-page notes on Korea from a Western perspective. If you're motivated like I am to learn about Korea and it's culture, this is a good start. (I was embarrasingly shocked to realize where it in fact lies geographically, wedged between Japan and China.) There's fascinating review of it's early history - "The "Hermit Kingdom" in its Modern Splendor!" And all you need to know to travel and conduct business and why things are as they are. One of my favorite passages: The Three P's: Patience, Patience, and Patience.

[Mohd Azly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended book for those who want to visit Korea either leisure or business trip. In my opinions, the book covered almost basic etiquette in Korea.

It also provide some basic words which commonly use when communicate with korean people. It would be the best if we can learn some basic etiquette before getting through life in Korea.

[Virginia Walter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be giving talks at a symposium for Korean children's librarians next week, so I read this in hopes that I won't make any egregious social gaffes. Hmm. I hope I don't have my usual allergy issues. Apparently it is VERY impolite to blow your nose in public.

[Harold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as interesting and engaging as Culture Shock Korea. No harm reading it, though :]

[Zaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goes over some interesting topics. I just wanted more.
12-3-2018

1 carrot title

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fine overview of Korean etiquette and manners. However, it should be taken as something other than gospel as it was written some time ago.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read book with some good information. I am planning to move to Korea permanently in the near future so I found this book both interesting and insightful!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really informative and useful for those who work with korean colleagues. Lots of things to know!