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Culture Smart / Cultuur Bewust
Korea - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
Don’t just see the sights, get to know the people.
Divided along the 38th parallel, modern Korea is the subject of two very different political, social, and economic experiments. Today the military might of the Marxist-Leninist North confronts the soft power and prosperity of the uber-capitalist South. Yet family and cultural ties bind the peoples of both Koreas, and reunification remains a cherished goal.
Culture Smart! Korea helps you to navigate your way through the complexities of life in these non-identical twin societies, where, even in the affluent westernized South, sensitive issues can cause misunderstanding. By introducing visitors to the Koreans at home and at work, their customs, attitudes and values, this book paves the way for an incomparably more engaging experience, whatever your reason for traveling.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
Divided along the 38th parallel, modern Korea is the subject of two very different political, social, and economic experiments. Today the military might of the Marxist-Leninist North confronts the soft power and prosperity of the uber-capitalist South. Yet family and cultural ties bind the peoples of both Koreas, and reunification remains a cherished goal.
Culture Smart! Korea helps you to navigate your way through the complexities of life in these non-identical twin societies, where, even in the affluent westernized South, sensitive issues can cause misunderstanding. By introducing visitors to the Koreans at home and at work, their customs, attitudes and values, this book paves the way for an incomparably more engaging experience, whatever your reason for traveling.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
200 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 23, 2022
This was really interesting to read and learn more about the different Koreas, especially North Korea since I didn't really know much about it! This would have been helpful to read before I studied abroad in South Korea, but some things are still helpful for when I eventually go back to Korea!
May 8, 2026
What an informative great book. I was just telling someone this week that I don’t know enough about Korea’s cultures and customs. This book covers North Korea and South Korea and is not outdated. I learned things like how much to drink at meals to appropriate clothing to transportation across different parts of the country to not offending someone. Fascinating facts for business people like always having a business card available. I think I will read this book once a year if living in the country. I love the culture smart series and have used it when going on other trips so that I can blend in and not be insensitive to the people around me. The researcher is spot on from what I’ve noticed in the last few months being in that country.
August 5, 2022
Really interesting, but I wish there was a co-author to give a perspective of someone who isn’t a adult business man. As someone who has no plans to ever do business in Korea, it would have been nice to hear more about traveling as tourist who doesn’t want to stand out or offend anyone, especially as a woman.
But again, so interesting and I loved his stories about his experiences!!
But again, so interesting and I loved his stories about his experiences!!
October 26, 2023
Your K-Drama Questions Answered!
My questions about Korean society follow an interesting dive into Korean movies and TV series. This simple, short book reveals much information about customs and conventions lived by Koreans throughout their history. It's a beginner's guide to K society.
My questions about Korean society follow an interesting dive into Korean movies and TV series. This simple, short book reveals much information about customs and conventions lived by Koreans throughout their history. It's a beginner's guide to K society.
June 1, 2022
Very good summary of the culture and history of North and South Korea. I appreciated the unique look and insight into North Korea
April 6, 2024
3,5 ⭐️
It's an interesting book. It provides more information than the standard travel guides.
It's an interesting book. It provides more information than the standard travel guides.
April 30, 2026
Dry book. Plus point is the comprehensive summary of different aspects of life and the contrast between North and South Korea. Good if you’re planning an extended visit.
October 20, 2024
A good primer on Korean culture and society. The guide features both Koreas so it was interesting to learn more about North Korea which is relatively less known.
September 16, 2021
Informational
If you have ever wondered about another country then read this book. I thought it was interesting and I learned a lot. It’s nice to know the history as well as knowing the present.
If you have ever wondered about another country then read this book. I thought it was interesting and I learned a lot. It’s nice to know the history as well as knowing the present.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews