Japan vs Korea
 

Hi, it is not my intention to offend anyone, but I would like to know how different this cultures are one from the other.

I've met several japanese people and they're so well mannered and shy; they try hard to please but sometimes they end up being insincere.

And then, met korean people, and got no clue of what to think.

Many people think that everyone in Asia is the same, like they share some cultural similarities; but many people know theyre very different worlds.

I know this is a japanese forum, yet i'd like to ask... how different are japan from korea?

Thanks
PD i knowyou cannot know EVERYTHING about a country by meeting a few guys,and im also aware that everyone is different. But its true that you can get an idea of how people from certain countries are just y talking to some. And thats my inquiry.

If this thread heats up I will be closing it, so let's see if a civil discussion can take place.

Language-wise Korean (S. Korea) and Japan are very similar, but the social structure on the surface may seem similar, but there are fundamental differences.

We often hear about how Japanese value harmony within a group, and that is true, but competition is also valued. Average test scores between different homerooms are ranked, pushing students to work harder to not be the lowest class.

In Korea that harmony is valued, but in a different way. It isn't about harmony as much as everyone being the same.

I heard a first-hand story from an English teacher in a Korean high school. Cheating was not discouraged on tests as it "spread the knowledge" among students. The hope was for everyone to get the same score. During one test the teacher left the room, and many of the students began cheating. At the end of the day one of the smarter students went to the teacher and told him who had been cheating. The next day the teacher told the class that the girl was a rat, and she shouldn't be trusted. No one in her class ever spoke to her again, and she ended up changing schools.

This is just an example, and I have never been to Korea but have taught Japanese to dozens of Korean kids. The main problem I had to deal with was cheating. Part of the reason was I had mixed age kids in the classroom, so younger kids had to bow down to whatever the older kids said. Often that meant sharing work and showing tests.

I remember one time another teacher caught two Korean boys smoking. The boys were separated and the younger boy could not admit the older boy was smoking, even if it meant he would get in more trouble for lying. The words wouldn't come out of his mouth, as the repercussions from the Korean community for being a rat were worse than anything the teachers could dish out as punishment.

I did teach in an Japanese high school, and did deal with cheating a couple times, but it was never students sharing their work, but individuals making cheat sheets for themselves.

ooh interesting

Hmmm. Well, the cultures may be a bit similar because of diffusion and such (and don't all people think Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cultures are all somewhat similar?) but they are rather different. The main factor would be because Japan was isolated from the mainland and had time to develop by itself.

Like MMM said, cheating is a pretty serious issue in Korea. It's really as MMM says; cheating isn't exactly discouraged. Students view it as a way to help other kids. If teachers find the person is cheating, the punishment ranges from getting hit on the head to having the whole class kneel and raise their hands, etc. (Yeah, hitting kids in school isn't exactly criminal in Korea, or any other country, I believe, unless it becomes abuse. ^^;;; ) But if not, then oh well. The mentality of the teacher is that because they also cheated when they were little, they shouldn't be completely horrid against their students because that would be hypocritical.

Also, students usually cheat on regular school tests because the grades don't matter very much towards getting accepted into university. The entrance exams count a lot, so they wouldn't be caught dead cheating during that critical examination.

Aaaaand, there is the whole senior student/junior student/sempai thingie that goes on as well. I don't think Japan and Korea differ much in that aspect. There's a lot of pressure for the junior students to please the senior, and 'unspoken rules' for them to obey.

Koreans might come off as cruder to foreigners, especially in huge metropolitan places where people don't say 'excuse me' every time they bump, elbow, or step on someone else. (Otherwise by the end of the day, their voices would be hoarse!) But if you really talk to people, they really are so sweet. People in general are extremely courteous to visitors. I'm not sure about teens, since, well, they are teens, but from my experience, people try to give the best impression they can.

Koreans are extremely interested in foreigners, like Japanese. XD It might be a bit intimidating when a crowd of girls start squealing and pointing and waving saying, "Hi! How are you?! I speak English! Where are you from?"

I don't know if this applies to all Asian cultures, but Koreans have this way of circling around the point when talking. They expect the other person to know what they are actually saying. (It's pretty frustrating for Westerners, hahaha... It's viewed as rude to go straight to the point for Koreans.) I don't know if this applies to Japanese as well, however.

I hoped this helped~ ^^;;

Those were some good clarifications. I worried I was far off base, but am glad I wasn't.

In Japanese, speaking very directly is sometimes frowned upon. Why say what you don't need to say? This is hard for Westerners to understand, because we value direct communication, where in Japan "mutual understanding" without saying your thoughts or feelings directly is valued.

A typical conversation in Japan might be.

"We are going to the candy store. Why not come with us?"

"I want to go, but . . . "

Instead of being required to say why, the main point, that he can't go, is understood. He may or may not be pressed as to why, but my point is that the response "I want to go, but . . . " is basically considered a complete sentence in Japanese.

Yonsu, maybe you can confirm this for me:

In my experience, Japanese people often aren't confident in their English-speaking skills, so are relieved when a foreigner can speak Japanese.

I have heard that this isn't the same in Korea, and even if you have a perfect accent, Westerners speaking Korean are looked at as if they are speaking Greek. Is this true?

Well, from what I know, Koreans look at Westerners speaking Korean as if they were speaking Greek... in a good way. I guess people would be shocked and surprised, of course. Korean isn't exactly a famous language compared to Chinese and Japanese. But I doubt they would be outright rude, unless they're very narrow-minded. I know there are some nasty people around, moreso in Korea for some odd reason (I think it's because of the philosophy that everything should be conformed, but that shouldn't be so prevalent because of westernization), but doesn't that apply to any country?

I assure you, most people would be absolutely delighted! <3 Koreans will also probably try to practice their English every chance they get, too. :P

I see. Korean isn't taught really in American schools, so I guess I can understand their surprise. Japanese often speak to foreigners in Japan assuming they know Japanese these days. In that regard maybe Korea is like Japan 30 years ago, before many non-Japanese could speak Japanese.

Yonsu and MMM are myy herooss!!!! i would soo sit a whole day and read what ever they say!!! woooo!!

Pretend I sat and typed all this stuff about it, okay> and just click the links and read the WHOLE THING and think I'm telling you this first hand... LOL!

(the internet is your friend)

(Sorry but you have to be more specific, food, travel, buildings, religion, suspicions) (One whole culture to another, come on, who has time to type all that out, wait what? LOL!) :eek:

KOREA

JAPAN

There, now that my hands are bloody from typing and I spent the last 10 hours typing that all out, .... j/k.

Have a nice day! Peace! :D

I've only ever been to Korea, I havent visited Japan yet, But Korea isn't big on learning english, learning chinese-yes. The koreans tend to stick together no matter what.

Foodwise, the soups are very similar, But apart from that Koreans tend to pickle food and eat less meat.

Thats what i picked up, I doubt thats what it really is. Im not trying to stereotype. [just for the record]

Interesting discussion so far.

I've heard that Koreans are more patriotic and natiolalist than Japanese... almost like Americans in that it's a militaristic "My country is the greatest" type of patriotism. I suppose having a volatile Northern neighbour who you are technically still at war with will do that to you. Not to mention the compulsory military service.

In saying that though.... my experiences with people of both cultures have varied and I couldn't really tell the difference in behaviour between Koreans and Japanese. (Though that might have something to do with the fact that I'm usually drunk when I'm with these guys haha...)

Koreans are SO cool....

infact i think they are actually more cool than Japanese...

because Japanese TRY to be cool....where as Koreans i have found are VERY open..Very Friendly!!

i've made many good Korean friends...ive infact even lived with Koreans for about a year...they have a REALLY comunal aproach to life...which i find is almost the direct opposite of Japan...where its more keep myself to myself...

North Korean's are a bit unhinged...but nice people none the less...though the dancing is comedy!!

I've got BIG LOVE for Koreans...in my experience they have alway's been straight-forward honest people...and you can trust what they say...

Hmmm...I found what everyone's been saying very interesting.

I noticed small differences, and I think despite the cheating, koreans put MORE emphasis into education...

I have a few korean friends who mentioned that they'd stay in school until dark, but maybe it was their own schools...

Iunno, i can't explain the differences i feel.
after awhile, i just know it's there, and it hits me.

I'm more comfortable with japanese anyways...hahah
but both people are very interesting

That is very true. Koreans, especially Korean boys, have great pride in their country. For some reason they have...interesting beliefs about what what has been invented in Korea. I have heard teenage boys tell me that ramen, the computer, cars, etc... were all invented in Korea.

In general, Japanese do not have that that same nationalistic or patriotic attitude.

Interesting!
 

Interesting!

I'm learning a little about Japan and Korean although I'm must interesting in Japan, Japanese people and there culture.

Thanks!:)

I was so shocked as a little kid when I found out Ramen was actually Japanese. And that the current Korean educational system is based off of the Japanese one as one of the leftovers of the colonization. There goes my nationalistic pride. XDD

I don't know WHY we Koreans are so nationalistic. It's very strange. Maybe it's because Korea in general was always very small and not given very much attention since a long time ago. As far as I know, out of the three East Asian countries, Korea is the only country that never invaded other places; it was always being invaded. Maybe being nationalistic is a way to compensate for such 'weakness'...?

In any case, I personally think that's not very good. A lot of little Korean children are influenced into becoming nationalistic, to an extreme. One example would be the Dokdo issue between Korean and Japan. A lot of children despise the Japanese because of this. Another time was when there was a Japanese in our class in elementary school, and some Korean boys would always gang up on her and tell her to get out of Korea. O_o;; Why are children being exposed to all of this negative, racist issues? I understand that people should be proud of their heritage, but this isn't pride, at all. This is something that little children that are 7, 8, 9 years old shouldn't be concerning themselves with. Cheesy as it sounds, children are the future, and especially in this age of globalization, they shouldn't be holding onto such narrow-minded views. =[

But in general, Japanese are viewed as very cool in Korea. The cases above were the extreme ones.

Once again, I kind of went off in a whole new direction. Sumimasen. ^0^;; But yes, Koreans are very nationalistic.

I am happy to see less discrimination between the two countries in the younger generation. Not so many years ago it would have been unheard of to show Korean dramas in Japan, but now Korean stars, movies, music, etc. is very popular. It used to be K-pop stars had to speak Japanese to sell in Japan, but now that isn't true.

I prefer Japanese flag than Korean flag. Maybe there is a Sun in Japanese flag.
I prefer Japanese film than Korean film.
I prefer Japanese lanscape than Korean lanscape.
I prefer Japanese girl than Korean girl. I do not know why.:D

Japan pwns Korean, end of story...

I like both.

This isn't what this thread is about, and it is comments like these that gets threads like this closed. We are looking at the differences in the two countries, not which one is "better".

I believe that both Korea and Japan are very interesting countries. I do agree with the fact that Korean boys can be very patriotic. I have never been to Korea before but my Korean friends always tell me that its the best place in the world and that its so much more awesome then Japan xD. ( I think they like to exaggerate). I think that the two countries are very different. I meen aren't Japans most common religions Bhudism and Shintoism where as in Korea its Christian (not sure bout that). I think that Japanese and Korean's look somewhat different. Sometimes its difficult for me though, to figure out if someone is Korean or Japanese just by their looks. Is there like a certain feature that is different between the two?

Yes. less than 1% of Japanese are Christian, where it is much higher in Korea. When asked what religion they are, the most common answer I have heard from Japanese people is "I don't know". Few practice on a weekly basis at a place of worship.

I won't get into the "looks" debate. Some people take that quite seriously, so it might not be a great idea.

We've hit a topic that is constantly on mind because I spend most of my free time with a group of college students that are studying Korean and/or Nighongo. Its a mix of nationalities and races, but mostly Korean and Americans. Native Japanese are very present, but there are fewer of them.

There are definitely differences, but they blend well together in the younger generations.

The main one I notice may explain the mention here of national pride. I have yet to see any variation in the level of national pride felt by country men of either. However, as with apparently everything else, the Korean's are more open and expressive of their feelings. Just because the Japanese are reserve and don't wear their pride on their sleeve, does not mean it isn't just as strong. It may also be influenced by the perceptions that American already know to "glory" of Japanese history and still have much to learn about Korea.

As for a difference in looks, yes there can be, but that isn't reliable. With the occupations of the Korean peninsula by Japan and China, and Korean immigrations to Japan, the physical traits are frquently mingled. While I can see the predominance of the native facial features, I never base any assumptions on it. My best clue, if they were not raised in the U.S., is how openly passionate they are about expressing their thoughts and feelings. Its the Koreans that are more like Americans when it comes to expressing their sentiments to strangers. And the Japanese are the polite people our parents wish we were.

Stupid statements like that have no place here.

Yeah, you're right. England and Scotland absolutely HATE each other aswell! I read it on Wikipedia. :rolleyes:

There is no COUNTRY that hates another country. There are PEOPLE who hate other countries for their own silly reasons.

You are stating ignorance, and nothing more. Again stupid statements like that have no place here. If you have something worthwhile to share, please do. If not, please don't.

The problem is, that its not true. Like I said, you cant say (certain country) hates (another country). Thats just plain bulls*it.

Thank you.

wow thats a lot.... anyways you learn stuff.

Also korean boys look good as in they are cute Japanese guys do to.

I am afraid these statements are kind of false.

First both countries have compulsory English language programs starting from elementary school. Now if you compare average TOEFL scores, South Korea outranks Japan despite having fewer English learners. That would lead me that the ROK is a bit more serious about their English studies. On the Chinese language I would say there are more Korean students interested in learning it than Japanese students simply based on the number of students from the respective countries I encountered in Beijing.

On the food aspect, the differences I feel would be that Koreans tend to eat spicier food and more meat than Japan. Take for example each countries more traditional cooking, Japanese food centers more around seafood than anything else versus Korean food that has popularized their style of barbecue throughout East Asia. On the pickled food aspect I would wager that they are equals. However Korea leans more towards the spicier side whereas Japanese pickled food has a more vinegary taste.

edit~ I would though say that Korea has a stronger Buddhist tradition than Japan meaning more vegetarian fare so in that sense you could be right.

Also I would like to know how different their rice is. Japanese people allege that Chinese rice is smelly and not as "mochi" (chewy) as their own, but no one ever mentions Korean rice.

On the theme of Koreans are more patriotic than Japanese, I would consider:

First, all Korean boys (maybe girls too) are required to serve in the armed forces when they come of age. This sort of indoctrination forms a very strong nationalistic attitude before they go off to universities. Having a constant enemy to the north, the DPRK, plays a huge role in the South Korean psyche of strong nationalism.

Second, Japanese can't honestly be overtly nationalistic anymore. Even within their own country when for example someone suggest making sure all students stand and sing the national anthem people start raving about Japan returning to imperialistic times. And the fact that Japanese kids don't know their national anthem has nothing to do with patriotism. The song is a) confusing and b) boring (Not my words, straight from a sixty plus year old Japanese man).

Anyways, I would definitely support the statement about it being more a differences in personalities.

You make it sound like most Japanese in general want to be overtly nationalistic but can't. I don't think that's the case... certainly not in my experience with Japanese people and culture.

Maybe nationalistic is not the correct word for it. I think extremely ethnocentric would better description.

You are saying Japanese people are extremely ethnocentric?

That's worse than nationalistic and less true, in my experience.

like koren drama ... I watch a lot ... trust me too much fun

I like both countries and culture...

You're right. I should not have written extremely.

In your experience through JET, where exactly did they place you? Second question, were there any foreigners in the schools you taught in? Lastly, how many times did you hear "because I am Japanese" provided as reasoning for everything from not liking spicy food to watching baseball?