Education, religion and lifestyle can be different or similar depending on each culture and Colombia and South Korea are not the exception. Therefore, in this essay we will talk about some differences and similarities based on the extreme importance of these aspects between these two countries. Even though they are extremely distant countries, the similarities they have are very notable and are equally significant. On the other hand, to know their differences will help to understand better the relationship between each country and the evolution process of each one. In consequence, while some similarities between the manners and customs between Colombia and South Korea are evident, the differences are striking.
The similarities between Colombian and South Korea are about religion. To begin with, religion is very important for people in any culture or country. To illustrate, more than 50% of the people are Christians in both countries and the rest of people believe in other kind of religions. For example, both go to the church, in the Colombia’s capital there are around 900 churches similarly in the South Korea who have around 950. For this reason, both believe in religion idols and they are very important for them. As a result, when people in both countries get married, they almost always go to the priest of the church and ask him when is a good date to get married. Additional to this they pray to theses religious idols to obtain luck in the work, in love relationships, etc. In brief, religion is important for a country because no matter how different we are, through similarities such us ethical and moral values and we can share it.
The differences between Colombian and South Korea are mainly in manners. To begin with, I think that in South Korea they are very respectful of the norms and rules unlike Colombia, and in South Korea they are stricter in enforcing these norms or rules. For example, in South Korea there is a strict rule about how to recycle, or not to run the red light, or also when the teacher arrives at class, they say hello, bow and then sit and listen to the class without interrupting. Unlike Colombia, which is the complete opposite, people do not know how to recycle and they do not do it either, they do not respect traffic regulations, there is no respect for teachers, etc. On the other hand, South Korea is a very strict country and for them education is very important, for this reason they spend more than 10 hours a day studying, and sometimes they even prefer to skip meals or not share time with friends or family because they are studying. Studying is so important for South Korea that every year when it is the exam to enter university it is forbidden to make noise, so during that day flights are not allowed, people do not go to work, and even schools close to so that the kids can concentrate on studying. Finally, I think that in South Korea there is more respect for older people. For example, it is very frowned upon to contradict an older person, or to call them by name and even the younger brother cannot call the older brother by his name, he must call him with words of respect that for example in Colombia would be "sir" or " lady". To summarize, I think we could learn from South Korea to be more respectful towards the elderly and to be more responsible by complying with the norms of society.
The similarities between Colombian and South Korea are striking for the lifestyle. For South Korea, punctuality is very important since it represents courtesy, education, respect and keeping one's word. For example, a person can lose a job interview or the job if they are just 5 minutes late. Punctuality is so important that transportation is prohibited from arriving late to pick up people and they can even impose fines for this since it can affect many aspects of people's lives. In comparison to Colombia, which culturally it is already a habit to arrive 30 and sometimes even more than an hour late. On the other hand, in Colombia it is very common in free time to spend time with family or friends, go to the movies or a park or even have dinner together. Compared to South Korea, it is common to spend more time studying or working, and even when it is time to have lunch or dinner, they sometimes prefer to skip this meal or have dinner in a cafe to be able to concentrate on studying. Finally, a fairly big difference between Colombia and South Korea is the way they dress. In Colombia it is common to dress in shorts or blouses that show your arms or shoulders. In South Korea it is not prohibited but it is very frowned upon to dress this way, and even celebrities and news anchors have lost their jobs due to the way they dress on television. In conclusion, I think that even though South Korea is more punctual and has a stricter lifestyle, it is very important to sometimes take a break to relax and enjoy life.
To sum up, although the differences between South Korea and Colombia, I think we can learn from each country. First of all, South Korea is a very punctual country, where they also strictly comply with the norms that exist in society. But they work and study too many hours, therefore they do not have time to rest and relax and for this reason they live a life of stress and under pressure. Compared to Colombia, which is a country where we live very relaxed, we could be more punctual, and comply with the rules more rigorously. On the other hand, no matter how many differences we have, there are also similarities, such as religion or ethical and moral values that we can share.
The culture of Colombia and Korea has enormous cultural differentiation that includes different social and intercultural gaps. In this blog I see a great general investigation of these countries from end to end, their lifestyles, manners and social customs and behaviors, which denote a background of belonging to learn more about the customs and cultural manner of Korea with Colombia and How they compare with Latin American culture in attitudes, manners, education.
ResponderBorrarA question from Giselle on your blog in Colombia and Korea, what cultural differences caught your attention?
ResponderBorrarThis article is well written and the author has found reliable sources of information to support her thesis. It's true that Koreans lead a very stressful life and that Colombians are more relaxed, but they share the same moral values, and I completely agree on this point.
ResponderBorrarCan a Colombian quickly adapt to the lifestyle of South Korea?
1. Gisell, your essay contextualized me and showed me very interesting data. I highlight the deep research you do based on real figures. The way you approach the topics is very clear.
ResponderBorrar2. The topic about churches is very interesting and I did not see it in any essay. It is interesting how in Colombia and South Korea there are various beliefs and religions that fortunately we can choose without being questioned and be free with our beliefs! How interesting your topic!
3. Do you think that if we were stricter in Colombia, our country would change in some way? Do you think it's something we should start implementing?
4. I agree with you when you talk about respect in South Korea and its culture for respect for older people. This shows us the quality of people Koreans are. I honestly don't disagree with you. You spoke clearly and supported your ideas with figures and really solid arguments.
5. I think it is a very good essay. I recommend that you try to change the design of the page since it is too black! 😅
What a good essay!
Giselle, your essay is really interesting and, I did not know some things that you mentions and as a Colombian for me is unbelievable to study 10 hours per day. I want to remark that you use some facts like percentages when you were referring to Christianity, and that make stronger your ideas, I really like that. But, a think that you do not share is the way that they practice the religion in both countries because although 50% practice Christianity, I suppose that the do different things and they have different rituals. Likewise, you did an excellent job and I really like to know more about South Korean culture. Finally, I would like to ask you, would you sacrifice your family and free time to study?
ResponderBorrarHi Giselle good job, I think that is interesting your prespective about the diferences between Colombia and South Korea, according your research I can suppose that Korea is a curious country because they have a thought more restrective and education more focused, I believe that is very tired when you live with so much pressure, Do you think the same?, too I like your layout of your blog it´s with the images, the page looks atractive. Lastly, my only disagreement is with the part about being late. I'm not sure but I think that in this part of the world is common when the people beign late, anyway, good job Giselle.
ResponderBorrarI found your blog very interesting. I agree that it is important to recognize the similarities and differences between cultures to better understand our own cultures. In the similarities it is nice to see how faith can unite people from different parts of the world. What other religious practices are common in both cultures?
ResponderBorrarOn the other hand, I found the differences in manners interesting, it is true that respect for norms can vary between countries, and it is interesting to know how these differences impact society and daily life. Finally, I think your topic about the cultures of Colombia and South Korea is enriching. I would like to continue learning more about these differences and similarities.
Your essay is very interesting, is really crazy that both countries have around 900 churches. On the other hand, I agree with your opinion because the differences are markable, like respect with other people and puntuality. Besides, in Colombia is not usuall for people to be punctual and young people rarely respect adults. I think, positive point for Colombia is spend the time with the family and you can dress however you want. Finally, in my opinion in Colombia there is more freedom of expression compared to South Korea.
ResponderBorrarI want to know, What manners do you want Colombia to have from Korea?