Culture And Customs

Before I left Korea, I just heard about cultural shock and difference of customs between Korea and other countries. However, I hadn't experienced those things even though I came to U.S. I think the reason why I didn't feel cultural shock and difference of customs is that I have already experienced those things indirectly by media, such as TV, films, news papers and magazines.

I thought I wasn't going to face any cultural problems before I visited my girl friend's house. If someone visited their girl friend's house in Korea, they would have to be polite, considerate and nice. Therefore, I tried to be polite and considerate in a Korean way. As a result of that attitude, I remained silent, and I was super nervous. I didn't know American customs at that time. I didn't have to be that polite, and I shouldn't have followed Korean customs. I could do everything within a limit and not make problem, but I was too polite. I didn't eat more food when I finished my meal, even if I wasn't full, and I tried not to make noise. It made me me a boring guest. When I realized American people like fun people though that is their daughter's boyfriend, I finally realized I had been too reserved. Now I know what I can do when I visit my girl friend's house in America. If I go to her house again, I will enjoy that visiting without making an effort to be too polite.