인사(greeting) is more than just saying hello in Korean culture

Summary

The video script delves into the cultural significance of 'Inza' in Korean society, which extends beyond a simple greeting to encompass respect and politeness, particularly from younger individuals to their elders. It highlights the importance of acknowledging hierarchy and using appropriate language when greeting in different social contexts. The script also touches on the concept of 'Pikul Inza Kuban', a deep bow showing utmost respect, and discusses the nuances of greeting etiquette in various situations, including the use of terms like 'Sunbae' and 'Hoobae'. The conversation encourages viewers to practice these cultural norms and to always be mindful of polite language when interacting with others.

Takeaways

• 😀 In Korean culture, 'Inza' is a form of greeting that is deeply rooted in politeness and respect, especially from younger individuals to older ones.
• 👋 The concept of 'Inza' is not just about saying hello but also includes the act of acknowledging someone's presence with respect, which is an important aspect of Korean society.
• 🙇‍♂️ In Korean society, it is considered impolite not to greet someone you know, even from a distance, and this is especially true for younger individuals when encountering older people.
• 🌐 The script contrasts the cultural differences in greetings between Korea and America, highlighting the importance of the act of greeting in Korea compared to the more casual approach in America.
• 🧒 The script mentions 'Inza' as a compliment given to children who are good at greeting, indicating that they are polite and sociable.
• 🤔 'Pikul Inza Kuban' is a term used to describe a deep bow as a form of greeting, showing a high level of respect, which is a significant part of Korean culture.
• 👶 The term 'Pico Beans' is used in a playful manner with children, even if they do not speak, to encourage them to learn the practice of greeting as they grow up.
• 🤝 The script discusses the hierarchical nature of Korean society and how 'Inza' plays a role in acknowledging and respecting these social hierarchies.
• 👩‍🏫 The script mentions that teachers often comment on a student's 'Inza' in school reports, emphasizing its importance in educational settings.
• 🎬 Phrases like 'Oh some better person melon insider' are used in movies and dramas to represent the expectation of a younger person to greet an older person first as a sign of respect.
• 🔄 The script suggests that while 'Inza' is traditionally from younger to older, there is a potential for change and adaptation in this cultural practice, as seen in some interactions.

Q & A

What is the significance of 'Inza' in Korean culture?

Inza in Korean culture is the act of greeting someone and is deeply tied to the concept of politeness and respect, especially when a younger person acknowledges or greets an older person. It is an important part of the hierarchical and polite nature of Korean society.

Why is it considered rude not to greet someone you know in Korean society?

Not greeting someone you know in Korean society can be seen as incredibly rude because it is a part of being polite and showing respect, especially to elders. It is expected that even if you are far away, you should acknowledge the other person.

How does the concept of greeting differ between Korean and American cultures?

In American culture, it is polite to say hello when you see someone you know, but it is not as critical to say goodbye. In contrast, in Korean culture, both greeting and parting are important, and not saying goodbye can be seen as impolite.

What does the term 'Inza' usually refer to in the context of age and hierarchy?

The term 'Inza' usually refers to a younger person greeting or showing respect to an older person. It is a reflection of the hierarchical nature of Korean society where levels of politeness are crucial.

What is the compliment 'In Zadar Tyrande' used to express in Korean?

The compliment 'In Zadar Tyrande' is used to express that a child is good at greetings, implying that they are polite, friendly, and sociable.

What does 'Pikul Inza Kuban' mean and why is it significant in Korean culture?

'Pikul Inza Kuban' translates to 'belly button greeting' and refers to bowing so deeply that it shows a great deal of respect. It is significant in Korean culture as it demonstrates the high level of politeness and respect given to elders.

Why is it important for a younger person to greet an older person first in Korean culture?

It is important for a younger person to greet an older person first as a sign of respect and politeness, which are fundamental aspects of Korean culture's hierarchical structure.

What is the implication when someone says 'Oh some better person melon insider' to a younger person?

When someone says 'Oh some better person melon insider' to a younger person, it implies that the younger person should greet them first as a sign of respect, acknowledging the older person's higher social status.

What is the term 'Inza Rue Shequida' and how is it used in Korean culture?

'Inza Rue Shequida' refers to making someone say hello or greet someone else. It is usually used in the context of introducing a younger person to an older person, emphasizing the importance of politeness and respect in greetings.

How can the concept of 'Inza' be seen as complicated in Korean culture?

The concept of 'Inza' can be seen as complicated because it involves understanding the hierarchical structure of Korean society and knowing when and how to greet someone appropriately. It also involves knowing when it is expected for a younger person to greet an older person first.

What advice is given at the end of the video for practicing 'Inza' in Korean culture?

The advice given is to practice greeting people first when in doubt, and to always remember to use polite language, acknowledging that the norms around 'Inza' may change over time.