GlossaryHello (informal) – Annyeong
Hello/Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening (formal) – Annyeonghaseyo
Hello (Answering phone) – Yeoboseyo
Nice to meet you – Mannaseo pangapseumnida
Thank you very much. (formal) – Jeongmal gomapsseumnida
I’m sorry/I apologize (polite) – Joesonghamnida
Boss, CEO, President – Sajangnim *See below
Sir - Ajeossi
Father – Abeoji
Mother (formal) – Eomeoni
Mother (informal) – Eomma
Love – Sarang
I love you – Salanghaeyo
Why? – Wea?
Yes. – Ne
No. – Aniyo
Oh my – Eomeo (sounds like ‘omo’)
Wow! (I can’t believe you did/said/asked that) – U-wa (Sounds like ‘whaa’)
Hey – Ya
Wow (That’s cool) - Daebak
Crazy Bitch – Michin Nyeon
Kimchi: Spicy cabbage.
Pajeon: Deep-fried pancakes.
Tteokbokki: Rice cakes in spicy sauce.
Gimbap: Korean-style maki sushi.
Mandu: Steamed dumplings.*In Korean culture, respect for age and status are very important, with hierarchy affecting all aspects of social interactions. Everyone has a role in society as a result of hierarchy - therefore it is vital to respect it. Status is largely determined by someone’s role in an organisation, which organisation they work for, which university they went to, and their marital status.
Korean family names are mostly one syllable, while given names tend to have two. The family name comes first (Park Lee-ann). Until you are on very good terms with a Korean counterpart, it is best to use the family name preceded by an honorific (such as Mr), whether speaking directly to them or about them to another Korean. In settings that call for great respect or formality, you should use your counterpart’s formal title and surname (Chairman Park). Some also view their name as a very personal thing, so a suggestion to work on a first-name basis may be slow to be offered.
Source Credit: ASIALINK BUSINESSPrologueLee(Sixteen years old.)
Placing the beverage on the counter, I say, “Enjoy!” Then my eyes dart to the next customer. “Welcome. What would you like to order?”
After placing the order, Kim Min-young comes to stand next to me. “I’ll take over.”
“Thank you,” I bow slightly, then walk to the back where the staff room is.
Taking my school uniform from my locker, I go to a cubicle and quickly take off my apron and work attire. I fold it, before placing them neatly in a plastic sleeve. Pulling on my school clothes, I make sure everything is in its place, then I go to put the plastic bag in the locker and grab my backpack. Closing the locker, I hear my stomach rumble and patting it, I whisper, “Hold out a little longer. I’ll eat when I get to the food stall.”
Glancing at my watch, I make sure I have enough time to hand in my application for another part-time job before I have to go to Dongmun market so I can help Mom until we close at midnight.
I shrug on my backpack, and with a slight nod at the other employees, I call out, “Thank you for working hard. See you tomorrow.”
Running out of the coffee shop, I almost bump into an elderly man. “I’m sorry, Sir,” I quickly apologize with a bow while I keep running.
I make it to the restaurant on time, and stop to remove my application from my bag before I walk inside. I approach the first employee I see, “Where can I hand in my application for the dishwashing position?”
He points toward the back before he turns to welcome new customers.
I walk to where he gestured and stand on my toes, so I can see over a counter. There’s a constant buzz of clattering pans, clanging pots, and sizzling heat. A chef walks by, and I quickly ask, “Where can I hand in my application for the dishwashing position?”
He shoots me a glare before he yells at one of the waiters who just dropped a plate of food.
Walking to my left, I peek down a hallway before I walk down it. Seeing an office to my left, I knock on the door and bow to the man behind the desk. “Where can I hand in my application for the dishwashing position?”
“Leave it there,” he grumbles, pointing to the corner of the desk.
I bow again and quickly dart into the office. With both hands, I place the application where he indicated and bow again as I move backward. “Thank you.”
When I’m out of the office, I jog down the hallway and dart to the side when a waiter comes out of the kitchen, carrying a tray of food. I wait for him to walk first, and when he turns left to walk to a table, I rush out of the restaurant and run as fast as I can.
I make it in time for the bus which goes to Dongmun market and climbing up the steps, I swipe my card and sit down in the first empty seat. Shrugging off my backpack, I hold it on my lap as I rest my forehead against the window. I have ten minutes to rest and letting out a sigh, I close my eyes. Seconds later they pop open when my phone begins to ring.