We often forget that embedded into the societal and cultural expectations are the norms that are enculturated. Things such as knowing where to go to buy an item, or how to stand and wait for transportation such as the bus or the subway. I am used to waiting in semi-structured lines, acknowledgement of who arrived prior to me (because in elementary school we were taught that “Cutters” were the equivalent of Cheaters), and allowing that person on first (with the exception of an Elder close to me).
Waiting for the bus was en masse yesterday, I was coached to run toward the bus, and make my way in. This negated pretty much everything I had been taught. When I exited, I waited for several Elders, and happened to catch the piercing stare of a younger person on the other side because I had not exited before the Elders. Perhaps there is a norm that I am unfamiliar with, since other line structures have such clear organization to them, such as for purchasing items in a store, or while getting coffee.
The bus ticket is actually a card that is monetarily loaded similarly to a phone calling card. I purchased on with the intent of leaving it in the plastic seal. I produced it upon request to someone, with a polite bow it was taken from me and removed from the plastic and handed back. I bowed and said thank you, internally taken aback. While I was not offended, as it was a gesture that was meant to be helpful and to ease my travels, I found it interesting that it was an action, not simply addressed verbally as would likely have been done in the U.S., as when we “advise” people of actions.
Walking amongst the crowd on the street, I noted the fixture on the side which was decorated with a wind power picture. I stopped to photograph it, and many passersby watched me. I found the promotion of sustainability and clean power admirable and yet another indication of the TEK and connection Koreans have with their spaces as well.
(Photo credit: Chisholm Hatfield – Gangnam South Korea)
