Posts tagged ‘Korean culture’
Korean hierarchy
Respect
An expectation in the Korean culture is that if someone is older than you by any length of time you need to refer to them as older brother or older sister, even if they’re not directly related to that person.
Now, if the person is significantly older than you there are other ways to show respect. You wouldn’t refer to them as older brother or older sister, but something like “sir” or “ma’am” would be appropriate.
It’s also appropriate during meals to wait for the older person to eat first before you begin eating your meal.
Breaking Rank
There is a position in the Korean culture that would void these previous rules, as it relates to age. That position is pastor of a church. It doesn’t matter what age you are, that position/title gives you, in one sense, the highest level of respect.
So, basically, if you’re a pastor of a Korean church there is a tremendous amount of responsibility that’s expected out of you.
Learning to submit
I’ve mentioned this story in previous blog posts, but back when I was in high school in the Korean Church we experienced our second church breakup. Our youth pastor gave us an ultimatum that if we didn’t like his style of leadership, which was condemning in many ways, he would leave in a couple weeks. At the same time our senior pastor was accused of molesting one of our high school students.
This, obviously, hindered my level of submission and respect for authority and, especially, pastors.
But, in recent years I’ve slowly…very slowly…have started to learn to submit and give grace to pastors again. Part of the key for me was to spend time with several pastors and get to know their hearts.
What this might mean for you
If you have some people in your congregation who are Korean, then take some time to hear about their church history and gauge where their level of respect for people who are older and those who are pastors. This will give you more insight into where their hearts are at, especially from a cultural standpoint.
And, in many ways, it will help you begin to build a bridge with that person and maybe begin a healing process for them in prayer.
Blog post by Peter Kihyun Park
© 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.
Expectations for Second Generation Asians
Second Generation (Adjective): Of or relating to a person or persons whose parents are immigrants.
In a recent conversation with Peter Ahn, pastor of Metro Community Church, I revisited some of the expectations that are put on second generation Asians.
Growing up as a Korean American many of my friends experienced the following expectations:
1. Learn piano or violin at a young age.
2. Get really good grades.
3. Respect our elders.
4. Be able to speak to our families in their native tongue.
5. Taking care of your parents when they retire.
You’re probably thinking that many of those expectations are part of your culture. And you’re probably right.
But there’s something in the Korean culture which puts tremendous pressure on kids to be the best, as to show honor to their family. This can be a good thing, but it can also have the opposite effect.
A common theme I saw in the Korean community was this: Brag about your kids in public, scold them in private.
This can create some interesting dynamics in a Korean person.
Language factor…
I want to take some time to address how important it is for the second generation Asian to communicate in the native language of their parents.
I had to attend “Korean School” as a kid. Every Saturday morning I’d go to a church where teachers would help you learn the Korean language. I have to admit…I hated it at the time.
Most of that hatred was due to the fact that I had to go to school six days a week. Not something a kid wants to do.
But now I’m reaping some of the benefits of it.
My wife, who’s Caucasian, is able to communicate with my family. She only says a few phrases, but my relatives love it.
I already see the expectation for my son to learn the Korean language from my family.
And yes, language has a way of building a bridge, especially within the family unit.
Getting involved with worship…
For awhile I heard how difficult it was for many of my non-Korean friends to get Koreans involved on their worship team. But a big part of that difficulty was because they weren’t asking them.
I believe most Koreans won’t volunteer to do something at church, they like to be asked. And there’s an obligation that we feel with that, especially if a pastor asks us to get involved.
Also, be sure to gently encourage them to learn the Korean language. At the very least to communicate with their families. And who knows, maybe they’ll pray or sing in Korean during the service.
Share your story and your life…
Sincerely,
Peter Park
Blogger/Worship Leader/Speaker
peterpark@redemptionboulevard.com
(800) 453-3284
© 2010, Peter Park. All rights reserved.
Important foods in culture
Knowing important cultural foods/drink can be an important part of growing more relationships within ethnic groups.
© 2010, Peter Park. All rights reserved.