Green flag (Spoiler: I’m not from Korea, but I’m interested in the country overall, so, uh…yea).
In case you cannot read (slides 2, 3, & 4): Slide 2: AEGYO: 애교 (pronounced egg-yoh) is a cute, affectionate, and sometimes childish way of speaking, acting, or gesturing to show warmth or get something you want. For native Koreans: 사회적 윤활유와 같은 역할을 합니다. 이는 분위기를 부드럽게 하거나, 연인에게 애정을 표현하거나, 혹은 부모님이나 선배에게 장난스럽게 부탁을 할 때 활용되는 '귀여움'과 '눈치(상황 파악 능력)'의 조화라고 할 수 있습니다. AEGYO SAL/애교살: 애교살 (pronounced egg-yoh sahl) is a term that literally translates to 'charming fat'. It refers to the small, soft roll of fatty tissue that naturally appears directly under the lower lash line, particularly when someone smiles. For native Koreans: 이는 특히 미소를 지을 때 아래 속눈썹 라인 바로 아래에 자연스럽게 나타나는 작고 부드러운 지방 조직 덩어리를 말합니다. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Slide 3: AEGYO: The finger heart: Crossing your thumb & index finger to form a tiny heart gesture. Baby-talk: Softening your voice, whining playfully, or dragging out vowels to sound like a toddler. Flower Cups: Placing both hands under your chin to frame your face like a blooming flower. The “Puu-Puu” face: Puffing out your cheeks with pouted lips while making wide, innocent eyes. AEGYO-SAL: Natural Aegyo-Sal: The soft pocket of fat that naturally pops out only when a person laughs or smiles. Contoured Aegyo-Sal: Using a matte, soft brown liner just below the under-eye to draw a subtle shadow. Highlighted Aegyo-Sal: Applying a champagne, pearlescent shimmer, or light concealer to the center of the under-eye pouch to make it look plumped and rounded. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Slide 4: Jeong (정): Collective emotional attachment. It represents a deep, selfless bond of affection and loyalty built over time. It is the unspoken feeling that compels a neighbor to share food or a stranger to help you find your way. Nunchi (눈치): The art of situational awareness. It translates to "eye-measure." It is the ability to read a room, gauge other people's feelings, and anticipate their needs without them saying a word to maintain social harmony. Age-Based Hierarchy: Respecting your elders. Language, seating arrangements, and drinking orders shift completely based on who is older. Even a one-year age gap dictates using formal language (jondetmal) until mutual closeness is established. Two-Handed Etiquette: Showing physical respect. When pouring a drink, receiving an item, or shaking hands, you should always use both hands (or place your left hand under your right forearm) as a sign of courtesy to others. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Slide 5: Social Customs and Rites: Jesa: Memorial ceremonies held on death anniversaries to honor ancestors, reinforcing the belief that the departed remain part of the family lineage. Hanbok: The vibrant, traditional attire worn during formal events, holidays, and weddings. Visitors wearing Hanbok often receive free admission to royal sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. Jeong: An underlying cultural concept denoting a deep, emotional bond of affection, loyalty, and empathy that ties people and communities together. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Slide 6: Major Seasonal Holidays: Seollal (Lunar New Year): Families gather to perform Sebae (deep bows) to elders in exchange for blessings and money. Traditional tteokguk (rice cake soup) is eaten to symbolize gaining a year of age. Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving): Occurring in the fall, families visit ancestral hometowns to hold Charye (memorial rites) and eat songpyeon (half-moon shaped rice cakes) to give thanks for the harvest. Life-Cycle MilestonesDoljanchi: A child’s first birthday is celebrated with great importance. A traditional highlight is doljabi, where the baby is placed in front of items like money, a brush, or thread to predict their future. Hwangap: Traditionally celebrated at age 60, honoring the completion of the 12-year zodiac cycle. Today, many families opt for lavish vacations instead of traditional banquets.
