Korean blast from the past!

Since I arrived in South Korea I have noticed many unique idiosyncrasies of modern Korean culture, but a few characteristics stand out as being more in common with American culture in the 1960′s than a homogeneous ex- Hermit Kingdom. I have noticed that everything from modern Korean fashion to Korean business culture to Korean social norms and taboos are very similar to mid 20th century America. On more times than I can count I have thought to myself “Wow, I feel like I am living in the Korean version of Mad Men”.

Working in South Korea with a Korean male boss has been on of the greatest learning experiences of my life, while also being a great way to learn about Korean business culture. The business culture its strangely unique but very similar to the 50′s and 60′s business culture. First of all, smoking cigarettes is extremely common especially in a working environment. The smoking prevalence in South Korea and in the 50′s and 60′s in America are so similar on so many fronts. Smoking is viewed as dangerous but is extremely tolerated and even expected of males. Smoking is as acceptable as it was in the 50′s and 60′s. The similarities do not end with cigarettes, drinks after work is practically an extension of one’s work commitments. Drinking with your coworkers and boss are step one to making any vertical advancement in the company. All you have to do is substitute whiskey for soju and you have a typically Korean work outing. One of the most compelling similarities is the misogyny that takes place in the work place. Women’s pay is a portion of a man’s pay, and women are restricted to limited careers as flight attendants, teachers, secretaries and nurses similar to mid-century America.

Koreans as a whole seem to be  very socially aware of themselves and others, so tendencies toward perfectionism and conformity are traits ingrained from birth. These two tendencies are amplified by the fact that Korea is a homogeneous society that has little tolerance for difference and rebellion. To that point, Koreans all seem to behave very similar, dress very similar and, of course, share similar views of “beauty”.

Walking through Myeongdong, the fashion district in Seoul, I always notice all of the young early to mid 20′s girls showing off their long legs, but  NEVER showing off any cleavage. Showing off your legs is very common for young Korean girls, even for younger teenage girls it is socially acceptable. These girls are also all very thin and well put together, as if they took a good couple hours doctoring their make up in the morning. Their dresses are stylish and hip, but do not strike me as ultra modern, in fact, their body types, dresses and skirts, and overall look remind me of a prominent fashion models of the 60′s.

Fashion models in the American 60′s wore dresses that were conservative by modern standards but very risque but 1960′s standards. Models showed off their legs but did not show off cleavage, they were all very thin and extremely well-put together, and the dresses were quite geometric in nature. These characteristics are all very similar to modern Korean fashion. There are distinct differences, but in comparison to other cultural fashions and norms the similarities are quite astounding.

Many of the social norms and taboos of South Korea are identical to 50′s and 60′s America. Everything from an outrage of social rebellion to conforming to gender roles to a strong materialistic society. The similarities exist because of the homogeneity of Korean society. The culture is the same, the thinking is the same and the exceptions are the same. All of these ideals and values are similar to 50′s and 60′s of America because during that time period in America conditions were very much the same. At that time America was, for all practical purposes, a homogeneous society. White middle class families with the white picket fence around a white house in suburban America  As times changed culture, fashion and business practices changed as well. In due time Korea may change to a more progressive society and be open to new ideas and experimentation.

Is South Korea like 1960′s America? is a post from: EARTH EXCURSION