Cultural Awareness in Thailand, South Korea and India

Culture Definition

Culture can be defined as the collective traits, knowledge, and customs of a group of people. It’s reflected in their language, religion, social habits, cuisine, art, and traditions. Much like every household has its own set of rules, every city and country operates within its cultural framework. These cultural norms play a crucial role in shaping a society’s identity and values.

As temporary visitors, it’s easy to assume that culture might not affect us much.  After all, you’re just here for a short time, right?  But the reality is quite different. Culture deeply shapes the way we experience a place, and understanding it can make your travel smoother. Imagine unknowingly breaking a sacred rule, like touching a national treasure in a foreign country—the consequences could be severe. This highlights exactly why cultural awareness is so important.

By familiarizing yourself with what is okay and what is not, you can travel with confidence and respect. In this time, we’ll explore the cultures of South Korea, Thailand, and India. These are some of the most popular destinations in Asia!

Thailand Culture

Thailand, famously known as the “Land of Smiles” because of the warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes. With deep roots in Buddhism, Thai culture is profoundly influenced by its religious principles, emphasizing respect, harmony, and mindfulness. So, to make your visit enjoyable and respectful, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Avoid pointing or touching with your feet. Feet are considered the lowest and least clean part of the body in Thailand, India and many Asian countries. Don’t ever place them on tables and sacred objects or even use them to point out things.
2. Avoid Touching People’s Heads. The head is considered sacred. Avoid touching someone’s head unless for specific purposes or it’s given.
3. Remove Your Shoes before entering. For them, wearing shoes indoors feels unclean, careless and disrespectful.
4. Avoid Standing on Raised Thresholds. In Thai traditional belief, the thresholds of temples or houses are home to guardian spirits. So, step over to not disturbing them.
5. Wear appropriate outfits in Sacred Places. When visiting temples or palaces, your shoulders and legs should be covered, it’s a sign of respect in many Asian countries.
6. Avoid Touching Monks. Especially a women should avoid physical contact with monks. It is prohibited in Buddhist practice because we don’t know if the monk has already purified from desire or not —It may provoke their desire.
7. Respect Buddha Images. Buddha statues and images are deeply revered. Never climb on, sit on, or disrespect them. Always ask for permission before taking or sharing photos of Buddha, as some regulations prohibit exporting or publicizing Buddha images outside Thailand.
8. Don’t ever step on Thai Currency. Thai money bears the image of the King, and stepping on it, even accidentally, is seen as disrespectful.
9. Stand for the National Anthem. Thai people stand during the national or royal anthems, whether in public or before a movie.
10. Avoid Public Displays of Affection. Thailand remains relatively conservative, so limit affectionate gestures in public spaces.
11. Don’t Raise Your Voice. Thai culture values calmness which is influenced by Buddhist teachings. Losing your temper or being loud is considered impolite in most country in asian.
12. Don’t Ignore a Wai Greeting. The “wai” is a traditional Thai gesture of respect. You just need to press your palms together with your fingers pointing vertically (similar to a “praying” pose) and offering a slight bow.

South Korea Culture

Korea, famous for its K-pop idols, captivating K-dramas, and stunning landscapes. Beyond its modern appeal, Korea holds tightly to its rich cultural traditions, including a strong sense of seniority and respect for hierarchy. To ensure you have an enjoyable trip, there are some essential things you need to keep in mind:

1. Mind your own business. In Korea, people value personal space and a peaceful environment. Be mindful of this and avoid being noisy when you are in public.
2. Wait for the elders to start eating. If you are dining with Koreans, it is customary to wait until the elders begin eating before you start. This shows respect for their seniority.
3. Youngest should pour a drink. In Korea, if you are the youngest in a group, it is polite to check if others’ glasses are empty and refill them when necessary. Allowing someone to have an empty glass is considered rude.
4. Pouring your own drinks is impolite. Pouring your own drink is seen as impolite in Korea. Instead, it is customary for someone else—often the youngest in the group—to pour drinks. When someone pours a drink for you, hold your glass with two hands to show respect.
5. Avoid writing names in red ink. Writing someone’s name in red ink is traditionally associated with death and implies that the person is deceased. Always use other colors when writing names.
6. Don’t use priority seats. Priority seats on public transport are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Even if the seats are empty, avoid using them unless you are one of these categories.
7. Take off your shoes before entering someone’s house. In most Korean households, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering. Wearing shoes inside is considered impolite and unhygienic.
8. Don’t take photos without consent. Taking pictures of others without their consent is not only rude but also potentially illegal in Korea due to privacy laws. Always ask for permission before photographing someone. And if you want to take a photo or vlog, remember to blur it.
9. You must order one meal per person. In Korean restaurants, especially busy ones, it is customary for each person to order at least one portion of food. Sharing one dish among multiple people will not be accepted.
10. Carry cash for smaller purchases. Korean street food has become increasingly popular, especially among foreigners. Snacks like tteokbokki, hotteok, and odeng are common in street markets, but many vendors may not accept cards. It’s best to carry small cash to fully enjoy these treats.
11. Proper ways to call for service. The word “ahjumma” (아줌마) refers to middle-aged women in Korean, but using it casually to address someone, especially when speaking English, can come off as rude or improper. Instead, here are more respectful ways to get someone’s attention:

• “여기요” (Yeo-Gi-Yo) = “Here, please!”
• “저기요” (Jeo-Gi-Yo) = “Excuse me!”
• “이모님” (I-Mo-Nim) = “Ma’am” (commonly used for middle-aged women in restaurants).
• “사장님” (Sa-Jang-Nim) = “Boss” (used to address restaurant owners or senior staff respectfully).

Indian Culture

India is a land of vibrant traditions and timeless culture, where ancient customs seamlessly blend with modern lifestyles. This blend is especially evident in the way people continue to wear sarees—an iconic symbol of Indian heritage—both in their everyday lives and during special occasions. To help you seamlessly connect with their culture, here are a few essential things to know:

1. Aware about your outfit. Indian is known for its high level sexual harassment and “Eve-teasing” is a local term for sexual harassment, and women, especially those in revealing clothing, may experience unwanted attention.To minimize this, avoid sleeveless tops, low-cut shirts, tank tops, and shorts.
2. Be Careful taking photos with locals. Don’t accept taking photos with locals, as they may ask for money in exchange.
3. Be Cautious with Beggars. Avoid giving money or buying items from people on the streets, including children and women, as this can encourage dependency or lead to more persistent requests. 
4. Entering Hindu Temples. Always ask before entering a Hindu temple, as many do not allow non-Hindus to enter. Also, remember to remove your footwear and dress conservatively.
5. Leave leather items before entering Temples: Leather items like wallets, belts, and bags are often prohibited inside Hindu temples, so it’s best to leave these behind.
6. Giving and Receiving Items. In India and many other Asian countries, it’s preferable to give and receive items with your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean and insulting. Using both hands when receiving something is even more respectful.
7. Respect for Elders. Elders are highly respected in India. As is common in many Asian cultures, so never address them by their first name. Instead, use respectful titles like “Auntie” or “Uncle” and always treat them with courtesy.
8. Respect Sacred Items: Never point sacred items or paintings in temples directly. Instead, use your chin or the palm of your hand to point, as this is considered more respectful.
9. Cows are sacred in Hinduism. They will avoid eating beef and substitute it with  buffalo or other meat.
10. Avoid Smoking and Drinking. Smoking and drinking alcohol in public places are still seen as conservative taboos.
11. Safety at Night. It’s not recommended to go out alone, especially at night. Always be cautious when walking alone.
12. Respectful Greetings. Avoid hugging or shaking hands with women especially if you are a man. Instead, greet them with a respectful “Namaste.”

At first glance, it might seem like there’s a lot to remember, right? But don’t worry—most of these are quite similar across many Asian countries, so there’s no need to overthink it. The key is to stay mindful and respectful of the local culture. You don’t need to memorize every detail, just be aware and apply them when necessary.