Korean Culture

Cultural Beliefs About Health

• Koreans use significantly less invasive procedures than Americans.
• They use acupuncture, herbs, and therapeutic massage. 
• Some believe that their child's disability is derived from the mother's actions during pregnancy.
• Most Koreans accept women as doctors.

Religious Beliefs That Might Affect Healthcare

• Confucianism

• Confucianism is a code of ethics that stress the relationships and obligations towards other people.

• It puts importance on social harmony and being able to determine another person's state of mind.

• Confucianism focuses on five relationships: ruler to subject, husband to wife, parent to child, brother to sister, and friend to friend.

• It also places duty, loyalty, and family very high. 

• Religions

•  Most are unaffiliated, Christian, or Buddhist.

• Buddhists must have a quiet and calm environment.

• They also do not believe in abortion, and some branches require a strict diet.

• Christians mainly believe in the same beliefs as American Christianity.

Specific Health Issues

• Stomach cancer- Avoid smoked or pickled foods. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and green tea.
• Liver cancer - Avoid large amounts of alcohol and fats.
• Hepatitis- Don't eat raw meats or food from possibly unsanitary places. Get vaccinations.
• Mental health- Always talk about your feelings and get help if you see early detection signs.

Native Language

• Korean- All Koreans speak the same language, but there are different dialects.

Typical Diet

• Steamed rice
• Vegetables
• Mostly beef and pork
• Bean paste and tofu
• Noodles
• Most dishes are stewed or boiled.
• Many spices are also used in Korean dishes.

Healthcare

• Hospitals and doctors' offices are usually privately owned.

• $8000 premium

• Healthcare is paid for by a deduction from your paycheck.

• If you are not employed, you pay to the National Health Insurance Company.

• Doctors are paid more if they see more patients, so the diagnosis is usually short.

• Korean healthcare is very good for acute illnesses, but it does not cover most chronic illnesses.

• Korean doctors make about one-fourth of American doctors' pay. 

• Women in healthcare are accepted by most people.  

• Many people who live in America will travel to Korea for healthcare because it is a lot cheaper.  

How Koreans Express Feelings

• Koreans express pain very similarly to Americans.
• They also have the same personal space issues as Americans.
• Eye contact is also appropriate for good etiquette.

Translations

• Tell me what is wrong with you.

• Awh Dih Eh Ah Pugh Seh Yoh?

• How bad does it hurt?

• Ahl Mana Ah Pugh Seh Yoh? 

For More Information:

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/south-korea-country-profile.html  

Cultural Diversity