[LETTERS TO THE EDITOR]Speak up; they won't bite you
Published: 14 Jan. 2003, 23:12
I came across a foreigner who seemed to be a tourist when I was just about to leave a bookstore in Seoul. He appeared to be lost, and I asked him if I could be of any help. He said he was looking for the Sejong Cultural Center; he had been circling the area in need of simple directions from anyone.
Last year a woman tourist asked me for directions. Luckily I was heading the same way. I accompanied her to her destination in Dongdaemun. I asked her if it was her first trip to Korea. She answered as though we had been friends for a long time.
Most Koreans learn English for more than 10 years, but many of us have a phobia about meeting foreigners. I think people should have more courage and give help even with the simplest gestures. I am sure that a little helping hand can impress foreigners. Global etiquette is as simple as that.
by Yun Ho
Last year a woman tourist asked me for directions. Luckily I was heading the same way. I accompanied her to her destination in Dongdaemun. I asked her if it was her first trip to Korea. She answered as though we had been friends for a long time.
Most Koreans learn English for more than 10 years, but many of us have a phobia about meeting foreigners. I think people should have more courage and give help even with the simplest gestures. I am sure that a little helping hand can impress foreigners. Global etiquette is as simple as that.
by Yun Ho
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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