Eating alone vs. together in Korea - Culture Talk

It is common in Asian country to ask each other whether they’ve eaten or not when people meet as a greeting. Why is it that people tend to talk so much about food or eating even when they are clearly not meeting for dinner or lunch? This video is different from our usual video lessons where we talk about Korean grammar points, but Hyunwoo hopes to provide some interesting information regarding what’s going on in people’s minds when they meet people around meal times in Korea.
Watch more Korean Q&A videos here! (playlist)
goo.gl/r83hFH
🇰🇷🇰🇷🇰🇷
Never learned any Korean before? Start right here:
talktomeinkorea...
Other social media links
/ ttmik
/ ttmik
/ talktomeinkorean
--------------------------------------------------------------------
😃 TTMIK Teacher in this video 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
Hyunwoo
/ ever4one
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Video edited by Jooyeon
/ pillarlotus
--------------------------------------------------------------------
#KoreanCulture #EatingCultureInKorea #LearnKorean

[@gakusei79]

As an Italian leaving abroad, the casual "how are you" they always ask is a real issue. That's because in Italy, when we ask how are you, we really want to know and we expect a detailed reply! 😁

[@korbynharrison5899]

i guess im randomly asking but does someone know a tool to get back into an instagram account? I stupidly lost the account password. I love any help you can offer me.

[@ridita5221]

It's the same in Hungary.

[@JupiterLight28]

I live in the US and I prefer to have an actual convo about how someone it. It's upsetting when people expect you to not answer honestly yet most people I talk to have a similar idea about it. I guess where I live it's a bit different depending on a work or friend environment?

[@sulljoh1]

The ad before this video starts "You want to learn a language but your study materials are boring" - but my TTMIK material is not boring!

[@amplifymysound]

yea i got a fluentU ad, but im literally sitting here with my TTMIK books happy as a clam

[@dizzy.ant.]

Ll

[@dizzy.ant.]

L

[@mitchelllowery5940]

Doesn't matter what the subject... Hyunwoo only makes incredible videos 😆 . Thank you!

[@talktomeinkorean]

Thank you so much!!

[@AnnySoprano]

Actually korean dishes are made to be eaten in group.. big portions But in Western countries that doesn't work that much because dishes are serve individually..

[@milesspiegl]

I really love cultural videos. They’re so interesting! I’m hoping for more of these ^^

[@Amipalovestwilight]

In Germany we also have a group eating culture I would say, even though it is not as strict(?) as the Korean one. When I was a child, me and my family always had meals together (at least everybody who was in the house at that time). When we have guests over, we ususally invite them to eat with us (it's considered rude to not offer them something and ever more rude to eat in front of them without letting them have anything). And we usually don't go to the restaurant alone (some people do, but it feels weird to me). However, there are many people who eat alone these days for various reasons and it is not considered weird at all. Especially with people having different work hours and eating habits over here (some people have lunch at 12, some at 2pm, same with dinner), it can be hard to always find somebody to eat with.

[@krystinelynn6465]

Yes exactly, couldn't have explained it better.

[@franczi9664]

Same in Italy!

[@alfonsjones5798]

Nah, I am german/Russian, and we do Invite Our guess always for food, but the 'real' German, let's say it like that, may eat together, but then it's not really food nur just some cookies or cake..

[@JupiterLight28]

When I was a kid it was like that (I live in the US and this was early 90's). At my grandmas we would have to ask before leaving the table and there would be no TV on. I actually really liked that structure and got really upset when the next generation wouldn't be eating even in the same room. At home I ate alone because my mom worked 3rd shift but when I visited my grandparents I was sad that the more formal structure was gone because I felt it was a bonding experience. I never like things to be strict but to have a little structure.

[@MarkDDG]

Yes you're right, it is the same here in the Netherlands. You explained just what I thought while watching this video.

[@sokhibtukhtaev9693]

Wouldn't it be a great idea if you guys made some new series about Korean cultural holidays by going back to their history, manner of celebration, value, etc?

[@talktomeinkorean]

We'll do that! Thanks!

[@unistudent4002]

While watching K-dramas with English captions I've noticed it's super common for people to say "dont skip meals" when they're saying goodbye to someone lol I think it's a great way of saying to someone to 'take care of themselves', less vague and serves as a real reminder to anyone who might be struggling with self-care.

[@midapita]

I love this comment. I definitely notice the same vibe; it's direct, I like it!

[@loveandlavender11]

REALLY like the idea of Korean Culture Talks! 감사합니다^^

[@mibluvr13]

Very interesting! My experience in the US is that eating alone is only considered uncomfortable in high school and below. Kids would get made fun of for sitting alone in the cafeteria. My high school had 7 lunch periods and if I didn't have any friends in mine that semester, I wouldn't eat. It seemed better to be hungry until I got home than risk looking sad and lonely. I think this was a common belief. But as an adult, the idea of ridiculing someone eating alone is silly. I see people eating alone at restaurants all the time, professionals on their lunch breaks, college students studying... It's very common. However, there is a little more stigma to eating alone at a restaurant with a waiter, rather than a place, like a cafe, where you order at the counter and then are left alone by the staff for the rest of the meal. It's weird how there is somehow a societal difference between those? Maybe because a restaurant with a waiter is a little more formal and somewhere you only go for "fun" and not just to eat a simple meal.

[@quynhdb]

This is also my experience growing up in America! It was lame to eat lunch by yourself in school but once you get to college it's ridiculous to expect to always have someone to eat with you. Everyone finishes class at different times, there's lots of homework and internship and clubs...so everyone takes care of themselves first and eat whenever they can whether there's a friend available or not. Even now at work, I much prefer eating lunch by myself because I can quietly catch up on personal things instead of making small talk with a coworker. Definitely very interesting to hear about it from a Korean perspective and how differently they view eating a meal!

[@MelaMandzik]

I love this"cultural talk" videos! I went to Korea last year and the eating "rutine" was a cultural shock for me and my friends jajaja

[@ncerdan97]

me encanto el toque de español al final!! saludos desde argentina

[@ProduCiera]

This was so interesting. I was listening while doing my hair,and I got a lot from this. I love learning about cultural differences and similarities. And food/eating culture amongst different groups has always been one of my favorite topics. Can we please get some more culture videos???? 😄

[@talktomeinkorean]

Thank you!!! Please suggest topics and we'll cover them in the best way we can!

[@wanxing9769]

@@talktomeinkorean please make video on living alone after being a adult and in korea when someone is adult after 18 in korean age or after 18 in international age

[@shannonmccarthy4000]

In the UK the "eating together" culture is also quite common. Usually in places like small cafes and fast food restaurants it's not so unusual to see someone eating alone, but in more proper-looking, group-orientated restaurants a number of people would feel uncomfortable eating alone and they might get stared at a little by the public and/or the owner.

[@taki1255]

Hi, so I noticed that where I'm from (the Caribbean), it's common for people to go around their workplace or class and ask who wants to go and eat lunch with them. It's okay to eat by yourself, but people automatically ask for company for lunch 🤗

[@houseofcardistry7672]

Lol!! Here in the southeastern US we say “Jeetyet?” (Translation: Have you eaten yet?) The other person may answer: “naw” (“no”) The first person may respond: “Yawntoo?” (Would you like to?) 2nd person: “Aight, doodat” (Why yes, we can do that)... there will be an almost inaudible “n” sound before the “doodat” signifying the “we can” portion of the sentence... God, I love the South... I may need to start my own channel for people who might want to learn the intricacies of the Southern dialect here...

[@talktomeinkorean]

Wow, that's so cool!

[@wind370]

When I'm in my Korean office and often eat in our canteen. I notice that when a group of people eat together they will wait until everyone finishes up and leave together even if they started later. They try to pace themselves so they finish together and the last person plays catch up. I always end up being the last one finishing my food. Personally i think im considered a fast eater. If the dish is noodles, Koreans eat them way faster, like a 5-10 mins difference. I try to eat faster but feel like i cant enjoy the foods especially when there are some nice 반찬's. We are given and hour breaktime for lunch but most people finish eating in 10 minutes. Why do Koreans eat so fast???

[@asserm.8047]

i thought this was a world-wide experience. im from spain and the same exact reasons for why people wouldnt want to eat proper (or restaurant) dishes alone hold true. im more interested in which countries have already crossed that "barrier" (or never had it at all) and eating alone is completely acceptable

[@AKADriver]

Eating alone is extremely common in America, especially for young adults who live alone. Even before the invention of drive-through fast food, we had counter service diners for people to go alone (though it was common to talk to the people around you, you weren't there "together"). Nowadays there are even some families who eat separately because after-school activities are scheduled against each other. I've always been impressed that in the land of 학원 running late into the evening and ridiculously cheap takeout food that Korean families still prioritize eating together.

[@asserm.8047]

AKADriver i did not know this! thank u so much for letting me know. in my opinion, its better if its socially acceptable to eat at restaurants alone. ive skipped meals or had to eat an unhealthy snack many times just because i couldnt find friends available to eat with me at that moment.

[@judep3363]

Could you do more videos about culture? This video was amazing

[@huggingMonster]

"Have you eaten?" was basically one of the first questions i asked my grandparents.

[@film42tv]

I’m fascinated by watching meal times in Korean dramas. The quantity of food is enormous! Is this an exaggeration? No way could I consume such vast amounts🤔

[@BopoToyVideos]

i, personally, am way more comfortable eating alone than i am with other people. when im with others, i feel like i cannot eat comfortably and truly enjoy my food. when im alone, i can actually enjoy what i am eating, without having to engage in conversation or being mindful of my pace or things like that.

[@michellesCanape]

Great video! One thing I've noticed in K dramas is people asking someone to buy them a meal, or the expectation for one person to buy for a large group. Is this part of your culture or just creative writing? In the US it's considered rude to ask someone to treat you, or at least that's what my mom taught me. When we eat as a large group we usually split the bill equally by the number of people eating, but that's not always the case.

[@BriiSantana]

Thank you Hyunwoo! I want to ask you this: What if, let's say, you are new in a company and you don't know anyone. What should you do? wait for someone to ask if you want to join for lunchtime even if they don't know you yet? or awkwardly try to make friends right away so you don't end up eating alone? Sorry if it is a silly question hehe :) Love your videos!

[@talktomeinkorean]

If you are new, everybody else will be automatically aware of the fact that you are new to the company and someone will always ask you to join them for lunch :D

[@onlySHAIMA]

Somehow similar to the way Arabs deal with people and food .. food is important and a way of respecting the person visiting or with u in the office etc.. no way an Arab person would eat something in the office for example without sharing it with people around. And also at home, the house need to know if the person visiting will have a meal or only passing by to be prepared.

[@thegivingtree887]

my mom always makes a big deal of preparing food anytime we have guests over, but hey, we get to have all the leftovers so im not complaining.

[@onlySHAIMA]

lunaxenophilius yes we have the leftovers but we also have the dishes to wash 💔😂

[@helena8465]

Thank you for explaining the food aspect of Korean culture, I finally have some understanding of the eating culture in Kdramas! I'm part Armenian, part Lebanese, and part Ukranian, and when we have people over, we always invite them to stay and eat, if we are going to have lunch or dinner together as a family. Its considered rude for us Armenians to not offer food to people coming over, if not food then at least small desserts or coffee or tea. Our dinners and lunches take a while to eat when we have company, and we tend to spend a long while at the table talking even after we are done eating. Learning how other cultures view food and lunch is very interesting and informative, especially learning about the group lunch outings--once again, thank you!

[@jeff__w]

Some of what you talked about is actually pretty much the same, at least for me growing up in the US: when I was a kid at a friend’s house or with a friend at my house, there was always that moment, near dinnertime, where the question became “Is this person staying for dinner or going home?”-and, occasionally, it might be a little awkward. There was _never_ an issue of the family eating and the friend and I hanging out and playing. The West is undoubtedly more individualistic but I recall that, in college, we all tended to eat with other people almost all of the time. We weren’t embarrassed to eat by ourselves-we just preferred to have company. There’s no stigma to eating alone but eating alone isn’t normative. One longtime restaurant in my area has the following “rule”: “If you are a single diner and are greeted with the expression, ‘just one?’, dinner is on us.” You can draw your own conclusions about what that means but it sounds like something a restaurant in Seoul, recognizing the new trend in eating alone, might say. Lastly, with regard to the “eating density” difference between Korean gatherings and international gatherings, my intuitive reaction is that the eating at international gatherings is more spaced out because, the thinking goes, the gathering is not “about the food”-it’s about being together where food is just _one_ component. (That’s _not_ to say that Korean gatherings _are_ about the food-it just means, maybe, that Koreans are not hung up about such things or simply don’t perceive it like that.) As someone from the US, I _hate_ waiting around and schmoozing and _finally_ eating-I would _much_ prefer eating earlier in the evening, Korean-style.

[@talktomeinkorean]

Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts! Yeah I personally also prefer eating first and then doing whatever is next :D

[@cartdc]

Wow...This was a really great video. You gave really good examples of cultural differences. I had lived in Korea two times. Currently I'm here for a third time. I'm hoping that through hard work, I'll finally learn to read and speak Korean fluently. Please wish me luck!!!!

[@marystyle4038]

안녕하세요 선생님 hyunwoo sun, 저는 메리 조이 입니다. 저는 필리핀 사람입니다. I'm always watching your video and your other co teacher in "Talk To Me In Korean" its very helpful for me because I want to learn korean language because i want to work in korea. 정말 너무 감사합니다.

[@fatmazaki5790]

You're a life saver 💎💎 thank you for your effort

[@princeaman5956]

Hi fatima. How are you . Am from india . Can i your friend ??

[@wanxing9769]

@@princeaman5956 i am also from India

[@dominiquegagne3043]

Super intéressant. Merci beaucoup!

[@SashaTS16]

Hyunwoo: People are more important than food Me: Oh, are they?

[@xv68gstuw]

it was nice to get your opinion on this and get some insights on ttmik's working culture and eating habits hahaha

[@Fruity_Tootie]

I just came back from South Korea.. all and all it was a beautiful experience. Lovely people delicious food and more!!.. But that’s vacation I would like to experience the working life family culture there.. I think that’s more bounding. ps thanks for you all.. I got a lot of compliments on my speaking. (All though I could understand more than converting.. we keep studying hard 파이팅)

[@IriaTHaze]

I'm amazed at some of the things you mentioned because to me they seem so normal I would have never thought of explaining them to ehm... aliens from planets where they usually eat alone? In Spain, eating is a big part of socializing. We usually don't ask "Have you eaten lunch/dinner?" because if you meet at about lunch or dinner time you will have previously agreed whether to eat together, but we do ask "Have you had breakfast/tea?" (It's actually not breakfast. In Spain lunch is quite late so many people have coffee and some snack at 10~11 am, and that is usually done with colleagues/classmates/friends) or, if lunch/dinner time is drawing near, we do ask "have you got any plans for lunch? Shall we eat together?"

[@verona3810]

Very interesting video! You said that one of the reasons of not eating alone is a worry of being seen as someone without friends. Do people who see someone eating alone genuinely think that or even think that person has a bad personality, or is it just an irrational thought? Thank you for this video! If you're interested to read this: In Egyptian culture we also worry about whether we should serve someone dinner or not if they stay late and we always offer food as a hospitality rule. If they originally planned to come for dinner then they will stay but if they've just accidentally stayed after the hour they wanted to leave, they'll most likely respectfully decline & leave because from their perspective they don't want to be a burden. Us Egyptians and our hospitality rules hahaha

[@roxydbest11]

In the Philippines we say "Kain Tayo" which means "Let's eat" everytime someone pass by or arrive while we're eating. It's just an empty invite. You don't really have to eat together. It's like a better or more friendly way of saying "I'll be eating now" but at the same time inviting others just incase they are hungry. It's natural to just say "thank you" or "it's fine" and act like you've already eaten or you'll eat later on because even those who only have single serving meal would invite you even without having anything to offer.

[@lz738]

I love videos like this. Culture differences are so interesting. The ways different humans around the world have evolved different attitudes and different behaviors is so fascinating.

[@Rita_Arya]

In India, I don't know much about other states or cultures, but from where I come from... If a person stays longer than expected and it's dinner time, or arrives at lunch time.. it is a culture to offer them to join everyone for the food. And if we have invited anyone for dinner or it's a party, when he guests arrive basic formalities of guests are performed and after some random talks, catching up everyone proceeds with the food. We don't generally eat or drink anything after eating food, but there's a "paan" (Paan is a preparation combining betel leaf with areca nut widely consumed throughout South Asia, Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It is chewed for its stimulant and psychoactive effects.[4] After chewing it is either spat out or swallowed. Paan has many variations. Slaked lime (chunnam) paste is commonly added to bind the leaves. Some South Asian preparations include katha paste or mukhwas to freshen the breath.) tradition. In olden days, people would eat it everyday after every meal, but now-a-days we eat during festivities after heavy traditional meals.

[@bigsuz]

Can't believe TTMIK has had these culture talks this whole time. I've been compiling a playlist on comparative looks at Korean culture and have not been able to find much directly on this. Amazing work as per usj-and the TTMIK site is amazing, also! Hope you guys keep doing culture talks and come to NYC to compare, inclement times permitting 🎉 ;-)

[@talktomeinkorean]

That'd be amazing! Thank you for the support, Suzie 💙

[@Eyes_Unclouded]

Great video! Thank you I really enjoy learning about the culture🤗

[@CK-wv9pp]

I enjoy having company during meals, although I also love eating alone and I choose intentionally to eat alone if possible. I can savour the food at my own pace and people-watch, and do not have to exert effort to consult or converse with other people. I can feel my whole being in a rest and relax mode. Eating alone is representative of my personal freedom, a good opportunity to have a dialogue with myself. It is resilience-building too, as I learn to be comfortable with being by myself and not give too much weight to other people’s misguided perception. I meet too many people whose minds generate unhelpful thoughts about themselves and feel uneasy or anxious when they are alone or doing nothing…. So eating alone is good training for the mind, other than being a leisurely and luxurious activity.

[@ParkDari]

This really explains a lot. I thought it was interesting that the teachers at my local Korean school here in Nashville eat lunch together regularly before afternoon classes. I used to teach high school and only ever ate with my colleagues at conferences.

[@notlikejane4230]

JESS BRIDGES small world Ms. Jess 😂 I used to feel awkward not to eat lunch with people and the communal eating culture that many nations/people groups share was always a comfort to me. The aspect of it being that way in a business setting in Korea is very interesting.

[@ParkDari]

Hey Sweetie!! As the eldest of 6 I love eating together BUT as an avid reader I like a solitary lunch during the work week. For the last year I spend lunch here at TTMIK with a protein latte, LeanCuisine and my notebook. Nashville 오면 함께는 밥을 먹을 거ㅖ요!!

[@TheOuailou]

So interesting many thanks for your insight. As a French listener i can yoyally relate to what you explained. Thank you do much

[@M.elonade]

The eating "fast" then talking over tea I swear applies to dating also. My boyfriend is Korean and lives in Korea and when I was in Korea we would go out and eat, and it was fairly fast paced with lesser conversation then after we would go to a cafe and talk. In Canada though normally your date when you go to a restaurant you eat slowly you enjoy longer conversations similar to how you mentioned with international gatherings vs your friends home. My question for you is, if you HAVE to eat alone, what places could you suggest? this really stresses me out when my boyfriend has to work and I am left eating lunch alone. Thanks for this video!!!

[@ShiviRo]

I've always liked eating alone. With my own thoughts.. Or my 📱watching something. Of course I enjoy eating with my friends too. But this is more taking dinner not lunch. Lunch is just for me myself and I. 😁

[@wahiba08]

9:42 haha same thing in Algerian culture , I can't describe how much I enjoy your videos ...

[@ban6096]

Thank you for this very important point. This is a great cultural video. In the U.S., as an adult, you might eat lunch by yourself but especially after 8pm if you go to a very nice restaurant and if you are a woman, it feels very uncomfortable to eat alone. And maybe even a man wouldn't go to an expensive restaurant by himself although people do especially when they are away on business. If I had to eat out when out on business, I would get the very first reservation of the evening so that people wouldn't stare at me being by myself!!!!Barbara

[@HereGoesKevin]

I'm Korean who grew up in america, and I've been living in Korea since December 2019, and I technically don't have any friends here so I've been eating alone 90% of the time since December of 2019, sometimes I go outside to eat just so I can see people around me, so it won't feel lonesome.

[@adrianafayad6774]

Great video, thank you! You are a natural born teacher, it really is a skill that many teachers lack, though... Could you, please do a video about drinking in groups, as well? I´ve noticed that sometimes people turn to their side and cover their mouths when they drink, it seems very polite, but I´d like to understand where this came from, because it´s not always, so why sometimes they do and sometimes they don´t? And also I´ve learned somewhere (correct me if it´s wrong, please) that when you are pouring a drink to an older person or higher than you in rank, you should hold the bottle or recipient with your two hands, and if it´s the opposite, when you are higher or older, you hold the bottle with only one hand and the other person holds the glass with two hands... Does this really make sense? Keep up the great work!

[@Subhashreeify]

Thank you! Now the k-drama series Let's Eat makes complete sense.

[@tzveeble1679]

Eating alone vs eating in a group is a East vs West expression of human society being based on harmony (East/Buddhist)) vs human society being based on the ideal (Greek/Western/Christian). The Ideal is intolerant towards what's "less than ideal", and can therefore be inherently opposed to harmony. Look at politics and value systems. I find e.g. Korean traditional attitudes as they are often portrayed in sentimental k-dramas very refreshing and heartwarming. It saddens me to see a Westernised changes. As a Jew I feel somewhere in the middle, and much closer to Eastern attitudes than Europeans and Americans. Anyway, fascinating topic, thanks for addressing it.

[@karolinazakrzewska7426]

I was always feeling awkward in korea but in Poland im fine eating alone XD

[@moi-memetel8515]

merci beaucoup !

[@villarentepamplona7643]

We have a similar culture here in the Philippines. If you happen to still be at a friend's house and will be staying even after the next meal will be served, it's understandable that you're included in that meal. Because of that, my mom has this idea that I should try to not stay long enough until the next meal at a friend's house because it's inconvenient for that household to prepare an extra meal portion for me. But she has no problems serving breakfast for a couple of friends who come over for an emergency sleepover sesh. 😅

[@angel1usk]

Thank you for the video! It was very informative. If you do have material for a part 2, I would love to see it as well! I am truly learning a lot with TTMIK. Not just the language, but the culture as well. Thank you! 👍🏽

[@filmsmetanoia]

Very interesting. Wow! Good information 👍

[@leighwalton959]

This was incredibly interesting!

[@micaelasalas7737]

I completely agree. I've also observed that the more individualistic a nation becomes, the less people care about each other. I say this having been born and raised in Norway with latin American parents; I grew up observing some differences between individualism and collectivism. I always learn so much from your videos.Thank you for your hard work! :)

[@yoyo3289]

This is so true!! Living here in korea many of my Korean and foreign friends feel the pressure to always eat together or with someone. You don’t want to look like you don’t have friends. You feel strange. Unless you go to a cafe or something. Personally there have been days when I don’t eat dinner because I don’t have someone to eat with at that time or I order in. It’s very common. I just started getting comfortable eating alone but it’s at the same restaurant all the time. But thanks for touching on this topic. So many people feel this way. I think it’s a very very common feeling.

[@picklethepirate]

This is really interesting! I like this kind of video, it's nice to mix up the material with cultural observations.

[@kongkongpatpat]

옛날 영상에 있긴 한데 가족을 의미하는 단어인 식구라는 단어도 같이 설명할 수 있을 것 같아요 같이 밥을 먹는다는 것의 의미가 크다는 거죠.

[@TurtleScribbles]

Best channel ever. Im glad i found you a year ago.

[@SSilverdew]

I totally agree with you on the "density" part!! It's something I noticed only after my korean friends pointed out that I "eat so slow" because I would talk over my food, whereas they would finish their food quickly and then talk more after. I've noticed also that it changes depending on how international one's experiences are; my internationalized korean friends tend to talk over their food too so our eating paces match xD

[@julzcinto5680]

Wow nice topic sir😊

[@ambiegrapiglia]

What you said at 9:30... I thought it was a standard for all cultures because in Brazil we do the same. In Brazil, our moms always say NAO ABUSA DA HOSPITALIDADE ALHEIA (do not abuse another people's hospitality) referring to when friends say you can eat and drink whatever or you can dinner with us, don't take it seriously, and eating another people food or opening their fridge even to get water is a super "rude" thing like maybe only if you are friends for years you can do it but still it feels rude, you should say "hey can I bring water" or something at least. On the other hand, friends in Brazil will often insist you have dinner with them at home, but you actually SHOULD refuse (most of the time) because the invitation can be a) out of kindness because it is THEIR dinner time (and our culture point is you must offer any of your food if you're going to eat in front of someone, even if it's just one piece) b) a plain indirect way of saying "you are a super long time inside my house, look its even dinner time can you please go?" lol c) you really know this family and they really want you to dinner. ( and sure to confirm with your friend that their mom/dad/son/husband another family members REALLY mean it's ok haha) Actually in Korea where I live now it's been more common for friends to invite us to dinner with them even at home (maybe it's a going-to-marry couples cultural thing? I don't know.), to the point they make me promise not today but this and that day and even schedule a month ahead that dinner.

[@grazibaggio5172]

This is so true 😂😂

[@theanimonkx]

In Filipino we say "pre(man or brother) kain tayo!" Man let's eat. But we're not meaningfully say that as inviting but also a greeting as a friend or neighbor saw you eating just to be polite.

[@ArtbyAtlas]

Fascinating

[@may1be1]

Hello @TalkToMeInKorean! I've got a question, not about this video though. We know that "비"is rain, right? But, in this sentence "빗속에서", why is there a letter "ㅅ" under "비"? There's also "머리" and "머릿". I've seen many more like this that I can't recall now, but please answer my question. Thank you so much! 😊

[@hyoyeonsim9135]

When you use ㅅ as a 받침, it could mean 'of'. So 머릿속 means inside of the head, 빗속 means in the middle of raining.(Well, both examples include 속) There are certain conditions putting ㅅ in this way.

[@Rita_Arya]

@@hyoyeonsim9135 but I also observed ㅅ as a 받침 in the word 빗물이... is there any other reason

[@hyoyeonsim9135]

@@Rita_Arya 빗물 is a combination of 비(rain)+ㅅ(of)+물(water), so you can use 빗물 describing water from rain drops. There are a lot of examples, of course. If you want to know about this more, google 사이시옷.

[@Rita_Arya]

@@hyoyeonsim9135 Thank you for the explanation! :)

[@may1be1]

Thank you so much!! Makes sense now. Each day I am more mesmerized with this language.

[@EspressoSJ]

We have this in my home country, too, which I really like and find comforting(? personally). Like in my family household we rarely ever eat alone, and even if we have eaten already, and one of us comes home late and hasn’t eaten yet then one of us will sit with them (with a glass of water or some tea), and just chat/keep them company. To answer your question: yes I think that, too. ^^ 감사합니다.

[@danijeld8669]

Heavy metal - a lullaby, wake up alarm or appetite stimulant?👍for the topic and music😂😂

[@NadaNadida]

This is trivial but it's really interesting. Learning the language makes me learn a lot about cultures too. I think it is true that eastern culture is more minding about others; what people think, what they do, whether they have eaten. And it is very different with western which is more individual and it's considered to be more comfortable and respected if you leave ppl alone. And I think each have it's own perks. In eastern culture I often feel uncomfortable if people mind too much about what I do. But indeed it's the custom and how it works. It coud be positive or negative, we can look it either way. But indeed it's something interesting to observe and to experience. This is a nice talk.

[@bubbletea2191]

Read the title as “why we have to eat each other” was a bit worried XD

[@johannajonas6391]

These kind of cultural videos are very interesting. I would love to see more of those.

[@chauminh]

Merci, yes that's true when I was in south korea gangnam. The company I saw people walking together I think ready to eat.Even on Their cigarette break a bunch of them together at work

[@triciamaythebrummie4730]

When in Philippines, if they ask “ have you eaten?” This is not greeting but they really ask this if you happen to drop by someone’s house. They will offer you anything they have like snacks or even join them on dinner. It’s part of hospitality.

[@chiarabirocchi1547]

In Italy is the same! I love the culture of eating together: it is a beautiful time to connect :)

[@ariannecaringal770]

In Philippines, at homes, yes, when you visit, they ask you if you've eaten, or just invite you to eat. But in offices, unless you met during a meal time, that's when you get asked if you've eaten.

[@gracie4260]

To be honest, I do think people eat alone more in my country (Australia)...However! Anyone who isn't a stranger or "acquaintance" will usually prefer eating out together, or - if in school - will sit together at lunch etc. I personally prefer to eat by myself, but if in public prefer to eat in a group; if that makes sense. I think it's interesting that you noted the fact of people caring about 'if someone has eaten', I usually ask it out of politeness, and regularly have people ask me yet never wait for an answer...it would be interesting to see if other countries differ in opinions and experiences :)

[@caro67m]

Of course as much individual is a society, less care anyone to anybody else Great video about cultural ways, as usual, 감사합니다!!!

[@billandregina]

This “old school” vs modern manners or etiquette. I realize it is more universal traditional manners whereas modern people just don’t get the traditional ritual of socializing. Thank you for the discussion.

[@sue4341]

Thank you Hyunwoo. You have great videos. This has cleared up some things for me when it comes to eating in Korea and understanding the frase "Have you eaten yet?" Thanks again. By the way your background for your video I found to be a little too dark. I think a nice blue shade would work better... Then it won't look like your dark hair is fading into it like the dark background you used. Thanks for your hard work.

[@obiageli4227]

알려주셔서 감사합니다~~

[@dandan7884]

4:03 "the more individualistic a society is the less people care about if this person has eaten or not" ok i observe this too but i think what we should ask instead is: 'why do societies become individualistic' (for which idk) the best i can think of is: there is a limit for how many people you can care about and in big cities, which is another point i think is relevant, there are so many people, and there is a big chance that if you meet someone today youll never meet that person again, that the best strategy for survival is being a little more individualistic than what ive observed in small cities lets say if you, hyunwoo, were to be very compassionate about every candidate you were to interview, its likely that you wouldnt end up with someone so skilled at the characteristic you care about (korean and english fluency), this behavior (compassion) would cause your business to be less successful than it is, or it could even lead you to go bankrupt obviously there is more than one side to this observation, im talking specifically about the very individualist/nihilist/selfish person that would find it justifiable to engage in very shady behavior in order to ensure success find the harmony the answer is :)

[@talktomeinkorean]

Thanks for your insight!

[@marialuisaachille9608]

@Shanene Larissa ....an individualistic society is a fragmented society and as such as no balance therefore harmony cannot co-exist! 😊

[@aliciap.f.7390]

Tbh I'm Spanish and although there are families that don't, here it is more or less the same as in Korea. The eating time is like a social meeting more important than the food itself. And also I can relay in some other aspcts like long eating times that you spend talking after finishing the food or worring if you should invite the guest who is not leaving the house by the dinner hour.

[@Merlinamarel]

this group eating is very similar to Mexican food tradition... you remind me of my mom when she said. "come home to eat, don't bother your friends parents". hahaha... and yes, also, people in the vecinity is invited to eat. thanks for all the material. TTMIK is made my korean learning so amazing!!

[@Strawberries1994]

The korean eaten culture it's really similar to Argentina.. when it comes to eating alone being uncomfortable and when people visits you or viceversa and go before dinner or lunch to not bother you. It can be really uncomfortable if someone stays in your home past dinner or lunch time, you feel the obligation to invite them to eat, even if you don't want to. WE don't have lunch in school, so every one goes to his house. And in a work company, it depends.. usually people goes by groups of 2 to 4, not the entire company floor.

[@krammi]

It's the same in France! We always eat in groups, and I can't really imagine not doing it. When I go to my friend's house and their parents eat without us it feels weird... There was even a year in school where I didn't really have friends and I didn't eat because I didn't want people to see me eating alone. (that was bad! if you're in this case, don't do that. Go eat alone, either no one will care or some people will come and ask if you want to eat with them. Eating alone isn't bad). But yeah, I can't imagine not eating with people. Though it has downsides, because for examples I'd like to be vegetarian but my parents don't want to make separate plates without meat for me :( But I like it. Since we don't see/talk to each other often (family or friends or classmates), meals are a way to catch up and tell stories, talk a bit about our life. And when you eat with people you don't really know, you can meet new interesting people! Does anyone know if it's the same in other european countries? I'm curious

[@krammi]

Though in France meals last longer when you're in group. We talk a lot so it takes time! And we eat dishes by dishes

[@easts.nikola]

믿거 나 말거나, 내가 어떻게하는지 물어볼 때 나는 정말로 걱정한다 :') Korean eating culture shares similarities with Indonesian eating culture. I am one of those people who don't mind eating alone at a restaurant, but whenever someone i know spotted me, they'll always ask "sendirian aja?" which means roughly "so.. alone, huh?". But it's stops there and it doesn't extend to them thinking i don't have friends- more often than not, they'll think i'm this cool; independent girl :-D But we do have this mannerism, whenever someone is guesting in our house, and it's lunch or dinner time, we'll almost always invite them to eat whatever is available at the time (the portion and preparation of the food is not the main point). I think eating culture is a really great culture. Even though most of the people now can afford their own food, but honestly, we never know. It's great to share your food with others and the conversations that followed can be very insightful.

[@tiffanywarren-allen7149]

Hello, I was wondering if you all go out to eat..who pays the bill? Is it customary for the younger ones to pay for the elders? If you refuse is this offensive, here in the States, we can say we want separate bills and it kind of common...just wondering?

[@talktomeinkorean]

If you eat with the same group of people every day, of course the bill is split, but if it's a one-time thing, the oldest person will want to pay. Refusing in this kind of situation can seem very rude :)

[@happymooncactus]

we have the same tradition of eating together in Georgia (the country).

[@newone6601]

Soo maziiing,,,Thank you soooo much

[@tinadurrell2943]

Thank you for this cultural video, I learnt a lot. I had misunderstood ( have you eaten) in k. dramas as a sign of love to boyfriend . I thought the girl was too shy to say I love you or I care about you, so they always asked have you eaten , to show concern for their heath and well being. I had not realized it was like how are you in a casual meaning. It would be nice if you make a video about what you eat and why and when, like Christmas birthdays celeberations or religious festivals, and why Korean people it dinner at breakfast time? This was just bonkers, when I first watch K.drama , but now I am used to it now it seems normal. In England we eat different foods for breakfast, like cereal yougart etc.Many thanks again for video. Tina

[@DestatiXIII]

I personally don't mind eating alone regardless of if others notice or not, but I can see how traditional Korean foods especially can feel more intended for groups considering all the panchan and such. Interesting!

[@paulianp.3418]

I'm quite comfortable eating alone and while i stayed in Korea quite much I avoided large restaurants because there were so much people eating in groups. Rather that i went to non tourist areas and found small reataurants. Even the language isnt problem when know basic korean and have common sense. In those small restaurants even the owners/workers made me feel welcomed when i went alone :) i didnt felt awkward or it's just me haha

[@franczi9664]

In Italy people often eat together too, both at home and in restaurants! Me and many other italian people would feel uncomfortable eating alone at a restaurant, even though obviously there's also people who do it without any problem! Also we don't really ask people "have you eaten?" as an "how are you?", but we often offer food when we meet someone like when we go to somebody's house we bring food, or if someone comes to our house we ask if they want some snacks/biscuits/coffee

[@BiancaSilva-zz8ow]

As of eating alone that's totally natural here in brazil depending where. Like, for restaurants is kinda weird to go and eat alone, but in malls or in the street you see that all the time.

[@crushthebest]

Good to know the details ☺️ thanks Hyunwoo 😊

[@Typhon6]

I went to Korea last month and didn't really get talking to many people. I went for lunch in a small group and saw people eating alone, so it actually made me more comfortable eating alone in Korea. In the U.K. i'm pretty sure nobody eats alone in a restaurant. If you're alone then you go to either a cafe or McDonalds or something similar. There was an albap restaurant near my accommodation so I went there alone a couple of times and i wasn't as uncomfortable as I thought i would be, because i'd seen it done before. I also noticed that the smaller buses in Korea have a lot of single seats so I just made the assumption that Korean people often do things alone

[@crazecream241]

In Philippines, people like to bond over food and meal times especially families by family it means not just the nuclear one but as well as extended family members and relatives. it is definitely part of the culture where you meet up to eat out and catch up with each other lives

[@Subhashreeify]

And in India, specifically South India, we do ask 'saaptaachaa?' like you guys ask 'have you eaten?'