South Korea has risen to prominence as a global cultural powerhouse in the last decade. From K-pop and K-dramas to inventive skincare routines and booming tech ecosystems, Korean influence has extended far beyond its boundaries. Beyond the entertainment and technological marvels, South Korea has achieved a unique blend of tradition and contemporary through deep-rooted lifestyle habits and cultural customs. Many of these practices could be beneficial to Indians who want to live a more thoughtful, healthier, and community-focused existence.
Here are eleven Korean traditions that Indians could try adopting:
1. Respect for Elders and Hierarchy.Respecting elders is more than a social courtesy in Korean culture; it is ingrained in daily interactions, language, and behaviour. Bowing, using honorifics, and giving the best seat to an elder are all standard gestures. While India, too, holds elders in high regard, modernization and urban lifestyles have somewhat diluted these traditions. Reintroducing structured respect in everyday situations helps strengthen family relationships and promote discipline in future generations.
2. Eating Together as RitualKoreans emphasize "bapsang"—the tradition of sitting down together for a meal with a spread of shared dishes. Meals are viewed as communal events rather than solitary refueling moments. In India’s fast-paced urban culture, family dinners are becoming rare. Reviving this tradition can benefit both mental health and familial connections, as shared meals frequently become a time for conversation, storytelling, and emotional bonding.
3. Focussing on Skincare Over MakeupThere's a reason why Korean skincare has a global cult following. It promotes healthy, hydrated skin by using consistent routines and natural ingredients. The philosophy is simple: keep your skin healthy so you don't need as much makeup. Indians, who are frequently exposed to pollution and harsh sunlight, could benefit from transitioning from cosmetic cover-ups to preventative skincare, which prioritises long-term skin health over short-term aesthetic solutions.
4. Cleanliness and organised livingWalk through any Korean neighbourhood and you'll notice pristine streets, spotless public restrooms, and minimalist home interiors. Cleanliness is both a civic responsibility and a personal virtue. In India, where littering and unclean public spaces are common, adopting this habit could help to make cities more livable and reduce public health risks.
5. Discipline and Time ManagementPunctuality and hard work are deeply ingrained in Korean culture. Students and corporate professionals alike place a high value on productivity. India, with its infamous “chalta hai” attitude, could benefit enormously from this disciplined approach, especially in public services, education, and professional environments.
6. Respect for Education and Lifelong LearningIn Korea, education is not just about degrees—it's a lifelong pursuit. People of all ages engage in online courses, night classes, and self-improvement seminars. The idea that learning stops after formal education is gradually fading in India, but there's room for more cultural acceptance of lifelong learning, especially as technology transforms jobs and industries.
7. Minimalist fashion and practical aestheticsKorean fashion trends prioritise comfort, simplicity, and clean cuts. The "less is more" mentality predominates, combining elegance and functionality. While Indian fashion is rich in variety and color, urban Indians could take a cue from this minimalist trend for daily wear—prioritizing ease, sustainability, and timelessness over flashy, fast fashion.
8. Mental health awareness and wellness cultureThough still a developing conversation in Korea, mental health awareness has made notable progress in recent years, with K-dramas, celebrities, and influencers openly addressing therapy, depression, and burnout. India, while having identical mental health concerns, remains stigmatised. Normalizing mental wellness through open dialogue, workplace initiatives, and education could be transformative.
9. Community living and shared responsibility.Koreans are active participants in community cleanups, neighbourhood watch programs, and flat association activities. There is a tangible sense of collective ownership of public and shared spaces. If more Indians took a similar approach to community engagement, it could dramatically improve urban living—from cleaner surroundings to safer neighborhoods.
10. Cultural Pride without SupremacyKoreans fiercely protect and promote their cultural heritage, from language and cuisine to traditional attire like the hanbok. Importantly, cultural pride coexists with an openness to global influences. India, with its rich heritage, frequently either adheres too rigidly to tradition or blindly embraces Westernisation. A balanced model, which celebrates Indian culture while remaining globally curious, can aid in the development of a stronger national identity.
These Korean habits are not intended to replicate a foreign culture, but rather to provide inspiration for improving the quality of life in India. In a country as diverse and dynamic as India, small shifts in behavior, guided by proven habits from cultures like Korea’s, can spark meaningful change.
By blending our deep-rooted values with global best practices, we can evolve into a society that’s not only culturally rich but also forward-thinking, healthy, and community-driven. After all, excellent habits have no boundaries.
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