This week in South Korea has been truly wonderful. I got to travel to Jeonju, a historical city located about three hours south of Seoul. I spent the day exploring old streets, trying local dishes like bibimbap, and soaking in the atmosphere of a place that feels very different from Seoul’s. I also visited the iconic DMZ (De-Militarized Zone), where I had the unique opportunity to speak with a North Korean defector. I finally laid eyes on North Korea, although photography was strictly prohibited, which was a bit disappointing, but the experience was still very much worthwhile. Overall, it was another exciting and memorable week of exploring new places and eating tasty food.
When I accepted a summer internship in South Korea, I expected to encounter a very different work culture. I had heard about high-context communication, especially common in East Asian countries like Korea, and thought I would need to learn to read between the lines, follow strict social rules, and adjust to indirect ways of speaking. But things turned out a bit differently than I expected. The company I work for is based in Seoul but run by a Canadian and his Korean wife, and it has a relaxed and casual atmosphere. There’s no dress code, people use first names, and we often communicate through informal messages on Kakao Talk. The other employees are also from other countries, so the work environment leans more toward a low context style. Because of this, I haven’t experienced the full extent of a typical Korean office setting. Still, I’ve noticed some subtle differences in communication that reflect the broader cultural context of Korea.
To explain what I mean, it helps to understand the idea of high-context and low-context communication. In low-context cultures like the U.S., Canada, and Europe, people tend to communicate directly. Instructions are clear, feedback is open, and there’s not much reading between the lines. In high-context cultures like Korea, Japan, and China, communication depends more on shared understanding, tone, and nonverbal cues. People may avoid saying things directly, especially in public or formal settings, in order to maintain harmony or avoid confrontation. What is left unsaid can be just as important as what is spoken. This means that listening carefully and being sensitive to context is often necessary to fully grasp the intended message.
Because of the company’s international influence, most of our team discussions feel familiar to me. We speak openly, people share ideas freely, and giving feedback is encouraged. I’ve never felt afraid to ask questions or make suggestions. In many ways, it’s similar to the types of group projects I’ve done back in Pittsburgh. I’ve also had to adjust to how people give and receive feedback. In the U.S., it’s normal to be very direct, especially in professional settings. You say what’s working, what isn’t, and how to fix it. Here, I’ve noticed that criticism is often phrased more gently, or even implied. A short pause, a polite tone, or a vague comment might actually mean someone has a problem with something. I’ve learned to ask more follow up questions to make sure I understand what’s really being said and avoid misunderstandings.
Still, I think working in a mixed communication environment has been a good introduction to cross-cultural interaction. I didn’t have to deal with the full pressure of a traditional Korean office, but I still picked up on key differences in how people speak, listen, and respond. I’ve had to become more aware of how others might read my words or actions, and more careful about how I interpret theirs. This internship has also made me reflect on my own communication habits. I used to think being clear and direct was always the best approach. Now, I see that there are times when being more careful and less direct can actually be more respectful or effective. It depends on the situation and the people you’re talking to.
As I wrap up my time in Seoul, I realize that communication isn’t one size fits all. The low context to high-context scale is helpful, but it’s not black and white. The real skill is being able to shift your approach when needed. You don’t always have to speak the way you’re used to you can learn to adapt to new styles. This experience has taught me to listen more closely, observe more carefully, and stay open to different ways of understanding people. Whether I end up working in the U.S., Korea, or somewhere else in the future, I know this lesson will help me build stronger connections and work better with others.
