Inside South Korea’s Institute of Etiquette and ‘Wife-Training’ School
In one small corner of South Korea, tradition and customs have never been forgotten - at the Institute Of Etiquette And Wisdom, South Korea's ultimate finishing school.
For over 25 years, as part of its "bridal course," it has been training selected young women to become accomplished and desirable wives.
Women hope the course will give them an edge selecting a husband
South Korea's society has changed massively in the last 30 years, with the roles of the traditionally dominant men and submissive women being transformed.
Students learn everything from the complex rules and traditions dictating a formal Korean wedding to the symbolism of food served on special occasions.
“As we go into the 21st Century, young people have to know about the culture and manners of the country,” according to Pak Yong-suk, director of the school.
“It is to teach these things that I set up the school.”
A Korean bride and groom of 1920 |
MS PAK'S RULES FOR WOULD-BE BRIDES
- Never tell a husband what to do
- Don't wear noisy shoes
- Reject first two offers to hold hands
- Further teaching ranges from how to walk silently and how far to bend the body when bowing, to how a woman should rebuff a man's attempt to hold her hand.
For its detractors, the Institute is an anachronism in one of the fastest-moving countries in the world.
Long noodles are served in South Korea on special occasions, but few people know why - it is to wish for a long life and happiness. |
Marriage Hopes
For its supporters, the Institute's program remains a reminder of a timeless past, teaching valuable lessons that will one day give the girls the edge when it comes to selecting a husband.One example, Ms Pak points out, is that long noodles are served in South Korea on special occasions, but few people know why - it is to wish for a long life and happiness.
If you say 'I attended the Institute Of Etiquette And Wisdom', there will be households where you will get added points.
“Before joining this course, it seems to me that I did not really know about the formal rules of Korean etiquette,” student Park Ji-yon |
“I used to do that any old how. Yesterday I learned that women have to put their right hand over their left, while men put their left hand over their right.
“It was something I was roughly aware of, but now I know categorically."
In one classroom, the students listen to a lecture on wearing traditional Korean costume.
They are told that if visiting the parents of a boyfriend, never wear strapless shoes - especially in the summer.
“Walking around going ‘clack, clack,’ is so ill-mannered,” the teacher informs them.
“Never wear this type of shoes. If you have to, have some rubber put on the soles.”
The reason that so many women sign up is the deep-rooted belief that it will give them a boost in the marriage stakes.
Park Ji-yon is very explicit about this; her mother, sister and cousin have all previously attended the course.
“This might sound a bit funny, but within some families, if you say ‘I attended the Institute Of Etiquette And Wisdom’, there will be households where you will get added points," she insisted.
“It means you are ready for marriage.”
An artist's depiction of a traditional Korean wedding in 1889 |
This, some believe, makes securing a good match essential.
And Ms Pak has advice for staying happily married too.
“A woman must never tell her husband what to do," Pak Yong-Suk said.
“For example, saying, 'on the way home, go to the supermarket and buy this, this and this, and don't forget' - you mustn't do this.
“This is giving an order.”
Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia
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