Cultural Contrasts: A Journey from Korea to Australia

Hello again! In my first post, I shared my journey from Korea to Australia, and today, I want to dive deeper into the fascinating cultural contrasts between these 2 countries. Having lived in both, I’ve had the unique opportunity to experience firsthand what makes each country so special. From food to social norms, there are numerous differences that make life in Australia quite different from life in Korea.

          I think this image represents the difference between Korea(left) and Australia(right) well. 

1. Approach to Work-Life Balance

One of the most noticeable differences I’ve experienced is the approach to work-life balance. In Korea, the work culture can often be intense, with long hours and high expectations. Employees are expected to show dedication and commitment, sometimes at the expense of personal time.

In contrast, Australia places a stronger emphasis on work-life balance. While Australians are certainly working hard, there's a general respect for personal time and family. The culture encourages people to leave work on time and spend time with loved ones, enjoy nature, or pursue personal hobbies.

2. Food and Dining Traditions

When it comes to food, both countries offer unique culinary experiences.
In Korea, food is a central part of social life. Meals are often shared with family or friends and involve multiple dishes that complement each other. Kimchi, rice, and a variety of banchan (side dishes) are staples in any Korean meal. AND you can expect either Soju or Beer, any types of alcoholic drinks are very often included in dinners with friends. 

In Australia, the food culture is more diverse, not quite traditional like Korea, influenced by many different countries. From the famous Aussie meat pies to international flavors from Southeast Asia and Europe, there is a wide variety of food to try. Australians also love their barbecues, with outdoor cooking being a popular pastime, especially during the warmer months. While meals are often casual, they also hold a strong social component, much like in Korea.

3. Social Etiquette and Communication Styles

Social etiquette and communication styles differ significantly between Korea and Australia.
In Korea, there is a strong emphasis on hierarchy and respect, particularly towards elders. Language forms, bowing, and other formalities are important in everyday interactions, quite similar to Japan, I would say.
This respect for hierarchy also translates into the workplace, where seniority is highly valued.

Australia, on the other hand, is known for its laid-back culture. Australians value directness and transparency, and there is less emphasis on formalities in communication. It’s common for colleagues, even in senior positions, to be on a first-name basis, which can be quite surprising to someone from Korea, where titles are used regularly. But I must say, even in Korea, the company cultures are gradually changing where I see some companies try to eliminate the culture calling the titles. 

4. Approach to Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nature is incredibly important in both countries, but the way people interact with it is different. Korea, with its mountainous terrain, has a strong tradition of hiking, and many people spend weekends hiking in the mountains. The beauty of nature is often explored with a sense of spiritual connection to the land.

In Australia, the outdoors are also a major part of life. However, due to its diverse landscape, outdoor activities range from surfing on the coast to bushwalking in the outback. Australians tend to have a more casual relationship with nature, and outdoor activities are often seen as an opportunity to socialize, relax, or enjoy a BBQ.

5. Public Transport vs. Driving Culture (Population matters)

About Public transportation and driving culture, the population is important.

Korea has a population of around 52 million people, with a high population density, especially in Seoul. About 25% of the population resides in the Seoul metropolitan area, which has around 10 million people. 

Australia: In contrast, has a population of approx. 26 million, but it is much less densely populated. Australia’s cities, like Sydney and Melbourne, have significant populations, but much of the country’s landmass is sparsely populated. 

In a nutshell, Australia is about 100 times larger than South Korea in terms of land size, yet South Korea's population is roughly 2wice that of Australia.

These population disparities shape how people travel. 

In densely populated Korea, public transportation is more widely used, especially in cities like Seoul, where the subway system is very efficient, affordable, and well-connected. Most people rely on public transport to get around. Even for foreigners, it's easy to navigate, as most signs are available in English, and subway stops are announced in both Korean and English.

In contrast, Australia, with its more spread-out cities, places a higher emphasis on driving. While public transport exists in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, many Australians rely on their cars for daily commuting. This creates a more independent and flexible lifestyle but can also lead to longer commute times. Very often you will see 2-3 cars in a family in Australia.