What Decides Politeness in Korean vs Japanese?
Korea uses age, Japan uses in-group/out-group (uchi/soto)
Both Korea and Japan have strong honorific cultures, but the criteria for determining honorific level differ.
Korea: Age/Hierarchy Based
In Korea, checking age upon first meeting is natural. Even a 1-year gap establishes 형/누나/선배 relationships and determines 반말/존댓말. Same age = "friends" who can use casual speech.
Japan: Uchi/Soto Based
In Japan, in-group (uchi) vs outside (soto) matters more. When introducing your boss to an outsider, you use humble language about your own boss — unthinkable in Korean culture.
Practical Difference
In a Korean company, the team leader is "팀장님" to everyone. In a Japanese company, the 部長 is "部長" internally, but becomes "田中が申しております" (humble) when speaking to a client.
Key Points
Korea = age/hierarchy determines honorific level
Japan = uchi (in)/soto (out) relationship determines level
In Japan, you humble your own boss to outsiders — Korea doesn't