Abstract

The purpose of this study is to propose the psychological process model of UIRYESUNG(Ritualized Social Behavior) and its functions in korean interactions. The examples of UIRYESUNG arising in daily life, will be described from a phenomenological perspective. The psychological innate attributes of UIRYESUNG interactions will be prescribed. Through this process, the relationship of UIRYESUNG with social psychological theories and concepts will be examined. The comparison of UIRYESUNG, with ingratiation, etiquette and politeness will be provided, highlighting similarities and differences between these concepts. Further, the misunderstanding of UIRYESUNG interactions as being a form of formalistic behavior or doublehearted action by ethnological and folk-customs scholars, will be critically examined. Preliminary survey results suggest three distinct categories concerning the psychological process of UIRYESUNG interactions; conventional, other-oriented and dual-minded reciprocal. The implication of this study is a starting point for the deeper understanding of the social interaction and relationship of the korean. Also the clearer understanding of the UIRYESUNG interactions of Korean will decrease the biases, as nonKorean interact with Korean in various cross-cultural settings, and aid in the investigation of the social and psychological characteristics of the Korean.