In Korea, it is traditionally rude to look directly into the eyes of an elder/senior/respectable person who is speaking to you, ESPECIALLY when you are getting into trouble. Each time the teacher greeted or talked to the student, the student would look away and avoid eye contact.
Eye Contact: During a discussion or friendly conversation, make full eye contact with the person you are talking to. Avoid direct eye contact if you are scolded/rebuked by someone older or of a higher status than you. Some Koreans may also avoid eye contact with their superiors on a regular basis.
Is it rude to stare in Korea?
However, it is fair to say that many Koreans with international experience have figured out that staring is rude to most westerners. Well, more than just Koreans are doing the staring. Apparently, its an Asian thing.
In fact, in Japanese culture, people are taught not to maintain eye contact with others because too much eye contact is often considered disrespectful. For example, Japanese children are taught to look at others necks because this way, the others eyes still fall into their peripheral vision [28].