Introduction
Visiting a new country is always exciting, but understanding local customs can make your trip even smoother. Korea, with its deep-rooted traditions and modern vibrancy, has a unique etiquette system that might be unfamiliar to first-time visitors. While Koreans are generally forgiving of foreigners who are unaware of their customs, making an effort to respect their culture can go a long way in leaving a good impression. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential do’s and don’ts to help you navigate social situations with confidence and respect.
1. Greeting Etiquette
Do: Bow as a common greeting
Bowing is the most common way to greet someone in Korea. A simple nod of the head is enough for casual situations, while a deeper bow is used in formal or respectful settings. Handshakes are also common in business or when meeting someone for the first time, but usually, a bow comes first.
Don’t: Initiate physical contact too quickly
Unlike in some Western cultures, hugs, pats on the back, or even firm handshakes might feel too forward for some Koreans, especially upon first meeting. Let the other person initiate physical contact, and follow their lead.
Tip: Use both hands when giving or receiving something
Whether handing over money, a business card, or a gift, using both hands shows respect. If you must use one hand, lightly support your arm with your other hand to maintain politeness.
2. Dining Etiquette
Do: Wait for elders to start eating
Korean dining etiquette places great importance on respecting elders. If you are dining with older people, wait until they take the first bite before you start eating.
Don’t: Stick chopsticks upright in rice
This resembles a ritual performed at funerals and is considered bad luck. Instead, place your chopsticks neatly on the side of your plate or rest them on a chopstick holder.
Tip: Pour drinks for others first
In Korea, pouring drinks for others (rather than yourself) is a sign of good manners. When receiving a drink, hold the glass with both hands, especially if the person pouring is older or of higher status. If you need a refill, subtly offer to pour for others, and they will likely return the favour.
If an older person offers you a glass of alcohol, it is a sign of friendship, and declining it may be seen as disrespectful. If you don't drink alcohol, you can politely excuse yourself by requesting non-alcoholic beverage. Once you accept the drink, turn your head away from the elder before drinking, as this is a customary way to show respect.
3. Public Behaviour
Do: Speak softly in public spaces
Koreans value public order, and loud conversations on public transportation or in quiet areas like cafes may be considered impolite.
Don’t: Engage in excessive public displays of affection
While holding hands is fine, kissing or hugging in public is still seen as inappropriate in some traditional settings.
Tip: Offer your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities
It’s common courtesy to give up your seat on public transportation for those in need. There are even designated priority seats on buses and subways for this purpose. It is often frowned upon when young, healthy people occupy these designated seats. It is best to avoid sitting in them even if they are empty.
4. Respect for Elders and Hierarchy
Do: Use honorific language
The Korean language has built-in honorifics to show respect to elders and superiors. Using polite speech endings like "-요" or "-니다" is a simple way to show good manners.
Don’t: Call someone by their first name unless invited to
Unlike in Western cultures, addressing someone by their first name can feel too casual or even rude in Korea, especially in professional or formal settings. Instead, use their title (e.g., "Teacher Kim," "Manager Park").
Tip: Let elders go first
Whether entering a room, getting into an elevator, or sitting down at a table, allowing elderly to go first is a sign of respect.
5. Visiting Homes and Temples
Do: Remove your shoes before entering a home
Koreans do not wear shoes inside homes, traditional accommodations, and even some restaurants where you sit in the seats on the floor. Be prepared to take off your shoes at the entrance.
Don’t: Touch sacred objects in temples
Temples are peaceful places of worship. Avoid touching statues, altars, or religious artifacts, and keep your voice low.
Tip: Bring a small gift when visiting someone’s home
A box of fruit, snacks, or flowers is a thoughtful way to show appreciation when invited to someone’s home.
6. Gift-Giving Culture
Do: Use both hands when giving or receiving a gift
This small gesture makes the exchange feel more respectful and formal.
Don’t: Give sharp objects or items in sets of four
Knives or scissors symbolise severing relationships, and the number four sounds similar to the word for "death" in Korean, making it an unlucky number.
Tip: Wrapping matters
A neatly wrapped gift, preferably in bright colours like red or yellow, is appreciated. Avoid white or black wrapping, as they are associated with mourning.
7. Business and Social Etiquette
Do: Exchange business cards respectfully
When receiving a business card, take a moment to look at it before putting it away. Simply stuffing it in your pocket without acknowledging it can be seen as rude.
Don’t: Be late for meetings
Punctuality is highly valued in Korean business culture. Arriving on time (or slightly early) shows professionalism and respect.
Tip: Address colleagues formally in professional settings
Using job titles (e.g., "Director Kim") rather than first names is the norm in workplace interactions.
8. Digital and Social Media Manners
Do: Ask before taking or posting photos of people
Not everyone is comfortable being photographed, and privacy is respected in Korea. Always ask before snapping pictures of individuals, especially in public places.
Don’t: Talk loudly on your phone in quiet spaces
Whether on the subway or in a café, keeping your voice down when using your phone is considered good manners.
Tip: Use KakaoTalk for messaging
KakaoTalk is the most widely used messaging app in Korea. If you plan to stay for a while, downloading the app will make it easier to connect with locals.
Conclusion
Understanding Korean etiquette will not only help you avoid awkward situations but also allow you to engage more meaningfully with locals. While no one expects visitors to be perfect, showing respect and making small efforts to follow cultural norms will go a long way in making your trip enjoyable. Embrace the experience, observe how locals interact, and you’ll find yourself navigating Korea with ease. Enjoy your trip!