Korean Etiquette: 10 Essential Cultural Tips for First-Time Visitors
Korean Etiquette: 10 Essential Cultural Tips
for First-Time Visitors
If you're planning your first trip to Korea, understanding the local customs and etiquette can make a huge difference in your experience. Korean culture is rich in traditions, and being aware of the basics can help you connect better with locals and avoid any unintentional faux pas. In this post, we’ll explore 10 essential Korean etiquette tips to ensure you’re prepared for your adventure in South Korea.
1. Bowing as a Sign of Respect
In Korea, bowing is the most common way to greet others and show respect, especially in formal situations. When meeting someone for the first time, or saying goodbye, a slight bow is a polite gesture. While shaking hands is becoming more common, especially among younger people, it’s always good to follow their lead. For a more formal bow, keep your hands at your sides and bow slightly from the waist.
Travel Tip:
If you’re unsure whether to bow or shake hands, you can do both! Many Koreans will offer a handshake along with a slight bow in business settings.
2. Use Two Hands When Giving or Receiving
When giving or receiving anything—whether it’s a business card, gift, or even money—using both hands is a sign of respect. This small gesture goes a long way in showing your appreciation and respect for the person you’re interacting with. If you must use one hand, support your elbow with the other hand as a sign of politeness.
Travel Tip:
Always remember this when paying at a store or restaurant. It’s a small cultural detail that will earn you positive vibes from locals.
3. Respect for Elders
Respecting elders is deeply ingrained in Korean culture. When you’re interacting with someone older than you, make sure to be extra polite. This includes bowing deeper when greeting them, using formal language, and allowing them to lead in social settings like entering a room or starting a meal.
Travel Tip:
When on public transportation, always offer your seat to an elderly person. It’s a simple way to show respect and follow social customs.
4. Dining Etiquette
Dining in Korea is a communal experience, and there are some key points to remember. Wait for the oldest person at the table to start eating before you dig in. When pouring drinks, pour for others before yourself, and use two hands when pouring for someone older than you. If you're done with your meal, placing your chopsticks neatly on the side of the plate is considered polite.
Travel Tip:
It’s also a good idea to say "잘 먹겠습니다" (jal meokgetseumnida) before you eat, which means “I will eat well” to show appreciation for the meal. Or "맛있게 드십시오" (Mat it gae du ship show), meaning "Bon appetite!"
5. Avoid Blowing Your Nose at the Table
In Korea, it’s considered rude to blow your nose at the dining table. If you need to, excuse yourself and step outside or to the restroom. This custom is especially important in more formal dining settings. Koreans place a high emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness, so try to be mindful of this cultural difference.
Travel Tip:
Or at least turn your body to the opposite to show that you are showing respect, but it's an emergency
6. Don’t Write Names in Red Ink
In Korea, writing someone’s name in red ink is traditionally associated with death and is considered bad luck. This superstition comes from the practice of writing the names of deceased people in red ink in family registers. To avoid any misunderstanding, always use blue or black ink when writing someone’s name, especially on greeting cards or gifts.
Travel Tip:
Keep this in mind when signing guestbooks or writing notes for your hosts or friends while traveling in Korea. More of a myth then an etiquette, but still. Never hurts to be prepared.
7. Take Off Your Shoes Indoors
One of the first things you’ll notice when entering a Korean home, traditional restaurant, or temple is that you’re required to take off your shoes. Wearing shoes indoors is seen as unclean, so it’s essential to follow this custom. Always check if the entrance area has a space for shoes, and wear clean socks when visiting someone’s home.
Travel Tip:
If you’re staying in a traditional guesthouse (한옥), be prepared to follow this rule throughout your stay, and bring easy-to-slip-on shoes for convenience.
8. The Korean Age System
Koreans calculate age differently. When you’re born in Korea, you are considered one year old, and everyone gets a year older on New Year’s Day. This means that someone’s “Korean age” is often one or two years older than their international age. The law has changed to follow the international age thesedays, but still, people are using both age counting system. It’s an important part of social interactions, as age determines how you should address and treat someone.
Travel Tip:
When meeting new people, asking about their age or birth year is common in Korea. Don’t be surprised if someone asks you your age right away—they’re just figuring out the appropriate way to interact with you!
9. Public Transportation Etiquette
Korea’s public transportation system is incredibly efficient, but it also has unwritten rules of conduct. Always offer your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities. Keep your phone on silent mode, and avoid loud conversations. It’s also important to stand to the side of the escalator—on the right side in Seoul—to let people in a rush pass by.
Travel Tip:
Carry a T-money card, which can be used for buses, subways, and even taxis across the country. It’s convenient and saves time at ticket counters.
10. Gift-Giving Etiquette
Gift-giving is a meaningful part of Korean culture, especially in social or business settings. When giving gifts, it’s polite to use both hands and to offer the gift at the beginning of the meeting. Koreans appreciate thoughtful and practical gifts, but avoid giving sharp objects (like knives or scissors), as they symbolize cutting ties.
Travel Tip:
If you’re invited to someone’s home, it’s always a good idea to bring a small gift, such as fruit, flowers, or a box of sweets, to show your appreciation. Never enter empty-handed!
Understanding Korean etiquette will not only enhance your travel experience but also help you build positive connections with the locals. These simple but essential tips will make your interactions smoother and ensure you leave a great impression during your visit.