Traveling to a foreign country exposes you to various customs and traditions, and Korea is no exception. Like many other Asian cultures, Korea has specific etiquette rules that must be observed on certain occasions and are strongly enforced by society. In this article, we will delve into the top 10 Korean etiquette rules in detail.
- Take off your shoes
Removing your shoes before entering a Korean home or certain traditional restaurants with wooden floors is a standard practice in Korean etiquette. This is because wearing shoes indoors is considered unhygienic after walking outside, and also because Koreans often sit, sleep, and spend time on the floor. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of this cultural norm and remove your shoes before entering such spaces.
- Bow
Bowing is a common way for Koreans to show respect, particularly to people they don’t know well or to colleagues. It’s not unusual to see students bowing to their seniors and ajummas (middle-aged women) bowing to greet customers in restaurants.
There are different types of bows in Korea, ranging from a simple tilt of the head to more formal bows, with the degree of inclination varying depending on the person being addressed. These bows may require precise angles, such as 15°, 30°, or 45°.
- Drinking with company
You may have seen this in Korean dramas, but drinking culture in Korea holds significant importance. Drinking with colleagues and superiors is a way to show respect, build unity, and release work-related stress.
Several drinking etiquette rules are observed in Korea, such as not pouring your own drink, serving with both hands, turning slightly to the right when drinking in front of someone older, and never refusing a drink unless you have a valid reason (e.g., an allergy or abstaining from alcohol). In such cases, it should be communicated beforehand.
A useful tip to avoid over-drinking is not to finish your glass completely, as it is customary for glasses to be refilled once they are empty.
- Thanking before and after meals
Similar to Japan, there is a customary way to express gratitude before and after meals in Korea. Before eating, people bring their hands together and say jal meokkesseumnida (잘 먹겠습니다), which translates to “I will eat well” or “let’s eat,” similar to the French phrase “bon appétit.” After finishing the meal, the phrase jal meogeosseumnida (잘 먹었습니다) is used to express gratitude and satisfaction with the meal.
- Share your meal
Sharing meals is a traditional practice in Korean culture, and it’s common for people to share many small side dishes served alongside the main meal. Whether you’re dining at a Korean restaurant or in someone’s home, expect to share dishes with your companions. When dining with a Korean friend or colleague, it’s customary to order dishes that can be shared. For instance, if you order a pizza, it’s intended for sharing, not to be eaten alone.
- No tipping
In Korea, tipping is not a common practice and may even be considered impolite or disrespectful. This is because Koreans believe that good customer service is a basic duty, not something deserving of a reward. Therefore, there’s no need to tip in restaurants, hotels, or any other service-oriented businesses. In fact, attempting to tip may confuse or offend the staff.
- Receive and give with two hands
In Korean culture, exchanging business cards is an important part of networking and establishing one’s identity. It’s essential to follow proper etiquette during this exchange, such as presenting and receiving business cards with both hands. Offering a card with one hand is considered impolite. This rule also applies to giving gifts, money, or credit cards. However, when both hands are occupied, using one hand is acceptable.
- Do not sit in reserved seats on the metro
Sitting in reserved seats on the metro is considered a serious breach of etiquette in Korea. These seats are designated for the elderly, disabled, or pregnant women and are marked with distinctive colors. If you’re a foreigner, it’s easy to make the mistake of sitting in one of these seats unintentionally, but it’s important to be aware that doing so can result in reprimands from other passengers who see it as disrespectful.
- Respect the elderly
Respect for the elderly is a core value in Korean culture, shown by giving up your seat on public transportation and using specific terms of address based on age. At the dining table, it’s customary to wait for the oldest person to begin eating before you start. If you’re unsure of someone’s age, it’s best to wait and follow their lead to avoid giving the wrong impression and to show respect.
- Do not write your name in red
Writing your name in red is considered bad luck or even a sign of death in Korea, as red ink was traditionally used to write the names of deceased people. Therefore, avoid using red ink when writing someone’s name, especially on important documents or cards.
In conclusion, South Korea has a rich culture with a strong emphasis on manners and etiquette. Understanding and following these etiquette rules is important when visiting or living in Korea. Some of the most significant rules include showing respect to elders and people in positions of authority, avoiding writing names in red, and properly exchanging business cards. Additionally, being aware of the drinking culture and the practice of sharing meals is crucial. By following these guidelines, visitors and expats can show respect for Korean culture and make a positive impression on those they meet.
Article updated on 18 October 2024
