Introduction
Korea's
rich history and unique culture fascinate visitors, sparking both amazement and
curiosity. This blog post introduces some essential Korean etiquette and
manners that foreigners living in or visiting Korea often wonder about.
If you
ever have the chance to visit Korea, take this as a fun opportunity to observe
and experience these customs firsthand.
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1. Greeting Etiquette
In
Korea, greetings vary depending on age and social status.
- Meeting an elder or someone for the first time → Slightly bow your head and say "안녕하세요" (Annyeonghaseyo - Hello).
- Greeting close friends → A simple "안녕" (Annyeong - Hi) is enough.
- Handshakes → Traditionally, elders initiated handshakes, but nowadays,
anyone can offer a handshake first.
📌 Tip: If you make eye contact with someone you
know, nod or greet them with a smile. Simply passing by without acknowledging
them may seem rude.
2. Dining Culture
Korean
dining etiquette is both unique and fascinating.
- Free side dishes → Restaurants provide complimentary side dishes (banchan), often with unlimited refills, which many foreigners enjoy.
- Elders eat first → It’s polite to wait for the oldest person at the table to begin eating before you start.
- Quiet meals → Unlike in some cultures, making noise while eating is
acceptable, in Korea, eating loudly is generally considered impolite.
📌 Tip: Sharing food is a significant part of Korean
dining culture. It's better to use a small personal plate when sharing a dish.
Also, Korea
has no tipping culture, so there's no need to worry about leaving a tip.
3. Public Transportation Manners
Korea’s
public transportation system is known for its efficiency and convenience.
- Punctuality → Trains and buses operate strictly, and most services provide English translations for easy navigation.
- Free Wi-Fi → Many buses and subway stations offer free Wi-Fi.
- Boarding etiquette → Let passengers exit before boarding to maintain order and avoid collisions.
- Priority seats → Reserved for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and
people with disabilities. If you must sit there, politely explain your
situation—most people will understand.
📌 Tip: If you're on a crowded bus or subway, prepare
to leave in advance. Hesitating at the last moment could make you miss your
stop.
4. Walking & Escalator Etiquette
- Walk on the right → In busy areas such as streets and subway passages, people generally walk on the right side.
- Escalator etiquette → Stand on the right side and leave the left side
clear for people in a hurry.
5. The "Taking Off Shoes" Tradition
When
visiting a Korean home or a traditional restaurant, it is customary to remove
your shoes before entering. This practice is deeply rooted in Korean culture as
a way to maintain cleanliness and show respect.
📌 Tip: Wear clean socks. Taking off your shoes is common in many indoor settings, and this small gesture is seen as a
sign of good manners.
6. The Importance of Age and Titles
Age and
social status significantly affect how people address each other in Korea.
- Friends use first names, but when speaking to elders or superiors, it’s common to use respectful titles like "사장님" (Sajangnim—boss) or "선생님" (Seonsaengnim—teacher).
- In workplaces, titles such as "선배님"
(Sunbaenim - Senior) are often used to show respect.
7. The "Ppalli Ppalli" Culture
Korea is
famous for its "빨리빨리" (Ppalli Ppalli)
culture, which emphasizes speed and efficiency in daily life.
- Super-fast delivery → Food delivery typically arrives within an hour, and packages often arrive the next day.
- Orderly queuing → Koreans usually form orderly lines, though patience
may wear thin in high-pressure situations.
This
fast-paced culture allows people to enjoy highly efficient services with
minimal waiting time, which can surprise many foreigners.
8. Drinking Etiquette
Drinking
culture is an integral part of Korean social life. Follow these basic rules to
show respect.
- Receiving a drink → Always use both hands when accepting a drink from someone, especially an elder.
- Turning your head → When drinking with elders, turn your head slightly away as a sign of respect.
- Casual drinking with friends → Drinking customs are more relaxed among
close friends, but observing the atmosphere is still essential.
📌 Tip: While drinking is a big part of socializing
in Korea, politely declining is okay. Most people will understand and respect
your decision.
9. Personal Questions
Koreans
may ask about your age, marital status, or occupation.
- The reason → These questions often come from curiosity and a desire to establish a closer relationship.
- Modern awareness → People are becoming more mindful of such questions.
If you’re uncomfortable, politely steering the conversation in another
direction is entirely acceptable.
10. Useful Everyday Tips
- Cleanliness matters → Korean streets and public spaces are generally clean, and littering is frowned upon.
- Bowing for respect → A slight bow is a polite way to express gratitude
or say goodbye
Punctuality → Being on time is particularly important in professional settings.
Final
Thoughts
At
first, Korean etiquette and culture may seem complex, but understanding and
respecting these customs will enrich your experience in Korea.
Embrace
the differences and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Korean people!
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