If you're planning on traveling in Korea, understanding Korean etiquette is essential. The country is rich in tradition and cultural nuance, and observing proper Korean customs will help you avoid awkward moments and connect more meaningfully with locals. These cultural tips for Korea are especially important for first-time visitors who want to show respect and appreciation for the culture. Respecting local manners is not only a gesture of politeness—it’s a bridge to experiencing Korea on a deeper level.
Bowing as a Sign of Respect
While traditional bows exist in Korean culture, they are not commonly used in everyday interactions. Instead, most people greet each other with a light nod called mokrye (목례), which is a slight lowering of the head as a polite gesture. This simple and subtle form of greeting is widely used in both casual and semi-formal situations—like when entering a store, meeting someone new at work, or passing by a neighbor.
Among close friends, classmates, or peers, greetings tend to be even more relaxed. People often wave casually, make eye contact with a smile, or simply say hello without any kind of bow. Physical gestures are minimal, and the tone of the greeting usually reflects the closeness of the relationship.
In terms of language, the most common polite greeting is “Annyeonghaseyo”, used in nearly all settings, from shops and restaurants to workplaces. For more casual situations—like when talking to a friend or someone your age—“Annyeong” is widely used. Using the right form of greeting helps show social awareness and can make your interactions feel more natural and respectful.
Take Off Your Shoes Indoors
Removing your shoes before entering someone’s home is a fundamental Korean custom. Many traditional restaurants, guesthouses, and even some offices or cafes also follow this rule. You’ll usually be provided with indoor slippers, and ignoring this custom can be seen as disrespectful or unhygienic. When entering a space with a raised floor or a wooden platform near the entrance, take it as a sign that shoes should be removed. It’s also common to see designated shoe racks or cubbies. In some traditional stays (hanok stays), you might even sleep on heated floors, so keeping the area clean is crucial.
Use Two Hands When Giving or Receiving
This practice is a sign of politeness and is deeply rooted in Korean social etiquette. When offering or accepting items like gifts, money, or business cards, use both hands. If using one hand, it is customary to support your arm with your other hand at the wrist or elbow. This is especially true in formal settings or when interacting with elders and professionals. For instance, when paying at a counter or receiving a souvenir from someone, using both hands demonstrates your awareness of respectful behavior. Even handing over your passport at a hotel check-in desk with both hands is viewed favorably.
Respect for Elders
Hierarchy based on age is central to Korean culture. Elders are often allowed to speak or eat first, and they are addressed using honorifics. In many settings, younger individuals wait for older people to initiate meals or conversations. At the dining table, it is common to wait until the eldest person picks up their chopsticks first. Even standing up when an elder enters the room or offering your seat in public transport is part of showing everyday respect in Korea.
Drinking Etiquette
Korean drinking culture includes its own set of formalities. When someone offers you a drink, accept it with two hands, and if you're drinking in front of someone older, turn your head slightly to the side while taking a sip. Pouring your own drink is considered impolite; instead, pour for others and wait for them to pour yours. It’s also a bonding activity. When drinking soju or beer at a table, you'll often see people clinking glasses and saying "건배 (geonbae)", meaning “cheers.” If you're not comfortable drinking alcohol, politely declining is acceptable, but do so with a smile and light explanation.
Keep It Quiet in Public Spaces
In places such as subways, cafes, and waiting areas, quiet behavior is expected. Speaking loudly or taking calls in confined public spaces may be viewed as disruptive. Using headphones, silencing your phone, and speaking in a lower tone all align with respectful behavior in Korea. On public transportation, announcements often remind passengers to maintain silence, and priority seating is treated with notable seriousness. Even in casual spots like street food markets or convenience stores, people tend to keep their voices down, maintaining a calm and orderly atmosphere that visitors are expected to follow.
Don’t Expect Much Personal Space
In densely populated cities like Seoul or Busan, close contact in public is normal. Whether you're riding the subway, walking through a crowded market, or waiting in line, it’s common to be bumped or brushed past. This is not considered rude in Korean behavior, but rather a practical reality of urban life. People move quickly and directly, especially during rush hour. Instead of taking it personally, try to match the flow. Standing to the right on escalators and keeping pace on sidewalks are good ways to blend in smoothly.
Mind Table Manners and Dining Customs
While not always mentioned in short etiquette guides, dining customs in Korea are very specific. For example, it’s considered rude to stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral offering. Sharing food is common, and meals are often served family-style with shared side dishes (banchan). Wait until the oldest person at the table begins eating, and avoid blowing your nose at the table—it’s frowned upon. If you’re unsure what to do, observe the locals around you and follow their lead.
Learning and applying these basic principles of Korean etiquette will help you engage with the local culture more respectfully and confidently. Even small gestures like a slight bow, removing your shoes, or using two hands when offering something can go a long way. These practices are more than just manners—they’re a reflection of deep-rooted cultural values like harmony, respect, and consideration. Most importantly, Korean people genuinely appreciate the effort foreigners make to understand their customs and values, no matter how small or imperfect the attempt may be. Embracing these nuances will not only make your journey smoother but also more enriching and memorable.
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