Cultural Tips
Here you will find the many do's and dont's of life in Korea. Whether or not you plan on taking a trip here in the future, reading this page may help save you from unintentionally offending a Korean person
1. Korean names are in the reverse order of English names. So, if someone introduces themselves as Kim Minji, that means that Minji is their first name and Kim is their last name. Also, you must always refer to an older person by their title (i.e. "Mr. Kim"), until they tell you otherwise.
2. Bowing at a 45 degree angle is a standard respectful greeting in Korea. Bowing at a 90 degree angle shows more respect, but it's awkward to bow this low unless it's a special occasion.
3. When leaving a room, you should bow to all the people in the room as a 'farewell'
4. Good posture and body language, during a meeting, will benefit you greatly.
5. When giving someone your business card, or receiving a gift, always use two hands! It shows respect to the person you're with.
6. When meeting or shaking hands with someone, don't put your other hand in your pocket (use both hands for the interaction!)
7. It is disrespectful to motion for someone to come over to you with your palm facing up. Palm facing down is the most appropriate way to gesture someone over to you.
8. Since Korea is a small country, with over 50 million people, it's CROWDED. So, don't be surprised when someone suddenly pushes you and doesn't apologize. It's such a common thing that no one thinks anything of it. If someone pushes you intentionally, then you can get mad! haha
9. Boys holding hands with other boys. Girls holding hands with other girls. In America, what does this mean? "Oh, they must be dating" or " Oh, they're gay." Obviously, it's not good to judge people without knowing anything about them, but that's just the overall perception in American culture. It's not like that in Korea! That just means they are really close friends! Of course, they could be a couple too, but Koreans generally assume they are friends first. A bit of an interesting perspective switch (and also a huge culture shock when first coming to Korea!)
10. If a Korean person gives you a gift, receive it with both hands and do not open it until the gift- giver is gone. (Unless of course, they urge you to open it in their presence)
11. If giving a gift, wrap it in yellow or green paper. Avoid darker shades - especially red.
12. If you are invited to a Korean home, always bring a gift for the household. Common gifts include chocolates, flowers or other sweets. Don't bring alcohol.
13. Gifts involving sets of 4, red writing, knives and scissors are seen as death- related symbols. Avoid bringing gifts that resemble these things.
14. In a Korean home for meals, the elders are served first.
15. Never pour a drink for yourself. But, it IS seen as good manners to pour a drink for someone else!
16. If you don't want to drink anymore, leave your glass half full. If it's empty, it will most likely be filled up again by someone else and Koreans don't like outright refusal to drink.
17. Silence when eating isn't awkward! It just means that everyone is enjoying their food.
18. Do not tip in Korea! In some places, you will even see signs saying "Do not tip" in English, because they see it as degrading. Also, if you are getting food delivered to you, a "delivery fee" will be pre- applied to your bill. So, refrain from handing out your extra bills in South Korea.
19. Don't point with your chopsticks or leave them sticking out of your bowl. It is seen as rude and also resembles the way in which rice is offered to the dead.
20. The National drink of South Korea is Soju! It contains about 18-25% alcohol and (from personal experience) tastes a bit like what I would imagine nail polish remover to taste like. Although the fruit- flavored soju is much more delicious in my opinion, you must beware... don't drink too much because it's got the same alcohol content! You may find yourself crawling home that night~
21. Always remove your shoes when entering a Korean home
22. Don't put your feet on any furniture.
23. Don't stand too close to people you are meeting for the first time.
24. Reserved seats on the buses and subways... Just try not to sit in them. Those are designated seats for the elderly, handicapped and pregnant. Even if the subway is full, it's better to stand than take one of those seats.
25. Don't blow your nose in public. Koreans find the sound of nose- blowing to be disgusting and it's much better to just excuse yourself for a moment if you feel the urge to clear out your nostrils!
26. When meeting a Korean man, he may introduce himself as "Mr. Kim," but don't automatically assume that is also his wife's name! It is common in Korean marriages for the kids to take the Father's last name, but the wife to keep her family name. So, just ask what her name is, upon meeting!
27. In Korea, the general rule when invited to things is: Just say YES! Even if you aren't feeling up to hang out, try! You can't put a price on the amount of kinship and culture exchanges you will experience. Plus, if you say "yes" once, you will most likely be invited out more in the future!
28. When receiving someone's business card, accept it with two hands. Korean business cards are seen as a representation of that person, so try to be respectful with it in front of that person. Don't write on it or immediately put it into your pocket.
29. If you are invited out to eat, either the person who invited everyone, or the eldest member of the party, will pay the bill. Of course, always be prepared to pay your own, but you will most likely dine for free.
30. If the bus/subway is full, or you have a seat near the front, give up your seat on public transportation for the elderly or someone who could use it more than you
31. Don't talk loudly on the bus or subway. You will be shushed. (I know this from personal experience...) If you have to talk, whispering is best!
32. For women, short SHORT skirts are not considered to be risque, however if you show your shoulders or any cleavage, that is a huge no-no. If possible, just wear turtlenecks. That's what I do! haha
33. Don't hug someone unless you are dating (or are really close friends) with them. This might make things awkward, even if you just had a fun time together, since hugging is not the social norm in Korea. If they initiate a hug, it may be a sign that they would like to become closer with you :)
34. Do not cross or stretch your legs out in front of you. Keep them placed flat on the floor.
35. Nodding in South Korea doesn't necessarily mean "Yes." Rather, it shows agreeance with a statement. If giving a business presentation in Korea, don't assume that everyone is on board with the plan, just because they were nodding. Generally, this is just done to show respect to the presenter.
36. If invited out to a "Karaoke Bar" with coworkers, do not be surprised if you have to sing a solo! Singing is just part of Korean bonding culture. Even if you can't sing, put in a good effort!
37. Koreans like to ask many personal questions. Things like your age, where you work, or where you live are not considered rude in South Korea. Take it as a compliment. This is their way of showing an interest in your life.
38. It is good manners to deny a compliment right away. If you respond immediately with "Thank you," it will make you seem full of yourself.
39. Kimchi is culture. Eaten with every meal, this is a good food to get used to! Especially since many Koreans will be impressed if you can eat Kimchi well (It is pretty spicy).
40. Be prepared to be complimented on fairly "normal" things. A few that have been said to me include: 1. "You have a very high nose" 2. "Wow! You eat so well!" and 3. "You can use chopsticks really well." Things like these I didn't even know could be complimented, until I came to South Korea.
41. When eating, always bring your head down to your dish, as opposed to picking it up off the table. It is bad manners to lift your bowl to your mouth, unless finishing off broth/soup at the end of your meal.
42. Protesting is common in South Korea. They fought very hard for their current Democratic society, and are now experts at exercising their free speech. Just one example of this involves the first female President of South Korea. She was found guilty of embezzling money from the government and is now in prison. Just about every weekend, there are protests outside of the Blue House (equivalent of the 'White House' where the President lives) in Seoul, done by people who think she is innocent and are demanding she be released from prison.
43. Hiking is a HUGE pastime in South Korea, because of all the mountainous terrain! Even for a couple clubs I joined at school, a "Hiking trip" is the first bonding event of the semester!
44. Although widely abolished, there some places in South Korea that still serve Dog meat on their menus. If you are like me, and this is not something you are interested in trying, please beware of signs that say "개" or "보신탕." But again, you won't have to worry about these types of restaurants in big tourist locations, such as Seoul.
45. To a Korean, there is no such thing as the "Sea of Japan." It is known only as the "East Sea." Please remember this, as tensions are still present between these two nations due to Japan's previous invasions of Korea.
Sources:
https://www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/south-korea-guide#C4
https://www.90daykorean.com/korean-etiquette/
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/south-korea/articles/etiquette-tips-to-remember-when-visiting-south-korea/
https://seoulistic.com/korean-culture/korean-etiquette-and-manners-when-meeting-greeting/
http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_kr.htm
https://matadornetwork.com/abroad/10-korean-customs-to-know-before-you-visit-korea/
https://www.90daykorean.com/korean-etiquette/
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/south-korea/articles/etiquette-tips-to-remember-when-visiting-south-korea/
https://seoulistic.com/korean-culture/korean-etiquette-and-manners-when-meeting-greeting/
http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_kr.htm
https://matadornetwork.com/abroad/10-korean-customs-to-know-before-you-visit-korea/