Keeping It Polite
The last thing anyone wants to do when visiting a foreign country is break an unspoken rule or cause embarrassment. Different nations have different expectations, and what may seem normal in one place can be downright insulting in another. To save yourself from a risky mistake, here are 20 things to keep in mind when visiting South Korea.
1. No Shoes Indoors
When entering any sort of guesthouse, residence, or temple, it is customary to take your shoes off. This prevents dirt from footwear from entering the house. It is also a sign of respect to do so.
2. Bowing
When meeting, greeting, or saying thank you, a light bow is customary in South Korea. This shows respect and politeness towards the person you are bowing to. It does not have to be a deep bow; simply a short bow, almost like a head nod, is enough.
3. Using Two Hands
When giving or receiving something, it is considered rude to do so using only one hand. Using both hands shows politeness and respect. It is customary to accompany this with a little bow as well, as an added level of respect.
4. Respect Elders
Elders are always considered to be full of wisdom and experience in South Korea. Showing deference to older people through body language, speech, and actions is customary and a sign of respect. Letting elders sit first, giving up your seat for them, as well as not starting to eat before they do is a sign of etiquette and respect.
5. Cover Your Mouth
When laughing, yawning, or sneezing, you are required to cover your mouth. This is cultural knowledge in South Korea, as when you do these things, your breath is coming out of your mouth more forcefully than usual. Breathing onto someone is considered rude, as it can transfer germs and bacteria to them.
6. Wear a Mask
If you are not feeling well, or even a bit ill, you are expected to wear a face mask when going into public. People in South Korea are quite careful and mindful when it comes to transferring germs, so they always put on a face mask when feeling even slightly ill, so as not to infect anyone else.
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7. Pour Drinks for Others
When going out for drinks with people, pour their drinks for them, and let them pour drinks for you. This is a sign of respect and politeness towards one another. Make sure you do so with both hands.
8. Keep Your Voice Low
When in public spaces, transit, or on the street, make sure you are speaking softly. This is a custom in South Korea to avoid disturbing others around you, especially in cafes or on the subway. You may still speak with your friends in a soft voice, though.
9. Queue Up
When waiting for the train, bus, or even a lineup for a cafe, make sure you follow the rules of standing in a uniform line queue. Being well-organized and respectful is customary. While in line, make sure you are not too close to others as well by not standing directly behind them.
10. Avoid Touching Food
Regardless of whether you are eating by yourself or with others, refrain from touching or grabbing food with your hands. If you are serving from a shared bowl, use utensils provided for serving the food. This prevents any germs or unsanitary things from getting into the food.
11. Don’t Leave Chopsticks in Rice
When you are eating rice, never leave your chopsticks sticking out of the rice. This will make them look like incense sticks used at funerals. This gesture is associated with death and mourning, which has no place in everyday dining.
12. Respect Personal Space
Despite crowded places, people in South Korea value and appreciate their personal space. Try not to stand too close to anyone and always be sure to keep a respectful distance. This also applies to unwanted hugs or handshakes; a simple bow will suffice.
13. Do Not Litter
South Korea has strict recycling and garbage sorting rules. Whenever you are disposing of anything, make sure you look for the proper bin to do so. It is highly disrespectful to throw garbage on the ground, and it comes with monetary fines too.
14. Don’t Tip
Tipping is not customary, as tips are usually given when we feel like the service was good. In South Korea, good service is generally expected in every establishment. Leaving a tip in some cases can actually be seen as an insult.
15. Respect Cultural Symbols
South Korea is a very historically and culturally rich country. Make sure to show respect for their temples, statues, and national flag. Avoid disrespectful gestures, pointing, or any negative speech about Korean culture.
16. No PDA
Avoid holding hands, hugging, or kissing in public. This is usually frowned upon in South Korea. Displays of affection and other intimate gestures are reserved for the comforts of one's home.
17. Avoid Leaving Food on Your Plate
When dining out, try your best not to leave too much food on the plate after you are finished eating. Not finishing your food or leaving too much can be seen as wasteful and disrespectful. Only grab small portions of food at a time.
18. Use Polite Speech
Learn a few key phrases before visiting South Korea. Things like “thank you” and “hello” go a very long way, as these are signs of politeness and respect. Even if you don’t know how to say anything else, a simple “thank you” in the native tongue is enough.
19. Turn Away When Drinking
If you are having an alcoholic beverage with superiors, elders, or someone you respect, turn your head to the side slightly when taking a sip. This shows respect, as you do not want to be looking at them directly when drinking alcohol.
20. Eat with the Group
Eating together in South Korea is important. People usually hang out or get together over food. It is a very important social bonding experience and is the most common way of spending time with someone.
