Master
South Korea travel etiquette with these essential do’s and don’ts.
Learn local customs, cultural tips, and respectful behaviour to make
your trip smoother and more authentic.
• Bow lightly when greeting. A short bow shows respect and is standard in Korean culture.
• Use both hands when giving or receiving items. This includes money, gifts, and business cards.
• Wait for elders to begin eating. Age hierarchy is deeply respected.
• Speak politely and calmly. Honorific language is expected with elders and strangers.
• Remove shoes indoors. Traditional homes and some guesthouses require footwear removal.
• Try local dishes. Kimchi, bibimbap, and Korean BBQ are central to cultural identity.
• Stand on the right of escalators. This is the common norm in Seoul.
• Recycle correctly. Waste separation, especially food waste, is strictly followed.
• Give up seats on public transport. Elderly, pregnant, and disabled passengers are prioritised.
• Learn basic Korean phrases. “Annyeonghaseyo” and “Gamsahamnida” are warmly appreciated.
• Speak loudly on public transport. Quiet behaviour is expected.
• Stick chopsticks upright in rice. This resembles funeral rituals.
• Pour your own drink. Pour for others; they will return the gesture.
• Point with your fingers. Use your whole hand instead.
• Touch people casually. Personal space is valued, especially with strangers.
• Blow your nose at the table. Excuse yourself instead.
• Wear revealing clothing in temples. Cover shoulders and knees.
• Assume everyone speaks English. Many older Koreans do not.
• Skip queues. Lines are strictly respected.
• Ignore drinking etiquette. Turn your head away from elders when drinking alcohol.
• Hierarchy matters. Age and status shape language and behaviour.
• Meals are communal. Sharing dishes builds harmony and connection.
• Confucian values influence daily life. Respect and restraint are central.
• Silence is acceptable. Constant conversation is not expected.
• Public affection is low-key. Excessive displays may attract attention.
• Shoes-off culture is widespread. Homes, saunas, and some cafés follow this rule.
• K-pop and dramas are cultural touchstones. Showing interest is a great icebreaker.
• Gift-giving is modest. Thoughtfulness matters more than price.
• Patriotism is strong. Respect flags, memorials, and historical sites.
• Temples value calm behaviour. Avoid loud talking or phone use.
• Use a T-Money card. It simplifies buses and subways nationwide.
• Rely on public transport. It is punctual, clean, and efficient.
• Expect fast internet. Free Wi-Fi is common in cafés and stations.
• Use major banks for ATMs. KEB Hana and Woori accept foreign cards.
• Carry some cash. Smaller restaurants may not take cards.
• Pack for four seasons. Weather varies significantly throughout the year.
• Use Naver Maps or KakaoMap. Google Maps is limited.
• Try jjimjilbang saunas. Follow bathing, clothing, and quiet etiquette.
• Buy a local SIM. Affordable 4G and 5G coverage is excellent.
• Use call buttons in restaurants. Press instead of waving staff over.
• Visit palaces early. Quieter crowds and better light.
• Eat at local markets. Gwangjang Market is a street-food favourite.
• Use delivery apps. Korea’s food delivery culture is world-class.
• Explore beyond Seoul. Busan, Jeonju, and Gyeongju offer deeper culture.
• Go hiking. Mountain trails are popular, especially on weekends.
• Learn BBQ etiquette from locals. Grilling has unspoken rules.
• Avoid rush hour. Subways are extremely crowded 8–9am and 6–7pm.
• Spend time in cafés. They are major social hubs.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Walking is unavoidable.
• Check festival calendars. Cherry blossoms and lantern festivals draw huge crowds.
• Emergency numbers are clear. Police 112; fire and ambulance 119.
• South Korea is very safe. Stay alert in crowded tourist areas.
• Carry ID or passport copies. Authorities may request identification.
• Follow pedestrian signals. Jaywalking fines can apply.
• Avoid drugs entirely. Laws are extremely strict with severe penalties.
• Public drinking is legal. Disorderly behaviour is not tolerated.
• Respect CCTV and security zones. Surveillance is widespread.
• Be cautious on mountain trails. Weather can change rapidly.
• Follow photography rules. Museums and temples enforce restrictions.
• Tap water is safe. Bottled water is widely available if preferred.
• Politeness is essential. Honorifics show respect.
• Use titles correctly. Add “ssi” after names in polite settings.
• Avoid direct confrontation. Harmony is preferred over bluntness.
• Bow slightly when greeting or thanking. It reinforces respect.
• Maintain personal space. Especially with strangers.
• Listen fully. Interrupting is considered rude.
• Use KakaoTalk. The most common messaging platform.
• Gesture openly. Avoid pointing directly.
• Express gratitude often. Appreciation is warmly received.
• Observe locals when unsure. Mirroring behaviour avoids mistakes.