All the Dos and Don’ts in South Korea That Locals Wish You Knew!
It’s no secret that Korean pop culture has been making huge waves all over the world! From K-pop to K-dramas, their entertainment industry has become a global phenomenon since the late ’00s. And you can bet that it’s not going anywhere anytime soon! So, it makes perfect sense that many Hallyu fans want to go to South Korea — and keep coming back whenever they can.
Every country has its own set of dos and don’ts that travelers ought to be aware of. And of course, this highly visited country is no exception! Whether you’re just going for a quick vacation or staying long-term, here are the top no-nos in South Korea that every traveler must know about.
Every basic no-no in South Korea
For your next trip, keep in mind these common etiquettes!
1. Don’t make snide comments about cosmetic surgery
South Korea has the highest rate of cosmetic surgeries in the world, with nearly a million procedures done annually. No wonder it’s deemed the world’s plastic surgery capital. Some studies even claim that around one in three South Korean women between the ages of 19 and 29 have had something done.
So, yes, I get that it might be tempting to play a guessing game of “plastic surgery or not?” with your travel buddies while exploring the streets. But please refrain from doing this, or even just staring — it’s rude, you know. In fact, you’ll probably spot many good-looking locals that will make you go “Woah!” But whether or not their beauty is au naturel is none of your business.
Note: The staring part includes not ogling every cute local you see, okay? That’s just creepy. (Yes, even if they look a lot like your fave Korean celeb.)
2. Don’t be a picky eater
When in South Korea, it’s a given that you should try out the spectacular local cuisine. Not just the K-BBQ restaurants and chicken-and-beer pubs, mind you, but also the street food stalls. In short: try as many unique delicacies as your tummy can handle!
Some of these may come across as quite odd, so your first instinct might be to comment on and/or smell the food first. But take note that that’s a definite no-no in South Korea. If you must, Google the food on your phone first before buying, maybe? And for the love of all things good and delicious — don’t just stick to international fast-food chains during your entire trip!
3. Avoid being hyper or overreacting in public
It’s a no-no in South Korea to show too much emotion in public — whether it’s anger, joy, or anything in between. Okay, so you’ve probably seen some characters on your fave K-dramas doing the exact opposite. But in real-life Seoul, you’ll probably get dirty looks when you start squealing and dancing around the streets. Or even being boisterous, in general. So, yeah, better not.
Tip: Should you get an unexpected date with a local oppa that you just met, remember to cover your mouth when you’re laughing! Though, this mostly applies only to girls.
4. Avoid talking loudly
In relation to my previous point, it also pays to be mindful of your talking volume. Indoor voices only, please! This is especially true when you’re on public transportation, where the spaces are smaller. It’s both rude and annoying, really. And don’t even think about using an excuse like, “But I’m talking in my own language anyway, so locals wouldn’t understand what I’m saying.” That. Is. Not. The. Point.
We get that you’re probably tired from all that walking and exploring, and you’re so excited to rest your feet while in transit. But if you’re taking the train or bus, please take note that not all seats are a free-for-all. Some of those are “priority seats” — i.e., reserved for senior citizens, pregnant women, and PWDs. So, best to watch out for those signs before plunking down!
Though, for easier reference, priority seats in trains are usually those beside the handle rails, while bus seats in the first few rows are marked the priority. And when in doubt, it’s better to ask a local! You wouldn’t want to be that traveler who gets dirty looks from everyone around.
6. Be extra careful about mentioning Japan
I’m not exaggerating — that “extra” is really there for a reason. You see, Koreans have a long, complicated history with the Japanese. Unfortunately, this is something that many travelers and long-term ex-pats don’t fully grasp. So, you might want to do a bit of research on Korean-Japanese relations before your trip!
I suppose the rule of thumb here is to approach any topic regarding Japan delicately. This includes but is definitely not limited to: the Dokdo Islands forced labor, and referring to the East Seas as the Sea of Japan. When in doubt, just don’t say anything even remotely about the other country.
7. Avoid wearing “inappropriate” clothing
Just like in most Asian countries, it’s better to refrain from wearing clothes that aren’t, well, G-rated. And while we’re all about freedom of self-expression and whatnot, it’s still important to respect cultural norms, especially when you’re in a foreign land. That said, wearing revealing tops is a big no-no in South Korea.
So, better leave those low-neckline tops, spaghetti straps and camis, and open-back shirts at home! Or at least, bring a cardigan or jacket with you. While these tops are considered okay among younger locals (such as those in Hongdae), you might get negative reactions elsewhere. No kidding — I’ve heard several stories of travelers being scolded by older Korean ladies (read: conservative aunties) in public. On the bright side, though, short shorts and miniskirts are perfectly fine!
8. Don’t be offended when you’re asked about your age
Age is definitely not just a number here! In fact, it’s one of the ways for locals to establish a connection or common ground when meeting new people. And if you find out that you’re the same age as someone, show your enthusiasm, since they most likely would. I know it sounds a bit unusual, but yeah, just try to go along with it. Age affects the level of formality you use to address a person, making it an important factor in South Korea etiquette.
Although, do take note that in South Korea, they measure age differently. Here, they consider newborns as one-year-olds already. Hence, your Korean age is a year older than your international/actual age!
9. Don’t dig right into your meal
This applies to situations where you’re dining with South Koreans, especially those on the older side. This goes out to travellers going there for a business trip, semester abroad, or basically anything that involves major interactions with locals.
Before picking up your utensils, take a look at the other people at the table. You see, it’s a no-no in South Korea to start eating before your companions do — especially if you’re not the eldest one there. As I’ve mentioned, age is a major factor around here!
When in doubt about other people’s age, it’s best to just wait and let them go first. More likely than not, your host will give the green light for everyone to start eating anyway. Better be safe (and polite!) than sorry.
10. Don’t gesture at others with your palm up
Palm-up gestures might be common in many other countries, especially when you’re hailing a cab and such. However, this is a no-no in South Korea! While it’s obvious that not every foreigner knows this, some locals might still feel offended if you do this. For context: This is what they call their dogs.
If you want to gesture at someone to come closer, you have to hold your hand up but with your palm down, and then move it up and down. Think of it as an upside-down version of a Western handwave! Trust me, this will make your life easier — especially when you’re trying to hail a cab after a long, tiring walk.
11. Don’t give or receive things with one hand
When giving or receiving things, use two hands to show respect. This rule of South Korean etiquette also applies to shaking hands. Koreans give handshakes with two hands or place the left hand on the right wrist. Alternatively, they place the right hand between the wrist and elbow. Bill Gates made the news in 2013 when he shook South Korean President Park Geun Hye’s hand with one hand while keeping his other hand in his pocket.
12. Don’t pour your own drink
Korean work dinners often involve drinking soju or beer. Pouring your own drink is a no-no in South Korea. Pour drinks for your companions and they will return the favor. Keep an eye on others’ drink glasses. If their glass is less than half-full, you should refill it for them.
It is advisable to pour drinks with two hands, especially if the recipient is superior. Likewise, hold your glass with two hands when receiving drinks. Another etiquette rule is to cover your mouth while drinking and turn away slightly from your elder.
13. “Yes” is not always “yes”
Koreans often avoid saying “no” directly out of politeness. Instead of simply saying that, they may drop hints about their displeasure. If you get an unwanted invitation, it is polite to reject the person indirectly rather than saying “no” outright. When asking for favours, word your questions in a more open-ended manner that doesn’t require a “yes” or “no” answer.
14. Eat what you touch
Sharing food is part of Korean dining culture. Usually, Koreans take food from communal plates with their chopsticks. For hygienic reasons, you should eat whatever you have touched on communal plates. Do not touch food with your chopsticks and leave it on the shared plate. This is a definite no-no in South Korea.
Local superstitions worth knowing
While these aren’t exactly definite no-nos, it’s still good to be mindful of these common superstitions and refrain from doing these as well.
11. Don’t use red ink
Avoid using red ink, especially when you’re writing down someone’s name! Back in the day, people used red ink to write down the names of deceased family members at funerals and family registers. Hence, just stick to blue and black ink for the sake of proper etiquette.
12. Take your shoes off first
This is actually a common practice in most Asian households. But I’m still including this here for the benefit of the unaware. Before entering a restaurant or a house, check if there is any footwear lying around outside. If there are, remember to leave your shoes at the door.
Oh, and try not to stay at the doorway/threshold for too long! Lest you want any unwelcome spirits to enter with you — well, according to local superstition, that is.
13. Don’t place your chopsticks upright
This is a common no-no not just in South Korea, but even in other Asian countries where chopsticks are prevalent! Never stick your chopsticks into your rice bowl, as it resembles the incense burnt during funerals. You wouldn’t want others to be reminded of death while at the dinner table, would you?
With now back at full force, many of us can’t wait to fly off to Korea and see its myriad wonders. Before packing your bags, take an effort to familiarise yourself with South Korea etiquette. Trust us, the locals will be more than appreciative of your fine manners. Doing as the locals do will help you bond with them and gain valuable insights into Korean culture.
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