Everyday Korean Habits That Foreigners Find Surprisingly Unique

 

When you live in Korea, there are many cultural habits you accept so naturally that you barely notice them.

However, when foreigners visit Korea for the first time, these ordinary scenes often feel unusual or even surprising.

As someone who grew up in Korea and experiences these moments daily, I often hear from visitors how different and interesting Korean daily culture is.

Today, I want to introduce several everyday Korean cultural habits that feel completely normal to Koreans but may stand out to people from other countries.

I hope this helps those who are curious about Korean life and want to understand the country a little better.

1. Free Side Dishes at Restaurants

In Korean restaurants, it is common to receive several side dishes (called banchan) along with your meal.

These dishes are usually free, and customers can request refills without additional cost.

Foreign visitors are often surprised: “Why do they give so much food for free?”

In Korea, side dishes are seen as part of the hospitality and an essential part of the dining culture.

2. Spending Long Hours in Cafés

In Korea, it’s very common to stay in a café for a long time—studying, working on a laptop, reading, or simply resting.

Many foreigners find it surprising that people can sit for hours without being asked to leave.

I believe this culture developed because Korean cities are dense, and personal space is limited.

Cafés naturally became comfortable places to relax, meet friends, or spend time alone.

3. The Extremely Fast Delivery Culture

Korean delivery services are famous for their speed and convenience.

Whether it's food, groceries, or daily necessities, most orders arrive within a short time.

Foreigners who visit Korea are often amazed by how efficient the system is.

This unique experience is made possible by Korea’s infrastructure, compact city layout, and competitive service industry.

4. Taking Off Shoes Indoors

In Korean homes, taking off your shoes before entering is the default rule.

Western visitors, who are accustomed to wearing shoes indoors, often find this unfamiliar at first.

This habit comes from Korea’s traditional floor-based lifestyle and the cultural emphasis on cleanliness.

5. Natural Acts of Consideration in Daily Life

Giving up seats to the elderly on public transportation, sharing dishes at restaurants, and being mindful of others in shared spaces—these are common behaviors in Korea.

Foreigners often interpret this as a sign of strong community values.

Korean society tends to prioritize harmony and consideration, which naturally shapes these habits.

6. Leaving Personal Belongings Unattended Without Fear of Theft

One aspect of Korean daily life that shocks many foreigners is how safe it is to leave personal items unattended in public places like cafés and restaurants.

In many countries, leaving your bag or laptop on a table—even for a moment—can lead to theft.

However, in Korea, it's common to reserve a seat by placing a bag, phone, or laptop on the table before ordering.

Foreign visitors often mention how unusual this feels, especially those from regions where petty theft is common.

Some YouTubers have even tested this by leaving their belongings unattended for long periods to see if anyone would take them.

In almost every case, the items remained untouched even after several hours.

This reflects Korea’s overall safety, low crime rate, and a cultural tendency not to interfere with others’ belongings.

Closing Thoughts

What feels normal in daily Korean life can be surprising or fascinating to foreigners experiencing it for the first time.

Understanding these cultural differences helps people appreciate Korean society more deeply.

I plan to continue sharing more stories about Korean food, travel, lifestyle, and everyday culture from the perspective of someone living in Korea.

I hope these insights help visitors understand Korea better and enjoy their time here.