Korean Etiquette 101: What Foreign Travelers Should Know Before Visiting

Planning a trip to Korea and worried about accidentally being rude? You’re not alone. Korean etiquette looks strict from the outside, but once you understand a few simple rules, it becomes much easier to relax and enjoy your trip.

1. How to Greet People in Korea

In Korea, a light bow is the most common way to greet someone. You don’t need to bend deeply; just a small bow of your head or upper body with a friendly smile is enough.

Handshakes are also used, especially with men or in more formal situations, but they’re usually softer than Western handshakes. Hugging or touching someone you just met can feel too intimate, so it’s safer to avoid it unless the other person clearly initiates it.

A simple “Annyeonghaseyo” (안녕하세요) with a light bow will make you look very polite and respectful.

2. Honorifics and Polite Speech (존댓말 vs 반말)

Korean has two main levels of speech: polite (존댓말) and casual (반말). As a foreigner, you are always safe if you stick to polite forms.

Polite phrases you can use with anyone:

“Annyeonghaseyo?” (Hello)

“Kamsahamnida.” (Thank you)

“Igeo eolma-yeoyo?” (How much is this?)

“Yeogiro eotteoke gaya haeyo?” (How do I get here?)

Avoid very casual forms like “Annyeong?”, “Eolma-ya?” or “Eodi-ya?” with people you don’t know. Even if your Korean is very basic, ending sentences with “-yo” already sounds respectful.

3. Age and Titles: What to Call People

Age matters a lot in Korean culture, and people often use titles instead of names. As a traveler, you don’t need to master every word, but a few basic titles help a lot.

Useful titles:

“Seonsaeng-nim” (선생님): Teacher, but also used politely for staff or professionals.

“Sajang-nim” (사장님): Boss or shop/restaurant owner.

“Ajusshi” (아저씨): Middle-aged man.

“Ajumma” (아줌마): Middle-aged woman.

“Unni” (언니): What a woman can call an older woman.

“Oppa” (오빠): What a woman can call an older man (can sound playful or intimate).

If you’re not sure, “Jeogiyo” (저기요, “Excuse me”) works almost everywhere. Most Koreans understand that foreigners struggle with titles and won’t be offended if your word choice isn’t perfect.

4. Basic Table Manners in Korea

Sitting and posture

Some traditional restaurants still use floor seating. If you sit on the floor, remove your shoes and try not to point the bottom of your feet directly at other people. Sitting cross-legged or with legs to the side is usually fine.

Before and after eating

Saying these phrases will impress Korean hosts:

Before eating: “Jal meok-get-seum-nida” (잘 먹겠습니다, “I will eat well”).

After eating: “Jal meo-geot-seum-nida” (잘 먹었습니다, “I ate well / thank you for the meal”).

They are used like “thank you for the food” and show appreciation to whoever prepared or paid for the meal.

Chopsticks and shared dishes

Many side dishes (banchan) are shared in the middle of the table.

Basic tips:

Do not stick your chopsticks upright into your rice bowl. It reminds Koreans of funeral rituals and is considered very rude.

If there is a shared spoon or tongs, use that to take food. If not, try to use the opposite end of your chopsticks when possible.

Don’t lick or chew on your chopsticks and then immediately put them back into shared dishes.

You don’t need to be perfect, but a little extra care with shared food goes a long way.

5. Calling Staff in Restaurants: Bell and “Self” Corners

Many Korean restaurants have a small button on the table. This is a call bell for staff.

How to use it:

When you’re ready to order or need something, press the bell once.

A staff member will come to your table. No need to shout “Excuse me!” across the restaurant.

You might also see signs like “물/반찬 셀프” (water/side dishes self-service). This means you can stand up and refill water or side dishes yourself at a self-service station. It’s not rude at all; it’s expected.

If there’s no bell, just raise your hand slightly and say “Jeogiyo” (저기요). Avoid snapping your fingers or pointing aggressively, as that can feel disrespectful.

6. Public Transport Etiquette

On the subway and bus

Korean public transport is usually quiet and efficient. To fit in:

Keep your voice low, especially on the subway.

Avoid speakerphone calls or playing videos/music without earphones.

If you must take a phone call, keep it short and speak quietly.

Priority seats (usually marked in a different color) are for the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, or passengers with injuries. Even if these seats are empty, it’s better not to sit there. Many Koreans feel strongly about keeping them available.

Escalators

In Korea there isn’t a strict rule like “stand only on the right side.” In most cities, people just stand in two lines. Don’t worry too much about leaving one side open.

7. Trash, Noise, and Being a Good Neighbor

Korean cities are relatively clean. Littering on the street is frowned upon, and trash cans can be surprisingly rare in some areas.

Good habits:

Keep small trash (receipts, cups, wrappers) with you until you find a bin in a convenience store, station, or cafe.

Avoid leaving trash on tables in public spaces unless it’s a place where staff clearly clean up everything for you.

In residential neighborhoods, late-night noise is a big issue. Try to:

Keep your voice down in apartment/guesthouse hallways, especially at night.

If you drink outside in parks or near the river, be mindful of nearby homes after dark.

8. Taking Photos and Videos

Taking photos of streets, buildings, and your food is totally normal in Korea. But people’s faces and private spaces require more caution.

Basic rules:

If someone is clearly the main subject in your photo or video, ask first: “Photo okay?” or “Can I take a picture?” with a gesture.

Be extra careful with children and school areas. Avoid taking photos or videos of kids without permission.

In shops or markets, if you’re focusing on products or staff, a quick smile and “photo okay?” is polite and usually enough.

At K‑POP agency buildings, idol dorm areas, or neighborhoods where celebrities live, following people or zooming in from far away can feel like stalking, not fandom. Respecting privacy is a big part of good etiquette.

9. Tipping and Paying the Bill

Korea does not have a strong tipping culture. In most cases:

You do not need to tip in restaurants, taxis, or cafes.

Service charges are already included in the bill.

If you really want to show extra appreciation, a warm “Kamsahamnida” and a smile are more than enough. Leaving coins or small bills on the table can confuse staff, because it’s not common.

When Koreans eat together, usually:

One person pays the full bill at the counter.

Later, friends send their share by bank transfer or take turns paying next time.

As a visitor, you can simply offer to pay your share or treat your friend. There’s no strict rule, but splitting the bill at the table item by item is less common than in some Western countries.

10. It’s Okay to Make Mistakes: Attitude Matters Most

You don’t need to become an etiquette expert to enjoy Korea. Koreans know their culture is different and generally don’t expect foreigners to follow every rule perfectly.

What matters most:

Be respectful and open-minded.

If you realize you did something wrong, a simple “Sorry” or “Mianhae-yo” (미안해요) and a smile fixes almost everything.

Using just a few Korean phrases like “Annyeonghaseyo,” “Kamsahamnida,” and “Jal meo-geot-seum-nida” makes a very good impression.

If you keep a kind attitude and show that you’re trying, Koreans will often go out of their way to help you. Don’t let fear of mistakes stop you from enjoying the country.

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