Culture & Etiquette

Most of what makes a visitor stand out in Korea is small and easy to fix: where to stand on the subway, how to pour a drink, what to do with your shoes. Koreans are generally forgiving with foreigners, but knowing the everyday norms makes restaurants, homes, temples and crowded trains easier for everyone.

Everyday manners. A slight bow with a greeting is the default; handshakes are common in business. Passing and receiving things with both hands — or with the right hand supported by the left — is polite, especially with older people.

Eating and drinking. Many restaurants are built for sharing, and some dishes are only served for two or more. Older people at the table usually start first. Tipping is not expected in restaurants, taxis or hotels.

On transport. Subway cars have priority seats for elderly, pregnant and disabled passengers, and many locals leave them empty even when the train is full. Talking loudly on the phone in a carriage draws looks.

Temples, palaces and homes. Shoes come off when you enter a home, many traditional restaurants with floor seating, and temple halls. At temples, keep your voice down and ask before photographing people at prayer.

Guides in this section explain these customs with the reason behind them, so you know when a rule is strict and when it is just habit.

Experiences you book. Hanbok rental around the palaces, temple stays, cooking classes and K-pop dance lessons also live in this section: what each one involves, how to book it, and how to tell a fair offer from a padded one. DMZ tours are covered under Day Trips. For eating out, see Food & Drink.