Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea, effortlessly combines its rich historical heritage with cutting-edge modernity. As you explore this dynamic city, it's crucial to be aware of the unwritten rules and customs that shape daily life for its residents. To help you fully enjoy your visit and avoid any cultural faux pas, here are the top dos and don'ts every Seoulite understands.
1. Introductions and Disrespecting Elders
Ensure you bow when greeting someone in South Korea. To do this, keep both legs straight and together, bend from the waist, and lower your head. Also, South Korean culture highly values respect for elders, so always bow slightly when greeting older individuals and use both hands when giving or receiving items from them.
2. Speaking Loudly in Public Places and Transportation
South Koreans typically speak softly in public places. Talking loudly is really bad manners.! When you're on the bus or the metro, it's quiet.... nobody talks - a bit like the London Underground in rush hour, everyone’s either watching something on their phone, texting, or asleep but this is related to how tired people are...they just don't speak! Embracing silence on public transportation is important if you want to blend in.
3. Not Removing Shoes Indoors
You know the saying, "When in Rome..." well this is when in Asia...
When entering someone's home, a traditional guesthouse, an Airbnb, some hotels or even some restaurants and temples, it is customary to remove your shoes. Always check if others are doing the same to avoid any faux pas.
4. Leaving Tips
Tipping isn't a thing is South Korea and can sometimes be seen as an insult. Excellent service is expected without additional gratuity, so there's no need to leave extra money. So watch what others are doing in hotels and restaurants. Tour guides and taxi drivers are often more amenable to tips.
5. Not Following Public Transportation Etiquette
Don't sit in the pink(priority) seats! Unless you are elderly or pregnant! Actually, on public transportation, priority seats are reserved for the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and those with young children. Avoid sitting in these seats if you don't fall into one of these categories, and always give up your seat if needed.
Drinking is a big part of social culture in South Korea. If you are offered a drink, it is polite to accept at least one. If you don't drink alcohol, politely explain this rather than outright refusing. When drink with your seniors/elders, also turn your head away from them to take a drink. And always pour the drinks for other people before yourself. If things go the way they’re supposed to, you shouldn’t have to pour your own at all!
7. Pointing with Your Finger
Pointing directly at people with your finger can be considered rude. That pastry you like in the café... ask for it by name or use your whole hand to gesture towards it. Same in a shop or when referring to a person nearby.
8. Touching Someone’s Body Without Permission
Don't touch unless invited! South Koreans value personal space, and physical contact like patting someone on the back or touching their arm can be seen as intrusive unless you are very familiar with the person. Tough if you are a touchy-feely type of person like my...but do try.
9. Talking About Sensitive Topics
Avoid controversial subjects such as North Korea, politics, or historical conflicts unless you know the person well and are sure they are comfortable with such topics.
10. Using One Hand or Two
Okay...myth buster here... Koreans DO shake hands! But like everything else, there is a certain etiquette to shaking hands or giving and receiving. The most important tip to remember is to use both hands. A one handed handshake is normal for someone higher in rank and status. But if you’re shaking hands with someone superior or older, using one hand will carry a feeling of disrespect. So to err on the safe side, always use both hands, and bow ever so slightly as you do it! When giving or receiving something, always use both hands or at least support your right hand with your left. This shows respect to the person giving or who you are receiving from.
11. Cutlery
We love eating out in general but there are a few things in South Korea that are definitely country specific. Never leave your chopsticks sticking up in your rice bowl!. Lay they across your plate or bowl or if a stand is provided, lay them on it.
12. Don't Write in Red
There's a few stories about why you can’t write in red ink in Korean culture. One is that locals write dead people’s names in red ink because evil spirits are scared of red. Even though this is folklore and superstition, in present day South Korea, writing someone’s name in red ink means you wish that person bad luck or even death.
The devil is definitely in the detail in South Korea. By being mindful of these cultural norms and practices, can during your travels in South Korea. But... don’t forget that as a foreigner, you’ll always get a pass. As long as you’re doing your best, the locals will understand and help you out!
