If you’re planning a trip to Korea or just looking for a deeper understanding of the culture, you should get to know the basic etiquette of Korea. Korean etiquette has evolved and developed over the years, many of which are very different from what other people experience in other countries.
Understanding Korean etiquette can help you better understand what is considered rude or polite and what manners are expected in specific circumstances. Here are some basic etiquette and manners to be aware of, no matter your reasons.
General Etiquette
These general guidelines of etiquette you should follow when you visit Korea or meet people from Korea wherever you are.
- Remove Shoes at the Door – When visiting a home or a place of worship, remove your shoes before entering the building. It’s considered rude and unlucky to wear shoes inside someone’s home.
- Receive Things with Two Hands – It can be considered rude to receive something with one hand, so be sure to use both hands when you are handed anything.
- Show Respect to Elders – Always show respect for those older than you by highly valuing and listening to their opinion, waiting for their input, and lowering your gaze.
- No Thank You – People in Korea do not say thank you for common courtesies such as holding open doors or pulling out seats. They believe these are actions that should be expected.
Dining Etiquette in Korea
Dining in Korea and following proper etiquette is a way to show respect towards Korean culture. It can be handy if you’re meeting with Korean friends or business delegates.
- Eating Order – If you are out with a group of people, wait for the oldest at the table to begin eating before you start.
- Match Eating Speed – Timing your eating speed to match those around you while ensuring you finish after the oldest at the table finish may seem complex. Eating too fast could be interpreted as rushing to get somewhere, as if you’d rather not enjoy a meal with people.
- Do Not Touch Food with Your Hands – Never touch your food with your fingers, and always use utensils.
- Chopstick Etiquette – Avoid leaving your chopsticks sticking out of your bowl of rice and return them to their original position at the end of the meal.
Meeting People
Following proper etiquette when you meet and greet people in Korea can be essential in showing your respect towards the person and making them feel more at ease.
- Handshakes – When shaking hands with someone older than you, you want to use two hands, with the right for shaking and the left for holding your wrist.
- Bow to Greet and Say Goodbye – Bowing is a common courtesy when you meet people in Korea and when you say farewell. The deeper you bow, the more respectful it is.
- Avoid Hugging – Hugging and any close contact are considered disrespectful unless you are close friends or family. Hugging anyone you are not close with can make them feel uncomfortable.
Korean etiquette can be completely different than what you are used to from where you are from. Still, Koreans value respect, and through etiquette, you can show respect to the Korean people and their culture.