๐ Korean Etiquette and Culture Tips for First-Time Visitors
Koreans are generally forgiving of visitors who make honest mistakes, but a few customs are worth knowing. Knowing a few basic customs can make everyday interactions easier and more respectful.
Culture ยท Updated 2026-09-29 ยท 5 min read
Greetings and respect
A slight bow with a friendly hello, โannyeonghaseyoโ, is the most common greeting. Handshakes are also normal in business settings, and are often given with a slight bow and the left hand supporting the right forearm as a sign of respect.
Age and seniority matter in conversation. When giving or receiving something from an older person, such as a business card, a drink or money, use both hands or support your right hand with your left.
Dining etiquette
Some traditional restaurants have floor seating and may ask you to remove your shoes. Wait for the eldest person to start eating. Rest chopsticks and spoon on the table, not upright in a rice bowl, which resembles an incense offering at funerals.
Most meals are shared, with several side dishes (banchan) placed in the middle. Refills of banchan are usually free. In barbecue restaurants, staff often cut and cook meat at the table. Tipping is not expected in Korea and is sometimes politely refused.
If you have dietary restrictions, learn a few key phrases or use a translation app, because fish sauce, meat broth and seafood appear in many dishes that look vegetarian.
Homes, temples and palaces
Always remove your shoes when entering a Korean home, a traditional guesthouse (hanok), and many temple halls. Wear modest clothing to temples and palaces, keep your voice low, and follow signs about photography.
Public transport and public space
Priority seats on the subway are reserved for older passengers, pregnant women and people with disabilities, and are usually kept clear even when a train is crowded. Talk quietly on calls, and let passengers off before boarding. Escalators are for standing on the right side in many stations.
Public bins are less common than you might expect. Carry small trash with you until you find a bin or return it to the shop.
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. The figures below are approximate and reflect information available when this guide was last reviewed; always confirm with the official source before you travel.