Korean Etiquette for Visitors
Korean manners for visitors — greetings, shoes, table manners, giving and receiving, and respect for elders.
Greetings
A short bow is the standard greeting in Korea, especially when meeting someone older or in a formal situation. A small nod of the head is enough for everyday encounters, such as greeting a shopkeeper. Handshakes are also common in business, but a bow is always a safe and polite choice.
Shoes off indoors
Remove your shoes when entering someone's home, a traditional restaurant with floor seating, or a temple. There will usually be a shoe rack or a clear area by the door. Wear clean socks, because your feet will be visible.
Eating and drinking
Wait for the eldest person at the table to start eating before you begin. Do not stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice — it looks like a funeral ritual. When drinking with others, pour for the person next to you, and turn your head slightly away when you drink in front of someone older.
Giving and receiving
Use both hands when giving or receiving something, especially money, a business card, or a gift — it shows respect. This applies at shops too: hand your card or cash with both hands when you can. It is a small gesture that Koreans notice and appreciate.
Respect for elders
Respect for older people is important in Korean culture. Offer your seat on the subway or bus to an elderly person, speak politely to older strangers, and avoid using informal language with people older than you. If you are unsure, a polite tone and a smile go a long way.
Public behaviour
Koreans value quiet and considerate behaviour in public. Keep your voice down on public transport, avoid loud phone calls, and do not eat on the subway. Public displays of affection are usually kept modest. None of these rules are strict laws, but following them will help you blend in and be welcomed.