7 Cultural Mistakes To Avoid In South Korea

There is a saying, “When in Rome do as the Romans do”. Knowing what is acceptable or not acceptable in the country where you are traveling will make your trip more enjoyable. If you plan to visit South Korea and need some cultural advice on some cultural don’ts, we’re here to help! The following list of cultural mistakes to avoid in South Korea will become useful to you in the future.

Do not wear your shoes 

When you enter someone’s house or certain restaurants that you have to sit on the floor to eat, don’t wear your shoes. Although many Korean houses follow a more western style of living, they often sit, eat, and sleep on the floor. Therefore, Koreans like to keep their floors clean and remove their shoes upon entering the house. This is one of the most common cultural mistakes to avoid in South Korea.

Do not use just one hand

When you receive something from your supervisor or someone who is older than you are, remember to use both hands. This simple gesture might be overlooked by foreigners. However, it is an important nonverbal way to show respect for the elderly or anyone that is considered above you in rank or position.

Do not call someone with the palm upward

This is another gesture relating to your hands. In some western cultures, people make a gesture with their index fingers or hands with palm facing upward to indicate, “Come here, please.” Interestingly, this gesture can be offensive to Korean people. Koreans use this gesture to call only animals not humans. When you ask someone to come, you use a gesture somewhat similar to go away in America. Your palm facing downward, you move your hand toward your body instead of away from your body.

Do not tip in South Korea

This is one of don’ts that will make you happy. Even though there are a few places and occasions that you need to tip, tipping is not generally done in South Korea. If you are happy with the service, it is up to you whether you decide to leave a tip to your server at a restaurant, taxi driver, hairdresser, etc., in order to show your gratitude. Some might receive a tip with a smile on their face, while the others might refuse to receive the tip with a saying in Korean, “aniyo, gwaenchanh-ayo” (No, thank you).

Do not sit in the reserved/priority seats

This is one of the cultural mistakes to avoid in South Korea. When you ride various public transportations in South Korea, try to refrain yourself from sitting in the reserved/priority seats. They are usually for disabled, elderly, or pregnant people. You will often witness many young Koreans with big hearts, sitting in the regular seats, offer their seats to the elders, little children, disabled people, or pregnant ladies on the buses or subways. These scenes might brighten your day in South Korea.

Do not write people’s name with a red pen

Writing a Korean person’s name in red colored ink is considered to be a taboo in South Korea. In the past, only deceased people’s names were written in red ink, hence using red ink for a person alive would bring a bad luck or harm in their way. Even though this originated from an old custom, many people still avoid writing their names with a red pen. Refrain yourself from using a red pen for Korean names, and try to use a blue or black pen instead.

Do not eat before the elders

Although you are very eager to dig into the scrumptious Korean food sitting right in front of you, it is polite to wait until the elders to pick up their spoons and have their first bites before you. While keeping the pace with these elders, you should enjoy delicious Korean food.

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