Are you visiting Seoul soon?
Here are 10 things to avoid while traveling to South Korea!
Quick Summary
- Don’t tip.
- Don’t stand on the left side of the escalator.
- Don’t sit on subway seats reserved for the elderly/pregnant women.
- Don’t wear shoes inside a house.
- Don’t get offended when you’re asked your age.
- Don’t use one hand to receive or give things.
- Don’t expect cars to give you the right of way as a pedestrian, even at crosswalks.
- Don’t expect people to say thank you if you hold the door or elevator.
- Don’t expect people to give you space.
- Don’t expect the trains to be late, especially KTX.
1. Don’t tip!
Koreans will be confused and might chase you to return the money.
The price you see is the price you pay in Korea.
2. Don’t stand on the left side of the escalator.
Koreans use the left side as a fast track to power walk.
Don’t worry if you forget, because they’ll let you know quickly.
3. Don’t sit on subway seats reserved for the elderly/pregnant women.
They’re narrow 3-seat areas near the door or pink-colored seats for pregnant women.
4. Don’t wear shoes inside a house.
This rule applies to some restaurants and clinics as well.
You’ll know when you see a bunch of shoes out in front.
5. Don’t get offended when you’re asked your age.
That’s how Koreans start a conversation and decide how to address you and communicate.
6. Don’t use one hand to receive or give things.
This goes for gifts and business cards. It’s a sign of respect.
7. Don’t expect cars to give you the right of way as a pedestrian, even at crosswalks.
Everyone is in a hurry in Seoul. You have to watch out for your own safety.
8. Don’t expect people to say thank you if you hold the door or elevator.
Most Koreans won’t hold the door for you or expect you to hold it for them.
Most don’t even realize you did a nice thing.
It would be like me giving you a tangerine in New York City.
9. Don’t expect people to give you space.
People are packed in tight in the city.
I like my personal space, but I don’t get it in Korea.
10. Don’t expect the trains to be late, especially KTX.
They will stop for a few minutes and leave on time.
They won’t wait for you!
Conclusion
Culture may be different but Koreans in general welcome tourists with open arms.
So, most importantly, have fun and eat a lot in South Korea!
