Are you excited for your visit to Seoul?
Understanding local etiquette can make your trip easier and help you avoid awkward situations.
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!
Tipping is not part of Korean culture, and it will actually confuse people.
If you leave a tip at a restaurant, they might think you made a mistake and chase you down to return it.
When I interned at Hilton in Seoul, there was even a rule not to accept any tip from guests.
The price you see is the price you pay. No need to add extra for taxes and tips!
2. Don’t stand on the left side of the escalator.
Do you want to experience the famous pali-pali (hurry-hurry) culture in Seoul?
The subway station during rush hour will show you.
In Korea, the right side of the escalator is for standing, and the left side is for walking.
Koreans treat the left side as a fast track for people in a rush to power walk.
If you block it, expect to get tapped on your shoulder or hear an “excuse me” with a few impatient looks.
This rule is especially strict in Seoul, where people are in a rush to go somewhere.
3. Don’t sit on subway seats reserved for the elderly or pregnant women.
There are narrow 3-seat areas near the doors of subway cars.
They’re meant for seniors, pregnant women, or people with disabilities.
You’ll also see pink-colored seats next to the door and these are designated for pregnant women.
Even if the train is empty, it’s best to avoid sitting there.
If you do, you might receive disapproving glances or be asked to move.
4. Don’t wear shoes inside a house.
Koreans take cleanliness seriously, and shoes are considered dirty.
We’re shocked to see people wearing shoes on the bed in Hollywood movies or TV shows!
Please remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
This rule also applies to certain traditional restaurants, temples, and even some clinics.
If you see a pile of shoes near the entrance, take the hint!
5. Don’t get offended when you’re asked your age.
In Korea, knowing someone’s age helps determine how to address them properly.
It’s not meant to be rude or intrusive. This is just how Koreans start a conversation.
Age dictates how people speak to each other in Korean, so expect to be asked this question early on.
If it makes you uncomfortable, you can always say you’re old enough or still young!
6. Don’t use one hand to receive or give things.
When handing someone money, a business card, or a gift, always use both hands or at least support your right hand with your left.
This is a sign of respect, especially in formal situations.
Giving or receiving with one hand can come across as rude.
7. Don’t expect cars to give you the right of way as a pedestrian, even at crosswalks.
This is one of my least favorite parts of living in Korea.
Even at crosswalks, don’t assume cars will stop for you.
Korean drivers tend to be aggressive, and many are in a hurry, especially in big cities.
Always look both ways and proceed with caution, even if the pedestrian light is green.
8. Don’t expect people to say thank you if you hold the door or elevator.
While holding the door for someone is a common courtesy in many Western countries, it’s not in Korea.
Most Koreans won’t hold the door for you or expect you to hold it for them.
Almost everyone doesn’t even realize you did a nice thing, so naturally, they won’t be able to say thank you.
It would be like me giving you a tangerine in New York City.
9. Don’t expect people to give you space.
I love my personal space, but I don’t get it in Korea.
Seoul is densely populated, and people are used to tight spaces.
In subways, elevators, and crowded streets, personal space is a luxury.
You may find people standing uncomfortably close to you without thinking twice.
10. Don’t expect the trains to be late, especially KTX.
Korean trains, especially the KTX high-speed train, run on a strict schedule.
If a train is set to leave at 10 AM, it WILL leave at 10 AM sharp.
Don’t expect any delays, and don’t assume it’ll wait for you.
Arriving a few minutes early is always a good idea.
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!
