10 Cultural Mistakes To Avoid When Visiting South Korea

Traveling to a country without knowing its culture beforehand is a bit like plunging your hand into Harry Potter’s Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans without knowing what you’re going to find on the other side. Not only can it be confusing, but you also run the risk of looking like a rude traveler by doing something you shouldn’t or that would be frowned upon. That’s why it’s always a good idea to inform yourself about the cultural aspects of a country in advance.

Visiting South Korea soon? Here are 10 cultural mistakes to avoid!

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1. Not respecting reserved seats on public transport

If you want to be glared at or be told off by another passenger, then sit on a reserved seat at your own risk and peril, but if you’ve been well educated to respect others like everyone should, then you’ll have no problem.

And as South Korea is all about respect, they actually took it to another level by dedicating colored seats (pink, yellow…) on public transport for pregnant women, the elderly and people with disabilities.

So now you know to stay clear from those seats unless there are no other seats available, of course, but always be ready to give up your spot to another passenger.

2. Don’t push the button at the crosswalk

You know, that button you see at crosswalks that’s supposed to help turn the pedestrian light green faster, although I really think it’s there more to take out our frustration on it than anything else, given how rarely it works.

Although it’s a common mistake among travelers visiting South Korea, be aware that this button here is strictly reserved for the visually impaired, so even though it’s tempting, just refrain to press it!

3. No staring contest

Depending on where you’re from, you’ve probably been taught that eye contact is important and shows confidence and boldness, but while it may be encouraged in other countries, it’s kind of a mistake in Korea where you’ll be considered rude (especially towards elders).

Of course, mentalities are changing and while you won’t be perceived as weird by younger people, it’s best to prioritize indirect eye contact.

By the way, I’d like to warn you that Koreans will probably stare at you quite often on public transport, for example, but don’t worry, they’re not trying to be impolite or anything, they’re just curious about your ethnicity. Don’t forget that South Korea is a very homogenous country, that’s why!

4. Not bowing

Bowing is an important part of Korean culture, used not only to greet someone but also to show respect and gratitude among other things.

So even if you’re a foreigner visiting the country and think you don’t need to “submit” to this part of the culture, adopting some customs will be truly appreciated by locals and will show them that you actually care about and respect their country.

I don’t mean you should bow at a 90° angle, you don’t need to go oberboard, but a slight bow of the head and body (15 degree angle) is more than enough to show that you know at least a little about etiquette.

5. Tipping

Coming from a country where tips are already included in the restaurant bill, I’ve always struggled to know how much I should give in other countries, so not having to even think about it is always welcome.

And while some of you may find it hard to conceive of such a thing, tipping isn’t at all customary in South Korea, it can even be considered rude and insulting. And that’s why I’ve included it in this list of cultural mistakes.

The only times it might be accepted are on a city tour (even then, I’d rather offer a drink or a meal to the tour guide) and in taxis, although I wouldn’t call it a tip, but if you pay in cash and have some change, you can always tell your driver to keep the change.

6. Putting your chopsticks in rice

Have you finished your meal or are you in the middle of it and want to put your chopsticks down? Never put them vertically in your bowl or rice, as this refers to burning incense at a funeral.

Simply put your chopsticks flat on the table or across your bowl.

While we’re on the topic of food, it’s also considered bad manners to lift your bowl of rice to eat.

7. Not taking off your shoes inside the house

As someone who’s been brought up to always take off my shoes when I came home, I’m used to this custom, but for people who always keep their shoes indoors, it’s a big no-no in South Korea!

Whatever house you enter, and even in hotels, guesthouses… you’ll always be asked to remove your shoes at the entryway. Don’t worry, though, as slippers are almost always provided if you don’t like walking barefoot.

It actually even goes further, as they even use rubber slippers for the bathroom, to avoid slipping and falling on the wet floor and breaking a few bones at the same time.

I personally love the no shoes rule, and I also think it’s more hygienic. What do you think?

8. Not respecting your elders

Senior citizens are highly respected in South Korea, and this respect has been deeply rooted in the culture for ages.

So there are, of course, a few mistakes to avoid when drinking (alcoholic beverages) and eating with your elders in Korea:

• don’t start eating until the oldest person at the table has started his/her own dish, I think this is quite common in many other countries too
• share your food: sharing is caring, and this is even truer in South Korea, where people who dine together often share their own food
• don’t pour your own drink (especially when drinking alcohol), and always offer to pour the older person a glass if theirs is empty
• always accept a drink from your elder (unless you can’t drink at all)
• hold your glass with both hands if someone’s pouring you a drink, and the bottle with two hands if you’re the one pouring the drink
• don’t face your elder when you drink, but turn your head and body slightly (more respectful)

As you can see, there are quite a few rules of drinking etiquette, which shows how much Koreans love to drink and have fun, I guess. But remember to never get into a drinking battle with a Korean, you’re pretty sure to lose 9 times out of 10, trust me!

9. No hugging

Even if you’re a tactile person and this is your way of greeting someone, I wouldn’t recommend touching or hugging people you’re not close to, as this is another cultural mistake.

And although your personal space will often be a thing of the past in Korea, especially on public transport, being tactile is a no-go!

10. Passing in front of everyone

What I mean by this is that queuing is a very natural thing in South Korea, where nobody will try to jump the queue and get in front of someone who got there first, angering everyone else in the process.

Whether at a bus stop, restaurant or for taking photos, you’ll see people patiently waiting their turn in an orderly, perfect line, with the exception of the occasional Ajumma (or middle-aged married woman), but that’s another story!

If only we could all agree to be so respectful, I think sideways glances and mean looks would be less frequent, just saying!

Any other cultural mistakes to avoid when traveling to South Korea? Or any cultural rules or customs in your country that you find weird or would like to see applied by other countries? Leave them in the comments!

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