โจย "In Korea, small acts of courtesy leave a big impression!"
Compared to many other countries,
Korea places great importance on manners and etiquette.
If foreigners understand and follow these basic rules,
they can adapt to life here more easily and leave a positive impression!
๐ Subway & Public Transportation Etiquette
โ๏ธLine Up Before Boarding
๐Wait behind the yellow line. Let passengers exit first before boarding.
โ๏ธ Leave Priority Seats Empty
๐ Reserved seats at both ends of subway cars are for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
๐ Even if they're empty, it's polite not to sit there.
โ๏ธ Stay Quiet
๐ Keep phone calls to a minimum and avoid loud conversations.
๐ If using earphones, keep the volume low.
โ
Tip:
On public transportation, "quiet and orderly" behavior is the basic rule.
๐ฝ๏ธ Dining Etiquette
โ๏ธ Wait for Everyone's Food Before Eating
๐ Itโs natural to wait until all dishes are served before starting the meal together.
โ๏ธ Keep Your Voice Down
๐ Speaking loudly in restaurants is considered impolite.
โ๏ธ Use Serving Utensils for Shared Side Dishes
๐ Use the provided tongs or communal utensils, not your personal chopsticks, for shared dishes like kimchi.
โ
Tip:
Especially when dining with elders, it's good manners to say a simple phrase like โI will enjoy this mealโ (์ ๋จน๊ฒ ์ต๋๋ค) before eating.
๐๏ธ Shopping & Payment Etiquette
โ๏ธ Don't Haggle Loudly at Stores
๐ Fixed prices are the norm in most places. Haggling is only common in traditional markets.
โ๏ธ Keep Your Distance While Queuing
๐ Stand quietly and maintain a respectful distance in line.
โ
Tip:
While Korean shop staff are usually very kind, customers are also expected to show basic courtesy.
๐ง Other Cultural Points to Know
โ๏ธ Age and Hierarchy Culture:
Asking someone's age is common and a way of showing respect.
โ๏ธ Greeting Culture:
A slight bow or nod is natural when greeting others,
especially at building entrances or inside elevators.
โ๏ธ Public Order:
On escalators, one side may be kept clear depending on the region.
When walking, avoid bumping into others and move smoothly around people.
โ
ย Knowing Korean basic manners will make your life smoother and more enjoyable!
โจย "In Korea, small acts of courtesy leave a big impression!"
Compared to many other countries,
Korea places great importance on manners and etiquette.
If foreigners understand and follow these basic rules,
they can adapt to life here more easily and leave a positive impression!
๐ Subway & Public Transportation Etiquette
โ๏ธLine Up Before Boarding
๐Wait behind the yellow line. Let passengers exit first before boarding.
โ๏ธ Leave Priority Seats Empty
๐ Reserved seats at both ends of subway cars are for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
๐ Even if they're empty, it's polite not to sit there.
โ๏ธ Stay Quiet
๐ Keep phone calls to a minimum and avoid loud conversations.
๐ If using earphones, keep the volume low.
โ Tip:
On public transportation, "quiet and orderly" behavior is the basic rule.
๐ฝ๏ธ Dining Etiquette
โ๏ธ Wait for Everyone's Food Before Eating
๐ Itโs natural to wait until all dishes are served before starting the meal together.
โ๏ธ Keep Your Voice Down
๐ Speaking loudly in restaurants is considered impolite.
โ๏ธ Use Serving Utensils for Shared Side Dishes
๐ Use the provided tongs or communal utensils, not your personal chopsticks, for shared dishes like kimchi.
โ Tip:
Especially when dining with elders, it's good manners to say a simple phrase like โI will enjoy this mealโ (์ ๋จน๊ฒ ์ต๋๋ค) before eating.
๐๏ธ Shopping & Payment Etiquette
โ๏ธ Don't Haggle Loudly at Stores
๐ Fixed prices are the norm in most places. Haggling is only common in traditional markets.
โ๏ธ Keep Your Distance While Queuing
๐ Stand quietly and maintain a respectful distance in line.
โ Tip:
While Korean shop staff are usually very kind, customers are also expected to show basic courtesy.
๐ง Other Cultural Points to Know
โ๏ธ Age and Hierarchy Culture:
Asking someone's age is common and a way of showing respect.
โ๏ธ Greeting Culture:
A slight bow or nod is natural when greeting others,
especially at building entrances or inside elevators.
โ๏ธ Public Order:
On escalators, one side may be kept clear depending on the region.
When walking, avoid bumping into others and move smoothly around people.
โ ย Knowing Korean basic manners will make your life smoother and more enjoyable!