🙋‍♂️ Korean Social Etiquette You Might Not Know (But Should)

March 28, 2025

An anime-style illustration showing a foreigner awkwardly navigating social interactions in Korea: struggling to use chopsticks correctly at a company dinner, bowing too deeply to a child, and being corrected on how to address someone in Korean.

😱 Culture Shock Is Real

Moving to Korea can feel like you’ve landed on another planet when it comes to social expectations. Even after learning "annyeonghaseyo" and mastering K-pop trivia, many foreigners unknowingly break unspoken social rules that can lead to awkward (or worse, offensive) moments.

This guide unpacks real-life examples of Korean social etiquette that aren't always in the textbooks. Read on to avoid confusion, win hearts, and blend in like a seasoned local.

🤝 Splitting the Bill? Not in Korea

What Happens:

In Western countries, it’s normal to go "Dutch" and split the bill evenly. But in Korea?

Expect the oldest or most senior person to pay—especially in a group setting or first meeting.

Real Example:

You’re having lunch with your Korean coworker. You reach for your wallet to split the check. He looks confused and says, “No, I invited you.” If you insist, he might actually get offended.

Survival Tip:

Offer politely: “건조해 보도 되요? (Can I contribute?)”
But don’t argue if they insist.
You can always reciprocate next time.

💬 Formal vs Informal Speech: A Minefield

What Happens:

Korean has levels of politeness. Using casual language (banmal) with the wrong person can come off as disrespectful.

Real Example:

You say “가 (go)” to your new Korean colleague instead of “가세요” (please go). Awkward silence.

Who Gets What:

Person	Use Polite Language?
Elders	Always
Coworkers	Yes (unless close + same age)
Children	Casual is OK
Taxi Drivers	Polite (yes, always!)

Survival Tip:

Default to -yo form (가세요, 먹세요)
Use titles instead of names: “Kim sajangnim” (Mr. Kim, CEO)
Avoid “banmal” unless someone tells you it’s OK

🍽 Seating & Serving Hierarchies

What Happens:

Korean meals follow a social ritual: seating order matters, and so does how you pour drinks.

Real Example:

At a company dinner (회식), you sit at the head of the table—normally reserved for the most senior person. Oops.

Or: You pour soju for yourself without offering others first. Double oops.

Survival Tip:

Wait to be seated, especially if it’s a formal dinner
Pour drinks for others first, using two hands
Accept drinks with two hands and a slight bow of the head

🚗 Backpack Etiquette in the Subway

What Happens:

In Korea’s packed subways, wearing your backpack on your back is seen as rude because it can hit others.

Real Example:

You’re riding Line 2 at rush hour. You’re unknowingly bumping three people with your backpack.

Survival Tip:

Take off your backpack and hold it by your side or in front
Bonus: It helps prevent pickpocketing too

😷 Be Quiet on Public Transport

What Happens:

Subways and buses in Korea are shockingly quiet. Loud conversation, phone calls, or even music leakage are frowned upon.

Real Example:

You answer a FaceTime call on the train. People give you silent stares (and one person might even shush you).

Survival Tip:

Mute your phone
If you must speak, whisper
Want to say "Be quiet" in Korean? Politely say: 건조해 주세요

😜 Footwear Rules Indoors

What Happens:

Koreans take off shoes indoors. Always.

Real Example:

You step into your Korean friend’s apartment wearing sneakers. She gasps.

Survival Tip:

Remove your shoes at the door
Use guest slippers if provided
This also applies to many clinics, gyms, and even cafes

🏰 Silence Is Not Awkward

What Happens:

In Korea, silence is not uncomfortable. Long pauses in conversation are totally normal, especially in formal settings.

Real Example:

At a meeting with a Korean manager, you rush to fill every silence. They remain calm and let the pause breathe.

Survival Tip:

Don’t panic in silences
Let your counterpart think and reflect
Sometimes, saying less is more respectful

🎂 Giving & Receiving with Two Hands

What Happens:

Whether handing over your passport or receiving a gift, using two hands is a sign of respect.

Real Example:

You hand over your credit card at a cafe with one hand. The cashier bows politely, but you missed a small moment of etiquette.

Survival Tip:

Use two hands for:
- Money
- Drinks
- Documents
- Business cards

🙅‍♀️ Physical Contact: Less Is More

What Happens:

Hugging or touching casually can feel too forward in Korea.

Real Example:

You try to hug your Korean friend goodbye. She stiffens. Later, she messages, "That was surprising."

Survival Tip:

Handshakes are OK, but wait for the Korean person to initiate
Bowing is the default respectful greeting
Be mindful of space, especially with older people

✅ "Dos & Don’ts" Summary Cheat Sheet

Situation	Do	Don’t
Paying	Let elder pay first	Fight to split the bill
Speech	Use polite speech	Jump into banmal
Trains	Be quiet, remove backpack	Talk loudly or wear headphones with leakage
Home Entry	Take off shoes	Walk in with them on
Gifting	Use two hands	Toss or slide items with one hand
Physical Greetings	Bow or light handshake	Go for hugs or shoulder pats

🤔 Final Thoughts: It’s OK to Mess Up (A Little)

Don’t worry—Koreans generally don’t expect foreigners to be perfect, but they notice when you try. A small bow, using two hands, or holding your backpack properly already puts you ahead of the curve.

Respect goes a long way in Korea, even when you don't speak the language fluently.

👉 CTA:

Found this helpful? Bookmark or share it with someone heading to Korea. It could save them from a few awkward subway stares or restaurant faux pas!