Etiquettes are known as the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group. When you are at a certain social level around you, there must be a respect that you show to people. This shows that you are a humble person. It is one of the most important aspect while living here in South Korea in my opinion. Asians are quite picky towards their stuff and their privacy which also includes their culture. So, here is a list of few Doโs and Donโts that will help you to respect their culture and not be in any sort of trouble.
Doโs When Visiting South Korea
- Accept things using your two hands: In South Korea, almost everyone is polite all the time and everywhere. If youโre a tourist and you come across a restaurant, convenient store, etc, donโt forget to accept your change given by the seller or the cashier using your both hands. This shows good manners. You can do this not only in these scenarios, any happenings that you might need to accept something from someone, but it is also always polite to use your two hands, say thank you, and bow.
- Take off your shoes before entering someoneโs house: This practice is very common among most Asian countries. In Korea, when you enter someoneโs house or even restaurants in some cases, you will need to take off your shoes first. Remember this since if you forget to take off your shoes, you might see Korean people stare at you disappointingly as it is considered a bad manner.
- Segregate your trash: When youโre in Korea, donโt throw your trash anywhere. Korean people are very meticulous when it comes to this. South Korea is the third recycling leader in the world. It is important that you segregate your trash from recyclable to regular waste. People make frowning faces if you do not throw your trash properly.
- Learn Korean basic words: Before you visit South Korea, I recommend you to study some of the basic Korean words. No worries, you donโt need to learn the whole language and its grammar, few sentences, phrases, and words are enough. Usually, even though you canโt create a full-sentence but you know the basic words (related to traveling), Koreans will understand you. Here are some of the Korean basic words that might be helpful for you when you travel to South Korea:
Where? > Eo-di-ye-yo? ์ด๋์์?
How much? > Eol-ma-ye-yo? ์ผ๋ง์์?
Thank you > Kam-sa-ham-ni-da ๊ฐ์ฌํฉ๋๋ค.
Iโm sorry > Jwe-song-ham-ni-da ์ฃ์กํฉ๋๋ค.
Hello > An-nyeong-ha-se-yo ์๋ ํ์ธ์.
- Use your palm when calling a taxi: It might be surprising but Koreans donโt call taxis using one finger only. It is considered rude to them. Although itโs just a small gesture, Korean people will appreciate it when you do this.
Donโts When Visiting South Korea
- Donโt blow your nose in public areas: I know itโs difficult to not blow your nose when you really have to. But as much as possible, avoid doing this when youโre in public places such as subway, restaurant, or any other public places. When you go to Korea, try to observe it, no one does this in public places, a few elder people maybe, but for younger Koreans, they donโt. Most of them will go to the bathroom before they can finally blow their nose.
- Donโt write someoneโs name in red ink: This is a no-no. Why? Not only because it is considered rude or something, but Koreans also find it offensive and unlucky when you write someoneโs name in red ink. The history of this phenomenon is still unclear. So just to respect their culture and tradition, donโt and never do this.
- Giving tip is not necessary: Unlike in Western culture, giving tips to the server at a restaurant is not necessary for Korean culture. Even at a bar, young people donโt really give tips to the server or the bartender. In some cases, it may even be offensive if you give tips as it may be perceived as pity or arrogance. For some fancy restaurants, you might be expected to give tips, but itโs not a must. Which is a pretty good thing since you can save money, right?
- Donโt take pictures of someone without their permission: This is illegal. Yes, really illegal. Not only in Koreaโs culture, but it is under South Korean law. Especially if you take a picture of a woman without her consent. Taking general photos and selfie is fine, but beyond that, itโs rude and you might face the consequences.
- Donโt be noisy in public transport: I personally think that being noisy in public transport is rude. Although in some countries, it is not totally practiced, in Korea, they value personal space so if youโre too noisy to the point that you disturb other people, thatโs already considered rude. So when youโre in public transport, be considerate and always be mindful of other people.
Remarks
These are the Doโs and donโts that you must know before you travel to South Korea. This might be new to you or surprising, but it is their culture and youโre in their country. As a tourist, you must know the general rule before traveling to a certain place. Respect their culture, follow their rules, youโre the visitor, you should adjust to their way of living and not the other way around. Hope this article helps you, so go on and head your way to the beautiful country of South Korea!
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