Local Customs & Etiquette in Sunch’ŏn, P’yŏngnam, Korea, North
1. Market Street Etiquette
Navigate bustling market streets with ease by understanding the local custom of haggling for prices and offering tea to stall owners.
- Haggling: Bargaining is expected and welcomed
- Tea Offerings: Offering tea to vendors as a gesture of respect and goodwill
- Patience: Be patient, the process may take time
2. Bowing Custom
Show respect by bowing when greeting elders or entering important buildings.
- Depth of Bow: The depth and angle of the bow depends on the situation
- Timing: Bowing should be done promptly upon encountering someone
- Reciprocity: The other person will return the bow
3. Table Manners
Dine politely by using chopsticks correctly and leaving some food on your plate.
- Chopstick Usage: Hold chopsticks with equal length, never stick one into rice bowl
- Leaving Food: Leaving some food shows that you are full and have eaten enough
- Passing Food: Offer food to others using both hands, not just one
4. Street Food Etiquette
Enjoy street food without offending locals by following the custom of sharing tables with strangers.
- Table Sharing: Sharing tables is common in crowded areas
- Cash Payment: Always pay cash when purchasing street food
- Eating Speed: Eat at a reasonable pace, don't rush
5. Public Transport Etiquette
Navigate public transportation with ease by understanding the local custom of giving up seats to elders and pregnant women.
- Seat Offering: Offer your seat when you see an elderly person or pregnant woman
- Personal Space: Respect personal space during crowded rides
- Quiet Rides: Keep conversations quiet during rush hours
6. Gift Giving Customs
Impress locals with thoughtful gifts by avoiding taboo items like clocks and white items.
- Taboo Items: Avoid gifting items that resemble funeral offerings
- Gift Presentation: Wrap gifts nicely and present with both hands
- Reciprocity: Be prepared to receive a gift in return
7. Alcohol Toasting Etiquette
Toast appropriately by offering a round and drinking from the shared cup.
- Offering a Round: Offer a toast to show respect and goodwill
- Drinking from Shared Cup: Drink from the shared cup when offered
- Toast Content: Keep toasts positive and avoid controversial topics
8. Public Bathhouse Etiquette
Relax at public bathhouses by following the local custom of bathing in a specific order.
- Order: Wash your body before entering the tub
- Modesty: Wear the provided bathing suit in public areas
- Soap Provision: Soap and other supplies are usually provided
9. Local Festivals Customs
Participate in local festivals by dressing up and following the tradition of offering food to deities.
- Dress Code: Dress according to the festival's theme
- Food Offerings: Prepare traditional foods for offerings
- Respectful Behavior: Show respect during the ceremonies and prayers
10. Greeting Customs
Greet locals with a bow or handshake while maintaining eye contact.
- Bowing vs Handshake: Choose between bowing and handshaking based on the situation
- Maintaining Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact during greetings to show respect
- Timing: Greet people promptly upon encountering them
11. Temple Etiquette
Show respect at temples by removing shoes, bowing, and not pointing feet.
- Removing Shoes: Remove your shoes before entering the temple
- Bowing: Bow when entering and leaving the temple
- Foot Positioning: Never point your feet at Buddha statues or other sacred items
12. Photography Etiquette
Take photos respectfully by asking permission and being mindful of sensitive subjects.
- Asking Permission: Always ask for permission before taking someone's photo
- Respectful Subjects: Avoid photographing sensitive subjects without consent
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and local customs
13. Dining with Locals Customs
Join locals for a meal to experience their hospitality by sharing dishes and eating communally.
- Shared Dishes: Order multiple dishes for the table, not individual ones
- Serving Yourself: Serve yourself from shared dishes instead of waiting to be served
- Dining Pace: Eat at a reasonable pace, don't rush
14. Business Meeting Etiquette
Conduct business meetings with respect by arriving early and showing deference to your host.
- Punctuality: Arrive early for business meetings
- Deferring to Host: Show deference to your host during the meeting
- Formal Language: Use formal language and titles when addressing your host
15. Gestures and Body Language
Understand local gestures and body language to avoid offending locals.
- Pointing: Never point at people or objects with your index finger
- Thumb-Up Gesture: A thumbs-up gesture is considered offensive
- Personal Space: Maintain appropriate personal space during conversations