Local Customs & Etiquette in Incheon, Korea, South

1. Bowing in Korea

A traditional Korean greeting where you bow slightly with hands placed together. Shows respect and politeness.

Depth of Bow: The depth of the bow depends on the situation, but a standard bow is about 30 to 45 degrees.
When to Bow: Bowing is usually done when meeting someone for the first time or showing deep respect.
Informal Settings: In informal settings, a handshake is also acceptable among friends and colleagues.

It's customary to remove your shoes before entering Korean homes. This practice promotes cleanliness and respect.

Provided Slippers: Slippers are usually provided near the entrance for you to wear indoors.
Restaurants and Temples: Similar practice applies to some restaurants and temples in Incheon.
Leaving Outdoor Shoes: It's considered impolite to wear outdoor shoes inside a Korean home.

In Korea, it's customary to use chopsticks and slurp noodles for enjoyment. Sharing food is also common.

Slurping Noodles: Slurping shows that you are enjoying your meal and it's considered a compliment to the chef.
Sharing Food: Sharing food is a sign of friendship and unity, so don't refuse if offered.
Using Chopsticks: Chopsticks are held with the dominant hand below the non-dominant one. Never pass food directly with chopsticks.

It's considered rude to stick your chopsticks straight up in a bowl of rice. Also, burping is considered a sign of satisfaction.

Chopsticks Sticking Up: Sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice resembles incense sticks at funerals and is considered disrespectful.
Burping: Burping shows that the food was delicious, but it may be perceived as rude in some Western cultures.
Eating Slowly: Eating slowly is a sign of respect and appreciation for the food. Hurrying through meals can be seen as impolite.

In Korea, tipping is not customary, except for some taxi drivers and hairdressers. Always check the bill first.

Taxi Drivers: Rounding up the fare for taxi drivers is appreciated but not required.
Hairdressers: In hair salons, tipping around 10% of the total bill is acceptable.
Restaurants and Hotels: Tipping in restaurants or hotels is not expected as service charges are usually included in the bill.

In Korean public bathhouses (jimjilbangs), it's customary to wash before entering the bath area. Nudity is expected.

Washing Before Entering: It's a sign of cleanliness and respect for others.
Nudity: Both sexes bathe separately, but nudity is expected in mixed-gender areas like saunas.
No Swimsuits: Swimsuits are not allowed in the bathing area. Towels can be used to cover up when walking around.

When giving gifts, use both hands and wrap them nicely. Avoid giving items related to mourning or black colors.

Wrapping the Gift: The gift should be neatly wrapped and presented with both hands as a sign of respect.
Avoiding Mourning Items: Gifts related to mourning or black colors can be perceived as inappropriate.
Evens and Odds: Even numbers are associated with funerals, so it's better to give an odd number of items, especially money.

Korean drinking culture is centered around shared experiences and building relationships. It's important to participate but also know your limits.

Shared Experiences: Drinking together helps build and strengthen relationships.
Korean Alcoholic Beverages: Common beverages include Soju, Makgeolli, and beer.
Toasting: When toasting, it's important to look the person in the eye and say 'Gambeyeonssamnia' (Cheers!).

In Korean business culture, punctuality is crucial. Business cards are exchanged and should be handled with respect.

Punctuality: Being on time for meetings shows respect.
Exchanging Business Cards: Business cards are usually exchanged with both hands and should be studied carefully.
Formality: Formality is emphasized in Korean business culture. It's better to dress conservatively and use respectful language.

In Korean public transportation, it's customary to give up your seat for the elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities.

Giving Up Seats: It shows respect and consideration for others.
Orderly Behavior: Wait in an orderly fashion when boarding or exiting the bus or train.
Silence on Trains: Travelers typically keep quiet and respect others' need for rest or concentration during their commute.

Street food is a significant part of Korean culture. It's important to be mindful of the vendors and other customers.

Cleanliness: Always ensure that the street food vendor appears clean and hygienic.
Patience: Street food vendors may have lines, so patience is required.
Respecting the Vendor: Always be polite and considerate when interacting with street food vendors.

In Korean markets, it's customary to haggle over prices and understand the quality of goods before purchase.

Haggling: Always negotiate prices as a sign of respect for the vendor.
Understanding Quality: Take time to examine goods before purchasing and ask questions if needed.
Respecting Vendors: Always be polite and considerate when interacting with market vendors.

In Korea, courtesy titles such as 'oppa' (older brother) or 'unnie' (older sister) are used to show respect and politeness.

Age Difference: The use of courtesy titles depends on the age difference between individuals.
Social Status: Courtesy titles may also be used to show respect for someone's social status or position.
Friendship Level: As relationships grow, it's common for people to switch from using courtesy titles to first names.

In a traditional Korean house (hanok), it's customary to remove your shoes, sit on the floor, and eat with shared dishes.

Removing Shoes: Shoes are removed before entering the main living area as a sign of respect.
Sitting on the Floor: Seated on the floor, guests should sit in a way that allows the host to easily serve them.
Shared Dishes: Dishes are shared and placed in the center of the table. It's important to take only what you will eat to avoid waste.

In Korea, it's customary to bow or place hands together when greeting elders as a sign of respect.

Age Difference: The depth and length of the bow depend on the age difference between individuals.
Formality: Formality is emphasized in greeting elders, especially those with a significant age difference.
Social Settings: The greeting etiquette also applies to social settings, such as meetings and gatherings.