Local Customs & Etiquette in Seoul, Korea, South
1. Bowing
Bowing is a common way to greet and show respect in Seoul, especially among elders and during formal interactions. This custom helps in building rapport and showing respect, making social interactions smoother for travelers.
- Eye contact: Maintain eye contact briefly to show sincerity.
- Depth of bow: The deeper the bow, the more respect is shown.
- Hand positioning: Keep hands at your sides or hold them in front.
- Frequency: Bow when greeting, thanking, apologizing, and departing.
- Age factor: Bow lower for seniors or higher-ranking individuals.
2. Dining Etiquette
When dining in Seoul, wait for the eldest to start eating before you begin. This custom helps you to be polite and display the proper respect for age and hierarchy.
- Sharing: Meals are often shared; serve others before yourself.
- Chopsticks use: Don't point with chopsticks or stick them upright in rice.
- No tipping: Tipping is not customary in Seoul.
- Slurping: It's acceptable to slurp noodles to show enjoyment.
- Use of both hands: Use both hands when offering or receiving, especially drinks.
3. Street Food Culture
While enjoying street food, be mindful of maintaining cleanliness and avoiding making loud noises. This helps in respecting communal spaces and others who are enjoying the neighborhood.
- Standing: Eat standing at the food stalls as walking while eating is not polite.
- Portion size: Portions are large; share with others to try more variety.
- Waste disposal: Use proper bins for disposing of waste.
- Payment: Pay after receiving your food without haggling.
- Interaction: Engage briefly with vendors; they're often busy.
4. Public Transportation Conduct
Public transport etiquette emphasizes quietness and personal space out of respect for others. This custom ensures a pleasant and efficient public transportation experience.
- Phone use: Keep phones on silent mode; avoid loud calls.
- Priority seating: Leave priority seats available for the elderly and disabled.
- Queue: Form an orderly line when boarding.
- Backpacks: Take off backpacks in crowded areas.
- Speaking: Keep conversations quiet and brief.
5. Personal Space and Touch
In Seoul, personal space is respected, and touching strangers generally is avoided. This practice helps in ensuring comfort and reducing misunderstandings.
- Close conversations: Stand slightly distant when speaking.
- Public displays: Avoid displays of affection in public.
- Greeting: Shake hands for formal greetings, motion to leave space.
- Motion in crowds: Navigate crowds carefully without pushing.
- Contact: Tap gently on the shoulder if you need attention.
6. Gift Giving
Giving small gifts when meeting someone for the first time or when invited to their home is appreciated. This fosters goodwill and strengthens social relationships.
- Presenting: Offer gifts using both hands.
- Packaging: Wrap gifts neatly, usually in soft hues.
- Avoiding: Avoid giving items like knives or watches.
- Reciprocity: Expect a gift in return, but often at a later date.
- Timing: Present gifts at the beginning or end of visits.
7. Gesture Manners
Hand gestures have specific meanings, such as gesturing with your palms up when beckoning someone. Understanding these helps prevent cultural misunderstandings.
- Pointing: Use your whole hand, not a single finger.
- Feet: Keep feet off seats and avoid pointing them at others.
- Beckoning: Palm down when calling someone over.
- Money handling: Pass money using both hands.
- Counting: Show numbers with fingers facing palm inward.
8. Respect for Elders
Demonstrating respect for elders is crucial and is shown through actions like standing when they enter a room. This practice reflects your understanding of traditional values.
- Speech: Use polite language and tone.
- Assistance: Offer help like carrying bags or giving up your seat.
- Initiating: Let elders lead in decisions and conversations.
- Titles: Use honorifics and correct titles when addressing.
- Deference: Give space and priority to elders in queues.
9. Dress Code
Dressing modestly in public is expected, especially in places of worship or government buildings. This respects local norms and can prevent drawing unwanted attention.
- Clothing: Avoid revealing clothing in public settings.
- Temples: Wear respectful, conservative clothes when visiting temples.
- Footwear: Remove shoes when entering someone’s home.
- Appearance: Maintain neat and clean attire.
- Accessories: Limit flashy jewelry or loud accessories.
10. Visiting Homes
When invited to a local home, it's customary to remove your shoes before entering. This practice shows respect for the household and its cleanliness.
- Timing: Arrive on time or slightly early.
- Small gift: Bring a small gift like fruit or sweets for the host.
- Compliments: Compliment the food and décor subtly.
- Help offering: Offer to help with dishes post-meal.
- Departure: Thank the host and say goodbye politely.
11. Language and Communication
While English signs are common, attempting to speak a few Korean phrases shows respect and willingness to engage culturally. This can help foster positive interactions.
- Basic phrases: Learn greetings like "Annyeonghaseyo" for hello.
- Politeness levels: Use formal language, especially with seniors.
- Volume: Speak at a moderate volume to respect peace.
- Body language: Enhance communication with friendly body language.
- Apologies: Acknowledge mistakes with polite apologies.
12. Blowing Nose
It's considered impolite to blow your nose in public places such as restaurants. Observing this custom avoids offending those around you.
- Toilets: Use restrooms if you need to blow your nose.
- Tissue usage: Carry tissues discreetly for emergencies.
- Sound: Keep the act as quiet as possible.
- Sneezing: Cover mouth and excuse yourself quietly if sneezing.
- Avoidance: Avoid sniffing openly as an alternative.
13. Queue Culture
Forming orderly lines and waiting patiently is a well-regarded custom in Seoul. Understanding this avoids conflicts and promotes fairness.
- Order: Request permission to join if uncertain where to queue.
- Patience: Wait patiently and avoid jumping lines.
- Space: Stand at a comfortable distance from those ahead.
- Forward motion: Advance as the line moves without cutting ahead.
- Direction: Follow any directional signs for lines.
14. Laughing in Public
Laughing loudly in public spaces is often seen as disruptive, especially in formal or subdued environments. This practice maintains the decorum and tranquility of shared spaces.
- Volume: Keep laughter and conversation mostly subdued.
- Context: Laugh openly only in appropriate, relaxed settings.
- Reactions: Mind surroundings to judge reaction acceptability.
- Avoid replicas: Don't imitate laughter unless it fits the context.
- Group scenarios: Manage group volume collectively.
15. Temple Behavior
When visiting temples, it's essential to speak softly, dress modestly, and show respect. This ensures a respectful interaction with holy and spiritual spaces.
- Photography: Ask for permission before taking photos.
- Entry: Remove hats and sunglasses before entering.
- Participation: Observe rituals, but only participate if invited.
- Food/drink: Avoid eating or drinking inside temple premises.
- Donations: Make small, respectful donations if possible.
16. Drinking Culture
Drinking is a social activity, often involving specific customs like pouring drinks for others rather than oneself. This helps to build camaraderie and show respect.
- Pouring: Never pour your own drink; refill for others.
- Toasts: Participate in toasts by making eye contact.
- Strength: Know your limits; it's okay to decline more drinks politely.
- Both hands: Use both hands when offering or receiving a drink.
- Elders: Allow elders to start or propose a toast.
17. Shopping Manners
In markets, it’s important to be polite, patient, and considerate, avoiding aggressive bargaining. This maintains positive vendor relationships.
- Bargaining: Bargain politely where appropriate.
- Politeness: Use a friendly tone with shopkeepers.
- Handling items: Don’t touch items excessively without intent to buy.
- Payment: Prepare cash, as credit cards aren't always accepted.
- Language: Try basic Korean phrases for a better shopping experience.
18. Internet Cafés (PC Bang)
In PC bangs, keep noise to a minimum, respect personal space, and refrain from eating messy food. This ensures a respectful gaming environment for all patrons.
- Hygiene: Clean up your station after use.
- Earphones: Use earphones to minimize sound.
- Time management: Monitor usage times to avoid fees.
- Equipment: Handle computers and peripherals carefully.
- Interaction: Maintain peaceful interaction with staff and users.
19. Personal Questions
Locals may ask personal questions to understand you better; responding politely strengthens social bonds. This shows openness and willingness to engage.
- Tone: Keep responses lighthearted or semi-casual.
- Explanations: Offer brief life details where comfortable.
- Interests: Discuss mutual interests when asked.
- Boundaries: Politely redirect if questions become too invasive.
- Curiosity: Recognize the curiosity as friendly interest.
20. Workplace Etiquette
In professional environments, observe hierarchical respect and formalities like exchanging business cards respectfully. This ensures professionalism and smooth working relations.
- Cards: Use both hands when giving and receiving business cards.
- Titles: Address colleagues by their titles and last name.
- Punctuality: Arrive on time for meetings and appointments.
- Consensus: Respect team consensus over individual opinion.
- Formality: Maintain formal dress codes and behavior.