Korean Etiquette Guide: What NOT to Do in Korea

Korean Etiquette Guide: What NOT to Do in Korea

 

If you're a foreigner visiting or living in South Korea for the first time, you need to know more than just sightseeing. It's important to understand cultural differences and be polite.
Here are some things you should never do in Korea!

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1. Don’t speak loudly in public places

In Korea, maintaining quiet and respectful behavior in public spaces is seen as a sign of maturity and consideration. Places like subways, buses, elevators, and even cafés are typically quiet, and Koreans are generally sensitive to noise in shared environments. Speaking loudly, laughing boisterously, or talking on the phone at full volume can make others uncomfortable or even annoyed.

This is especially true on public transportation. You’ll often see signs asking passengers to put their phones on silent mode and to refrain from phone calls. Even when groups of friends are traveling together, they tend to speak softly.

If you’re unsure of what’s appropriate, observe the people around you. If it’s quiet, keep your voice low or save the conversation for later.

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2. Don’t stick chopsticks into your rice

In Korean culture, sticking your chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice is deeply offensive because it resembles a traditional ritual performed during funerals. At memorials for deceased ancestors, a bowl of rice with two upright chopsticks is offered at the altar — a gesture symbolizing respect for the dead.

Doing this at the dinner table, even unintentionally, may make those around you feel uncomfortable or disrespected. If you need to rest your chopsticks, use a chopstick rest or place them neatly across the bowl instead.

It's one of the most symbolic taboos in Korean dining culture, so avoid it completely — even as a joke.

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3. Don’t pour your own drink at a group dinner

Sharing drinks in Korea, especially alcohol like soju or beer, follows its own etiquette. When you're dining or drinking with others, it’s considered impolite to pour your own drink. Instead, you should wait for someone else to pour for you — and in return, you offer to pour drinks for others.

It’s also customary to hold your glass with both hands when someone senior or older pours you a drink. If you’re pouring for someone older, use two hands as well. These gestures show respect and acknowledgment of hierarchy within the group.

Forgetting this rule can come across as selfish or disrespectful. In Korean culture, drinking is a social experience built on mutual care.

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4. Don’t touch someone’s head

In some cultures, patting someone on the head may be seen as affectionate or friendly — but in Korea, the head is considered the most sacred and personal part of the body. Touching someone’s head, especially if you’re not close or if they’re older than you, can be extremely offensive.

Even ruffling a child’s hair should be done with caution, and never assume it’s acceptable with adults. If you need to get someone’s attention or express affection, a light touch on the arm or shoulder is much more appropriate.

Unless you have a very close relationship, avoid any gestures that involve touching the head — it could come off as condescending or disrespectful.

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5. Don’t blow your nose in public

Blowing your nose loudly in public — particularly while eating or sitting close to others — is considered bad manners in Korea. While it may be normal in some Western countries to blow your nose at the table or on public transport, in Korea, it’s seen as unhygienic and impolite.

If you have a cold or allergies and need to blow your nose, it’s best to excuse yourself and go to the restroom or a private area. Sniffling occasionally is actually more tolerated than loud nose blowing.

Always carry tissues and be discreet. Koreans appreciate when visitors are considerate of shared spaces.

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6. Don’t point with your finger

Pointing directly at someone with your index finger can be interpreted as rude or even aggressive in Korea. It may seem harmless, but gestures like pointing at people (especially strangers or elders) are viewed as confrontational.

Instead, if you need to indicate a person or object, gesture with your whole hand — palm open, fingers together — or use a subtle nod. This softer, less direct gesture is a polite alternative.

Pointing at someone might work in your home country, but in Korea, it’s better to be indirect and respectful in body language.

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7. Don’t ignore age hierarchy

Korean society places a strong emphasis on age and status. When meeting someone for the first time, it's common to ask their age — not out of curiosity, but to determine the proper level of speech and behavior.

Younger people are expected to speak politely (using formal speech, or “존댓말”) to elders or those in higher positions. Ignoring these nuances can seem disrespectful, even if your intentions are good. It’s also important to bow slightly when greeting or thanking someone older or senior.

If you're unsure, always err on the side of formality. Koreans will appreciate your effort to be respectful, even if you make small mistakes.

 

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Final Tip: Respect is the key

Korean society values harmony, humility, and mutual respect.
Even if you make small mistakes, showing a respectful attitude goes a long way.

 

 

 

If you have questions or want more guides, feel free to leave a comment!

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Korean culture tips, travel etiquette Korea, what not to do in Korea, Korean manners, Korean behavior rules, Korean dos and don’ts

 

 

 

 

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