Korean etiquette comes down to a few simple habits: a slight bow when you greet someone, two hands when you give or receive, and shoes off indoors. Get these right and locals will warm to you immediately. This guide covers the everyday manners that matter most for visitors — greetings, dining, drinking, public transport, and the small taboos that are easy to trip over. None of it is hard, and nobody expects perfection from a foreign guest.
Last updated: June 2026.
How do you greet someone in Korea?
Greet people with a slight bow from the waist — a small nod for casual situations, a deeper bow to show more respect. A handshake is common too, especially in business: offer your right hand and lightly support your right forearm with your left hand, which signals politeness. Say “Annyeonghaseyo” (안녕하세요), the all-purpose “hello.” Tip: a bow plus “annyeonghaseyo” works in almost any first meeting — at a shop, a guesthouse, or a restaurant.
When do I take my shoes off in Korea?
Take your shoes off whenever you step up onto a raised floor. That includes Korean homes, hanok (한옥) guesthouses, temples and temple-stay rooms, and traditional restaurants with floor seating. The cue is usually a small step-up and a row of shoes by the door. Wear clean, hole-free socks — you will be in them more than you expect. Tip: slip-on shoes save you a lot of bending over during a day of sightseeing.
Why do Koreans give and receive with two hands?
Using two hands shows respect when you hand over or accept something — money, a gift, a business card, or a drink. If two hands are awkward, use your right hand while lightly touching your right arm with your left. This matters most with elders, hosts, and anyone serving you. Receiving change at a shop with both hands is a small gesture locals notice and appreciate.
What are the rules for drinking with Koreans?
Never pour your own drink — pour for others, and they will pour for you. When pouring for someone older or senior, hold the bottle with both hands. When an elder pours for you, hold your glass with both hands to receive it. If you drink in front of someone much older, it is polite to turn your head slightly away from them as you sip. These soju-table customs are the heart of Korean social drinking.
- Keep an eye on others’ glasses and top them up when nearly empty.
- It is fine to decline alcohol — cover your glass or sip slowly; nobody will force you.
- The youngest person often pours first and clears the table.
What is the etiquette on Korean buses and subways?
Leave the priority seats empty. The clearly marked pink and light-blue priority seats (교통약자석) are reserved for elderly, pregnant, and disabled riders — locals leave them open even when the car is packed. Keep phone calls short and quiet, use earphones, and swing a backpack around to your front in a crowded car. Tip: on escalators, people generally stand rather than split left/right — just follow the crowd.
Do you tip in Korea?
No — Korea has no tipping culture. Restaurants, taxis, cafes, and hotels do not expect tips, and leaving extra cash can cause confusion. Prices are all-in; the only common add-on is a service charge already printed on the bill at some high-end hotels. Save your coins for the convenience store.
What are the top Korean do’s and don’ts?
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Bow slightly when greeting | Stick chopsticks upright in rice (a funeral image) |
| Give and receive with two hands | Write someone’s name in red ink (linked to death) |
| Take shoes off on raised floors | Tip at restaurants, taxis, or cafes |
| Pour drinks for others, not yourself | Blow your nose at the dining table |
| Keep priority seats free | Point at people with a finger or your feet |
| Hold onto your trash until you find a bin | Be loud on the phone in public transit |
Note on the number 4: like the Western unease with 13, the number 4 (사) sounds like the word for “death,” so some buildings label the fourth floor “F” in elevators. It is a curiosity, not something you need to worry about.
FAQ
How should you dress when visiting temples and traditional sites?
Cover your shoulders and knees at temples, palaces, and hanok villages — you do not need to be formal, but modest and neat goes a long way. Tank tops, very short shorts, and swimwear feel out of place inside temple halls such as those at Bulguksa or Jogyesa, and staff may ask you to wait outside or wrap a shawl over bare shoulders before entering. Palaces like Gyeongbokgung are more relaxed about clothing, but many visitors choose to rent a hanbok (한복) for the day — wearing one actually gets you free palace admission, and it photographs beautifully against the old gates and courtyards. Local tip: rental shops near Gyeongbokgung’s west gate are usually a little cheaper and less crowded than the ones directly across from the main entrance, and most let you keep the outfit until the evening, so you can wander after the day-trippers clear out.
Footwear matters more than most visitors expect. At temple stays and some traditional guesthouses you will be walking on wooden floors and thin cushions for hours, so bring socks without holes and avoid anything too tight — Koreans often slip shoes on and off dozens of times a day, so slip-on trainers or loafers beat lace-ups. If you plan to visit a working temple rather than just a tourist site, keep noise down inside the main hall, do not step over anyone who is bowing or seated on the floor, and avoid pointing your feet directly at a Buddha statue or another person, which is considered mildly disrespectful. Photography is normally fine in courtyards but often restricted inside the main worship hall — look for a small sign or simply watch what other visitors are doing before raising your camera.
Choosing hanbok rental versus a museum-style visit comes down to what you want from the day. A hanbok rental (typically ₩15,000–₩40,000 for a few hours, as of 2026 — prices can change, so check current rates before booking) suits travellers who want photos and free palace entry and don’t mind a bit of a costume-tourist feel. Skipping the rental and dressing modestly in your own clothes suits travellers who prefer to move faster between sites or who are visiting several palaces in one day, since swapping in and out of hanbok at each stop eats up time. Either way, comfortable, closed-toe shoes make the day easier than sandals, since Korean palace grounds are gravel and stone rather than paved paths.
Do I need to bow to everyone in Korea?
No. A small nod is enough for everyday situations like entering a shop or thanking a server. Save the deeper bow for formal introductions or meeting someone clearly senior.
Is it rude to not speak Korean?
Not at all. English is common in tourist areas, and translation apps work well. Learning just “annyeonghaseyo” (hello) and “gamsahamnida” (thank you) goes a long way and is always appreciated.
Can I refuse alcohol without offending anyone?
Yes. Politely declining is fine — say you don’t drink or are driving. You can also accept a glass and just sip slowly. The social gesture matters more than the drinking.
Why do people leave subway seats empty when the train is full?
Those are priority seats for elderly, pregnant, and disabled passengers. Koreans keep them free out of respect, even during rush hour, so it is best to stand rather than sit in them.
Explore more Korea Go Now guides
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- Master Korean table manners and how to order
- Get around with our Busan subway guide
- Plan your trip with the perfect 3-day Busan itinerary