South Korean Etiquette Tips

If you're chowing down on some traditional Korean cuisine in South Korea, mind your manners! Never insult Korean food, as South Koreans are extremely proud of their cuisine, although they do understand if it's too spicy for some. Also, be careful what you do with your chopsticks. Never point or pierce food with them, and keep them on your chopstick rest side by side when you're not using them.

South Korean Etiquette Tips : guards keeping an eye on the palace in Seoul South Koreans are very proud of their heritage, so respect their pride and country's history by reading up on their etiquette. You will fit in much better and show respect for the people of South Korea. Below is a list of etiquette to help you out.

1. What to wear

DO dress modestly and conservatively for business occassions. Men should wear dark suits with white shorts and women should wear subdued colors as well.
DON'T wear jewelry if you're a man, aside from a wedding ring or watch.

2. Food/Drinks

DON'T sit until told where to sit.
DO note that the eldest are served first, and they also begin eating first.
DON'T use your chopsticks to point at something and never pierce food with your chopsticks.
DON'T cross your chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick rest.
DON'T eat with your hands.
DO try a little bit of everything. If you don't know what something is, ask!
DO refuse the first offer of second helpings, out of politeness.
DO eat everything served to you.
DON'T ever place your chopsticks parallel across the bowl. You can indicate that you're done eating by putting the chopsticks on the chopstick rest or simply on the table.
DON'T criticize Korean cuisine. South Koreans are very proud of their food and will be insulted if it's criticized.

3. Tipping

DON'T tip. It's not customary.

4. Gift Giving and Accepting Gifts

DON'T give someone an expensive gift if you know that they can't reciprocate. Gifts are always reciprocated in South Korean culture.
DO wrap gifts nicely. Red, yellow, or pink paper are preferred colors for wrapping paper. Red and yellow are royal colors and yellow and pink are considered happy colors.
DON'T wrap gifts in green, white, or black.
DON'T give gifts in multiples of 4, as it's considered unlucky. 7 is a lucky number, though.
DON'T open a gift upon receipt. You may open it later.
DO give gifts using both hands.
DON'T sign a card associated with a gift in red ink.

5. Greetings

DO shake hands upon meeting. A bow is also a traditional South Korean greeting. The person of lower status bows to the person of higher status, however the person of higher status will initiate a handshake.
DO say "man-na-suh pan-gop-sumnida" when initiating a bow. It means "pleased to meet you."
DO bid farewells to everyone individually accompanied with a bow when you leave a social setting.

6. Visiting Someone's Home

DO bring fruit, flowers, or chocolates for your host.
DON'T arrive more than a half hour late.
DO take your shoes off before going inside a home.
DO expect to be walked out, as it's seen as insulting to say good-bye to your guests inside.
DO send your hosts a thank you note the following day.

7. Business

DO try to have a third party to initiate business. South Koreans prefer to do business with someone they are already connected to. Business relationships grow through social gatherings that are informal and include food and drink.
DO be direct. South Koreans are direct, so be direct in return.
DO schedule meetings at least 3 weeks in advance.
DON'T be late.
DO send an agenda and other materials in advance. All materials should be printed in both English and Korean.
DON'T expect much business to be conducted in the first meeting, as the first meeting will primarily be to get to know each other.
DON'T take your jacket off until the person with the most seniority does.
DO have one side of your business card translated into Korean.
DO use both hands to present your business card and present it with the Korean side facing up.
DO treat business cards with utmost respect. When receiving it, examine it closely and don't write on it. Store business cards carefully.

8. Conversation

DO feel comfortable discussing the following: sports (particularly soccer), South Korea's economy and international achievements, the health of one's family, kites, and personal hobbies.
DON'T discuss politics, the Korean War, socialism, communism, or personal family matters.
DON'T confuse South Korea with other Asian countries.
DO be modest if someone compliments you.
DON'T be surprised if you're asked personal questions, such as your age or salary.

The etiquette list might seem a little overwhelming, but you'll catch on as you go! Just keep an open mind and be polite throughout your trip. Have a great trip to South Korea!