🤝 Etiquette Tips: What’s Polite in Korean Culture?
Planning a trip to Korea or just started learning Korean? Understanding Korean etiquette is just as important as knowing how to say "Hello." From bowing to dining, Korea has deep-rooted traditions that reflect its respect-based culture. In this post, we’ll walk through key etiquette tips every visitor and language learner should know.
📚 Table of Contents
1. Bowing: The Universal Sign of Respect
In Korea, bowing is the basic way of showing respect. A slight bow when greeting someone older or saying thank you goes a long way.
2. Using Titles and Formal Speech
Calling someone by their name without a proper title (like “선생님” for teachers or “사장님” for business owners) can come across as rude. In Korean culture, honorifics and speech levels are very important.
3. Table Manners: Dos and Don’ts
- Wait for the eldest person to start eating.
- Don’t stick chopsticks upright in your rice—it resembles funeral rites.
- Use two hands when passing drinks or pouring for elders.
4. Removing Shoes Indoors
Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. Many traditional restaurants and guesthouses follow this custom as well.
5. Respect for Elders
Whether it’s giving up your seat on the subway or speaking formally, showing deference to elders is deeply embedded in Korean life. It’s a non-negotiable part of social harmony.
6. 🤔 Did you know?
According to a 2023 global survey, Korea ranks among the top 10 countries where respecting elders is most emphasized. More than 85% of respondents aged 20–39 in Korea said they would never talk casually with an elder unless invited to.
7. italki Class Invitation
💬 Want to dive deeper into Korean etiquette and culture while improving your Korean?
Book a 1:1 class with me on italki and get customized guidance! 🇰🇷🧡
