Ten Rookie Mistakes to Avoid in South Korea and What to Do Instead

Quick answer: The biggest rookie mistakes in South Korea are about respect for age and rank: touching people casually, using informal language with strangers, taking drinks or handshakes with one hand, sitting in the wrong seat and eating before elders. Smoking in the wrong place and turning down a colleague's invitation are the other common slips. Learn these ten and you will fit in quickly.

Annyeonghaseyo! Let me guess, you are here because your adventure in South Korea is around the corner. You probably have some ideas about what you want to do and eat, and where you want to go in South Korea. Have some Ssamjang Chicken, visit Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, go on a shopping spree in Itaewon... Now, what about some things that you should avoid doing? No? Nothing? You will know ten soon enough. Let's get started!

Which mistakes should you avoid when greeting and talking to people in South Korea?

When in South Korea, you should try your best to avoid the following.

1. Using Nappeun Son (bad hands)

Casual touching can be seen as a taboo, or worse, a personal violation in South Korea, whether it be resting your hand on someone else's shoulder when taking a group photo or a light pat on someone's back. If you want to pose for a picture, try gesturing a peace sign. You can do so by forming a V-shape using your index and middle fingers. Want to get someone's attention? Say jam-shi-man-yo (that's "excuse me" in Korean).

2. Using informal language with strangers

When talking to a stranger in South Korea, you are strongly advised to use formal or polite language, also known as Haeyo-che, to avoid offending the people around you. Keep in mind that respect is deeply integrated in Korean culture, since hierarchy and social status are considered important. It never hurts to be courteous!

3. Offering a handshake to an elder, or shaking with one hand

It is impolite for a younger person to offer a handshake to an elder or someone considerably older, so do not do that. What is also disrespectful? You guessed it! Receiving a handshake from an elder with one hand. Receive handshakes with two hands. Here is a little trick: place your left hand on your right hand to accept the handshake and bow your head slightly to show gratitude!

Which public rules and street etiquette matter in South Korea?

4. Sitting randomly on public transport

One of these days, your good eyes will wander and notice a few brightly colored seats on Korean public transport (bright yellow in the image below). Those distinct colored seats are priority seats! Priority seats can often be seen on subways or public buses. They are typically reserved and left unattended. These priority seats are exclusively for elders and others who may need them. Be mindful of where you sit if you do not want any disapproving stares!

Fig.1. Casual ride on the bus in South Korea (source: Erin Song on Unsplash)

5. Smoking on the streets or in a bar

If you want to smoke, there are designated areas for that. Keep an eye out for the "Smoking Area" signs, as these are only common in downtown business areas, hospitals, government offices and large stores. A quick note: you should never smoke in areas where it is restricted, places with a lot of foot traffic, or near open doors and windows, or you could risk getting fined. Fines can be expensive, so check the current rules on the official Korean tourism and city websites.

How should you behave at meals and company gatherings in South Korea?

6. Receiving a cup of drink with one hand

This one shares a similar concept with number 3. When someone of a higher status, or someone older than you, offers you something, in this case a cup of drink, you should always accept it with both of your hands. Show them that you are appreciative of their help. Plus, you risk coming off as rude if you accept the glass with one hand. We do not want that, do we?

7. Sitting in someone else's spot at company gatherings

Ignoring dinner seating arrangements could be one of the most serious mistakes you can make. There are designated seats for everyone at the table. It can get quite complicated, so bear with me.

Say this is your first day at work and you are invited to an outing by your boss, along with your two seniors and your colleague who is the same age as you. The most honored person (determined by how important someone's role is in the organization) should be seated first at the middle of the table. In our case, this person would be your boss. The next person to be seated should be the second most important person in the room. That could be one of the seniors, followed by another. You, being the honored guest in our scenario, should be seated in the middle, opposite your boss, and the furthest away from the door.

8. Wearing your outdoor shoes inside a house or a restaurant

It is a commonly known fact that outdoor shoes are not allowed inside Asian households. South Koreans take it a step further, and this rule can apply to restaurants too. Do not worry, they will not let you enter the venue barefoot! Normally, they will prepare a pair of indoor shoes, or sil-nae-hwa, to keep your feet warm and comfy.

9. Eating before your elder

This one also plays on what is now a recurring theme of respect. It is considered impolite, and some would go as far as calling it rude, to start eating your meal before the elders or seniors at your table. Once food is served, check on the elders and seniors before you start on that Sundubu-jjigae!

10. Refusing an invitation

South Korea has a strong drinking culture. This is how many South Koreans socialize, so do not be surprised if your coworkers walk up to you and invite you for dinner afterwards. However, you should be very careful about how you respond. Turning down an invitation could suggest that you do not want to be friends with them. If you really cannot go, be sure to be extra polite with your words.

We did it! Now that you know ten things to avoid in South Korea, you are good to go.

FAQs

Is it rude to touch people in South Korea?

Casual touching, such as a hand on the shoulder or a pat on the back, can feel intrusive, especially with people you do not know well. Wave, say jam-shi-man-yo to get attention, and keep your hands to yourself.

How should I accept a drink or a handshake from an older person in South Korea?

Use both hands. Place your left hand on your right hand, and bow your head slightly to show thanks. Let the older person offer the handshake first.

What are the dining rules at a Korean company dinner?

Wait for your seat to be pointed out, because seats follow rank. Do not start eating before the elders or seniors at the table, and take off your outdoor shoes where the venue asks you to.

Can I say no when coworkers invite me to dinner in South Korea?

You can, but be very polite about it. Drinking and eating together is a big way colleagues bond, so a refusal without a kind explanation can look like you do not want to be friends.

Do I need to speak Korean to intern in South Korea?

No. Our host companies work in English, but a few polite Korean phrases help in daily life and show respect.

Ready to experience Korean workplace culture yourself? See our South Korea internship page or start with a look at how it works.