Korean etiquette isn’t about memorizing rigid rules—it’s about showing consideration and respect for others. Whether you’re visiting for a short trip or planning to live in Korea, understanding a few cultural habits can help you make good impressions and navigate daily life with ease.
Greetings That Open Doors
The simplest and most universal greeting in Korea is a slight bow paired with a warm “안녕하세요” (annyeonghaseyo). You don’t need to bow deeply; just a small nod shows respect. Handshakes are also common, especially in business settings, but they’re often done with a twist: the left hand supports the right wrist, signaling humility and sincerity.
When giving or receiving something important—like a gift, a document, or a business card—using two hands is the polite choice. It shows you value the interaction, not just the object itself.
Names and Titles: Why They Matter
Unlike in some Western cultures, where first names are quickly used, Koreans place a lot of importance on titles. Using someone’s title with their family name is both respectful and safe:
- Kim seonsaengnim → Mr./Ms. Kim, teacher/professional
- Park sajangnim → CEO/President Park
- For peers, adding 씨 (ssi) after the name works politely.
- 님 (nim) → Recently, younger Koreans have begun using nim more broadly, particularly with colleagues or even strangers. Nim carries a tone of importance, but some interpret this trend as reflecting an endless desire for respect.
Skipping titles and going straight to first names can come across as overly casual, especially in professional or new social settings.
At the Table: Dining Etiquette
Eating together is central to Korean culture, and following a few simple customs makes the experience smoother:
- Wait for the eldest or host to start before you do.
- Pour drinks for others—never just your own glass. In turn, let others pour for you. Use two hands when holding the bottle or glass.
- Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice—it resembles funeral offerings.
- Slurping isn’t as common as in some neighboring countries, so keep it neat.
- Try to finish what you take. Minimizing food waste is a sign of respect and appreciation.
Public Spaces: Quiet Consideration
Korea’s public transport is famously efficient, but it comes with unspoken rules:
- Keep voices low on subways and buses. Phone calls are generally avoided in tight spaces.
- Priority seats are strictly respected for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Even if they’re empty, it’s better not to sit there unless you clearly qualify.
- Trash cans can be scarce in public, so it’s common to carry your litter until you find one.
Shoes and Homes: Respecting Spaces
In almost every Korean home, you’ll be expected to remove your shoes at the entrance. Many traditional restaurants and guesthouses follow the same rule. Look for a shoe rack or a pair of indoor slippers as a cue.
Keeping the indoors clean is part of showing respect to the household. If you’re visiting someone’s home, slipping off your shoes naturally is one of the simplest ways to blend in.
Gifts and Gratitude
When visiting a home or meeting someone for the first time, bringing a small gift (fruit, snacks, or something thoughtful) is warmly appreciated. Always present it with two hands, and expect the recipient to accept it the same way.
A heartfelt “감사합니다” (gamsahamnida) is enough in the moment, but following up later with a short thank-you message shows extra care—something Koreans value.
The Two-Hands Gesture: Tradition vs. Modernity
Traditionally, giving or receiving something with both hands is the polite standard in Korea. But in modern culture, this is slowly shifting. Some younger Koreans feel that using two hands for small, everyday exchanges can seem overly formal—or even submissive.
That said, context matters:
- Use two hands in business, formal meetings, or with elders.
- One hand is fine in casual settings with close friends or when dealing with small, everyday items.
👉 A good rule of thumb: when in doubt, default to two hands—it’s always safer to be respectful.
Workplace Etiquette: Hierarchy and Harmony
Korean workplaces are shaped by hierarchy, though modern companies are evolving. Respecting seniority—through greetings, deference in meetings, or waiting for a manager to speak first—remains important. At the same time, teamwork and group harmony (called nunchi, or reading the room) matter more than bold individualism.
After-work dinners (hoesik) can be a key part of bonding. While heavy drinking culture is less intense than it used to be, showing willingness to participate—even with just a few drinks or staying for dinner—helps strengthen relationships with colleagues.
Digital Etiquette: The KakaoTalk Factor
In Korea, messaging etiquette is almost as important as face-to-face manners. KakaoTalk, the nation’s dominant app, is used for everything from chatting with friends to coordinating work projects. Leaving messages unread for long periods or giving curt, one-word replies can be seen as dismissive. Emojis and polite expressions often soften the tone.
Equally, group chats require awareness. Responding promptly, acknowledging updates, and not spamming with unnecessary messages show respect for everyone’s time. In many ways, digital etiquette mirrors offline courtesy—consideration first.
Flexibility Over Perfection
The most important thing to remember is that Koreans don’t expect foreigners to follow every rule perfectly. What matters is effort—the visible intention to be considerate. A simple bow, using two hands at the right moment, or offering your subway seat, will already show that you respect the culture.
In short, Korean etiquette is less about strict tradition and more about expressing thoughtfulness. If you lead with respect, you’ll find that locals warmly appreciate your efforts.