10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting South Korea [Do’s and Don’ts]
- Accept things using your two hands.
- Take off your shoes before entering someone’s house.
- Segregate your trash.
- Learn Korean basic words.
- Use your palm when calling a taxi.
- Don’t blow your nose in public areas.
- Don’t write someone’s name in red ink.
In this post
What should I avoid in Korea?
Here are 10 things you should never do in South Korea.
- Speak Loudly in Public.
- Sit Randomly When Using Public Transportation.
- Wear Revealing Clothes.
- Leave Your Chopsticks Stuck in Rice.
- Use One Hand to Receive or Give Things.
- Don’t Drink While Front-Facing The Elders.
- Don’t Start Eating Before the Elders.
What are the do’s and don’ts in Korea?
Do’s and Don’ts in Korea #1 : Korean Dining Etiquettes
- 1- Do: Wait Until Elders Start Eating Their Food.
- 2- Do: Chew with Your Mouth Closed and Try to Hide the Bones.
- 3- Do Not: Leave the Table Until You Are Done with the Meal.
- 4- Are You the Youngest Person in a Group?
- 1- Do: Make Sure Everyone’s Glass is Full.
What is disrespectful in Korea?
If it’s considered rude in your country, it’s probably considered rude in Korea. Things such as spitting, shouting, hitting people, swearing, and generally being obnoxious are definitely rude in Korea.
Is staring rude in Korea?
However, it is fair to say that many Koreans with international experience have figured out that staring is rude to most westerners. In the meantime, if you find yourself the victim of eyeball glares and analytical squints, just relax and turn up the volume on your iPod.
What are the rules in Korea?
Meeting & Greeting
- Bowing is the traditional way to greet in South Korea.
- Handshakes often accompany the bow among men.
- Your left hand should support your right forearm when shaking hands.
- Korean women do not always shake hands and may slightly nod instead of a full bow.
- Always bow to individuals when departing.
Is Ajumma rude?
Yes, some ajumma can be rude. The stereotypical ajumma is loud, tenacious, rude and relentless. Ajumma can also be nosy and nag a lot. These types are considered jinsang (진상 or obnoxious) ajumma, so not every ajumma is like this.
Is Seoul safe at night?
Seoul is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world, and you will find that most places are safe to walk around during the night without any worries.
Can you drink tap water in Korea?
The simple answer is yes, the water is potable. Tap water in Korea is safe to drink. But, if you fill up a glass of water from the sink and start to sip it in front of most Koreans, you might get some weird looks.
What does Aigoo mean?
Aigoo / 아이구: Geez, oh no, oops. Can be used in many different contexts, but usually it’s used to show frustration.
What does two fingers mean in Korean?
Your fist is the shape of a heart and your two fingers, which are the index and the thumb, are two main vessels. This Korean heart gesture is used to say “I like/love you” to someone and it’s commonly used to show how much you adore someone (e.g. K-Pop idol singers at a concert).
Is eye contact important in Korea?
Eye Contact: During a discussion or friendly conversation, make full eye contact with the person you are talking to. Avoid direct eye contact if you are scolded/rebuked by someone older or of a higher status than you. Some Koreans may also avoid eye contact with their superiors on a regular basis.
What time does Korean sleep?
Koreans go to bed after 11 p.m., and sleep for 7 hours and 59 minutes per night. They spent less than 40 minutes for each meal, and more than 2 hours for house chores every day. According to data released by Statistics Korea Monday, on average Koreans sleep 9 minutes longer than they did five years ago.
Which is the strict Korea?
North Korea is home to more than 25 million people, who live under a form of communist rule, which strictly controls all areas of daily life. People have to ask permission to travel around and it’s difficult for visitors to enter the country too.
What does hajima mean in Korean?
HAJIMA (하지마) means don’t do, don’t, or stop it, depending on the context. Whenever you hear JIMA (지마), it indicates a “don’t.” It is placed after a verb to make it negative. As explained in KWOW episode 55, you make a verb negative by…
What is Yobo in Korean?
You might have also come across the term “yobo.” Sometimes, 여보 (yeobo) is romanized as yobo. However, don’t be confused. Both of them mean “honey” in Korean.
What does Ahjussi?
The term ‘ahjussi’ is normally used for older men who you don’t properly know. It’s almost like the equivalent of calling a stranger ‘sir’ or ‘mister’, except it’s more age-specific. This is why the idea of a significantly younger woman and an older man is so contentious – because the age gap is simply too large.
Is Seoul English friendly?
The vast majority of English speaking tourists will go to the capital Seoul, which is good since this is where you will find the most English speakers. Staff in all the main hotels will all speak decent English, as will some younger people you meet on the street.
Should I go to Seoul or Tokyo?
The TZ Verdict on Seoul vs Tokyo
If you’d ask travellers who have been to both, some would say Seoul is better for first-time visitors. It’s generally cheaper, after all, especially if you’ll be travelling solo or with friends.
Which city is the safest in South Korea?
Safest Places in South Korea
- Seoul. Seoul’s urban areas are an amalgamation of the old with the new, and there are heaps of cool places to see around the city.
- Busan. The ROK’s 2nd largest city, Busan, is mostly known for its beaches, as Koreans flock here over the summer holiday for sun and sand.
- Jeju Island.
Do Koreans use toilet paper?
China, Singapore, Thailand, Korea, and Taiwan: In most Asian countries, it is very difficult to find toilet paper, even in stores. Some hotels may have it available in the guestrooms. If you need to use it, it is probably good for you to take your own to guarantee your stock.