Most etiquette guides for Korea repeat the same handful of tips. These are the ones I actually notice Korean etiquette tourists get wrong, or don’t know about at all — the kind of thing you’d only really learn from a local.
Korean Etiquette Tourists Miss: Age Comes First
Korea runs on a strong sense of respecting age order — outside of work settings, older people are generally treated with priority by default. The clearest example: if you’re on a bus or subway and see an elderly person standing, you’re expected to offer your seat, not just glance around hoping someone else will.
There’s no tipping, and offering one can backfire
Korea doesn’t have a tipping culture. You pay exactly what’s on the menu, nothing more. If someone in the service industry ever asks you for a tip, that’s actually a red flag — you should say no, since asking for tips isn’t a normal or accepted practice here.
For more on ordering and eating out, see our guide on Korean convenience store snacks — or check back for our upcoming restaurant guide.
Banchan (side dishes) are often free refills
At Korean restaurants, you’ll usually get a spread of small side dishes (banchan) included with your meal, and at most places you can ask for more of them at no extra charge. Not every restaurant does unlimited refills, so if you’re not sure, just ask your server if you can get more — it’s a completely normal question.
Shoes off indoors, always
If you’re staying somewhere with a home-style interior — a guesthouse, a hanok stay, someone’s apartment — take your shoes off before entering. Wearing shoes indoors is seen as unclean here, not just informal.
Walking and escalator etiquette
Korea generally follows right-side walking. On escalators, the right side is for people standing still, and the left side is for people who want to walk past. If you’re dragging a suitcase, taking the elevator is usually the better call — just know that subway elevators are intentionally slow, since they’re designed with elderly and disabled passengers in mind, not speed.
If you’re taking a bus with a large suitcase, be aware that drivers can refuse to let it on board at their own discretion. It’s worth asking before you board rather than finding out the hard way.
Chopsticks over hands
Eating with your hands is generally viewed as a bit uncivilized in Korea, so if chopsticks feel awkward, it’s worth carrying a personal fork instead. Places that see a lot of foreign visitors often have forks available too, so don’t hesitate to ask.
“Thank you” goes a long way
Korea places a lot of value on politeness, and ending a sentence with “thank you” tends to smooth over almost any interaction. Koreans also tend to be genuinely moved when a foreigner makes an effort to speak Korean, so learning to say 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida — “thank you”) before your trip is a small thing that goes a long way.
Be mindful of scent on public transit
Koreans generally have a milder natural body odor, which makes people here more sensitive to noticing it in others. If you want to be considerate, wearing deodorant or a light, natural-smelling perfume on days you’ll be using public transportation is a thoughtful move.
Wear your backpack on your front on the subway
On crowded subway cars, it’s common courtesy to wear your backpack on your front rather than your back, so you’re not accidentally bumping into people behind you.
Priority seats stay empty, even if no one needs them
Subway cars have designated seats near the doors for elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers. Locals tend to leave these empty even when the train isn’t crowded and no one is currently using them — sitting there as a younger, able-bodied passenger can draw a sharp scolding, even if you’d happily get up the moment someone needed it.
Two hands when giving or receiving from someone older
When you hand something to — or receive something from — someone clearly older than you (a shop owner, a host, a stranger), it’s polite to use both hands, or at least support your arm with your other hand. Passing something with just one hand can come across as a bit dismissive.
Speak up to get a server’s attention
Korean restaurants generally don’t do the “hover nearby and make eye contact” approach that’s common elsewhere. Instead, you’re expected to call out — a simple “저기요” (jeogiyo, roughly “excuse me”) works, or many tables now have a call button. Sitting quietly and waiting to be noticed can mean waiting a long time.
Pointing and beckoning look different here
Pointing directly at someone with your index finger can come across as rude. If you need to point someone out, using your whole hand is safer. Similarly, if you want to call someone over, wave with your palm facing down and fingers together — the palm-up, finger-curl gesture common elsewhere is used for calling animals here, not people.
If you want to go deeper, this etiquette rundown covers a few more dining and greeting customs.