So, you’ve landed in South Korea—the land of K-pop, Korean dramas such as K Pop Demon Hunters, kimchi, and centuries-old traditions. Whether you’re here for a short vacation, studying abroad, or planning to live in Korea long term, you’ll quickly notice that Korea has unspoken social rules that may not exist back home. Here are the top South Korea mistakes to avoid, from table manners to subway etiquette. (My childhood bestie is married to a Korean, so I've been 10 times!)
One thing that keeps me coming back to Korea is how different it is from the Western world I am familiar with. It's fun to travel in a country that it so modern, yet still maintains its own traditional culture. As such, there are many little things that are very different from how one behaves in the West.
Scroll down for my list of the top mistakes not to make when visiting South Korea! For more Korea travel tips, click here (or here if you're on a solo female Korean vacation.)
1. Pressing the Button at Traffic Lights 🚦
In Korea, crosswalk buttons are typically for visually impaired people, not for speeding up the traffic light change. Pressing them will NOT make the green man come on faster.
Also do not jaywalk- jaywalking in busy areas can lead to fines. (And Korean drivers are pretty hardcore, so always pay attention to road safety. Don't be surprised to see cars and motorcycles drive up onto the pavement, especially outside of Seoul.)
✅ Do this instead: Wait patiently. If a crossing does require pressing a button, it will have a clear sign in English and Korean.
2. Tipping 💸🚫
Tipping is not customary in Korea.
In fact, on 1 of my first visits, the bell boy at Shilla Hotel Seoul turned down my tip. The only time I've been asked to tip in Korea was when the guide was not a local (He was a European who had married a Jeju native.)
✅ Do this instead: Say Thank you “감사합니다” (gamsahamnida) and maybe leave them a nice review online?
3. Leaving Your Shoes On Indoors 👟🚫
In almost all Asian cultures, shoes are ALWAYS removed before entering homes and some temples. Koreans often sit, sleep and eat on the floor- it's really cozy sleeping on a heated floor (ondol) in winter!
As an Asian, nothing gets me more worked up than guests walking in to my house with their shoes, even when I've told them not to!
✅ Do this instead: Slip off your shoes at the entrance. Most Korean homes will have a clear demarcation of the "shoe-allowed zone" (a small box right besides the entrance, usually at a different height to the rest of the home) and the "shoe-off zone" (the majority of the house/ premises.)
4. Bringing too many Toiletries
Korea is shopping heaven for beauty junkies- you can get many brands that you can't find in the States. In addition, Korea has a huge range of effective but inexpensive skincare and make-up brands. Not to mention all the free samples given when you shop!
In fact, 1 of my favourite things to do in Seoul is get a facial or hair treatment.
✅ Do this instead: Unless you have very specific skincare needs or sensitive skin, bring enough skincare to last for a few days then restock up when in Korea!
5. Using One Hand When Giving or Receiving ✋
Handing over money, cards, or gifts with one hand—especially to elders or in formal settings—is considered impolite.
✅ Do this instead: Use both hands, or support your right hand with your left. If you're unsure, check out Korean dramas to see what they do!
6. Being Loud on Public Transport 🤫
Korean subways and buses are quiet zones. Loud conversations, music without headphones, or phone calls will earn you stares—or even a telling off.
✅ Do this instead: Be quiet on the KTX train, bus, subway etc.
7. Assuming Everyone Speaks English 🗣️
Not everyone is confident speaking English, even if they understand it.
If you go to Korea expecting people- even people working in the tourism industry- to speak English, you will feel frustrated and it will make you enjoy your trip less.
This is especially true outside of Seoul- I had the receptionist at the 5-star Signiel Hotel in Busan tell me to turn left when it was really supposed to be turn right. Not a big deal, but it was annoying since it was pouring rain!
✅ Do this instead: Expect some miscommunication and think of it as a fun travel story to tell in future. Use Papago or Google Translate. (Click here for the essential free apps you need for traveling in Korea.)
8. Sitting in Priority Subway Seats 🚇
Priority seats form a good portion of the Korean subway system- almost 30%.
The seats near doors are reserved for the elderly, disabled, or pregnant women. Pink seats are always reserved for expectant mothers.
In addition, pay attention to the pink light. Some trains have a device that will emit a pink light signal when a pregnant woman carrying a particular Bluetooth sensor is onboard- the light will stay on till she finds a seat!
✅ Do this instead: Choose regular seats or stand. If not, take a taxi- they're not expensive in Korea.
9. Pouring Your Own Drink (When with Others)🍻
Korea is big on drinking etiquette and there are quite a few things to remember:
- In Korean drinking culture, pouring for yourself is considered unlucky or rude.
- If you're the youngest at the table, be ready to serve everyone first.
- If receiving a glass from someone older, hold it with your right hand, with your left palm underneath.) When drinking, turn away from the elder person and cover the mouth and glass with your hands.
✅ Do this instead: Read up on Korean drinking culture- there is so much to remember, it needs its own article!
10. Sticking Chopsticks Upright in Rice 🥢🚫
This resembles a funeral ritual and is considered extremely bad luck.
Having said that, I was shocked to see that some of my younger Korean friends do so.
✅ Do this instead: Place chopsticks on the provided rest or across your bowl when not in use (as shown above.)
11. Not Respecting Elders 🙇♂️
Korean society values hierarchy and respect for age. Speaking casually, sitting before an elder, or failing to greet them properly can be seen as disrespectful.
✅ Do this instead: Bow slightly when greeting, use polite speech, and let elders eat or sit first.
12. Showing Your Cleavage
Somewhat contradictorily, skirts are super duper short in Korea but even showing one's shoulders can be considered improper (if very traditional.) Generally, women don't show their cleavage in Korea.
✅ Do this instead: If you want to bare, bare your legs, not your top.
13. Pointing Impolitely 👉
Pointing directly at people, waving with your palm down, or beckoning with one finger can come across as rude.
✅ Do this instead: Gesture with an open hand, palm down, and avoid pointing directly at someone. (Or maybe try not to point at all!)
14. Not Confirming the Destination before Alighting from a Taxi
If you read about tourists complaint's about Korea, many of them are related to taxis (being overcharged etc.)
I've lost track of the number of times a taxi has dropped me off in the wrong place- sometimes in the middle of nowhere!
✅ Do this instead: Avoid paying and alighting from the taxi till you've confirmed on Kakao Maps or Naver Maps that you really are at the place you want to go to!
South Korea travel is a super fun place to travel in- it's modern yet full of rich tradition and is a place where small gestures matter. By avoiding these cultural mistakes, you’ll make your trip smoother, and maybe even form deeper connections with locals.
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