Dress etiquette by place

Few temples have a formal dress code, but since they are places of practice, it is polite to dress modestly and avoid very revealing clothes. Outfits that cover the shoulders and knees are a safe choice. Many temples sit in the mountains, so bring comfortable walking shoes and a layer suited to the season.

Take off your shoes before entering the hall, and remove your hat and sunglasses as well. The central door is often reserved for monks, so use the side doors. Stay quiet during services, and since photography inside is prohibited in many halls, check the posted guidance.

At a temple stay, the temple usually lends participants a practice uniform to wear during the program. You typically bring your own comfortable underlayers, socks and toiletries. Mountain temple mornings and evenings can be chilly, so pack an outer layer and check the temple's list of things to bring.

Seoul's palaces have no particular dress code, so you can explore in comfortable clothes. The grounds are large and include dirt and stone paths, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. In summer some areas have little shade, so bring a hat and water, and in winter a windproof layer.

Jongmyo Shrine and the Joseon royal tombs are sites for royal ancestral rites, so visit quietly and calmly. There is no specific dress code, but neat clothing suits the setting better than loud outfits. Some sites set how visits are conducted, such as guided tours, so check official information.

Few enforce a strict dress code, but smart casual is a safe level of dress for fine dining. It is best to avoid athletic wear and slippers. Some restaurants mention dress expectations in their reservation information, so check in advance.

At restaurants with floor seating you take your shoes off, so wear clean socks. Short skirts or tight trousers can be uncomfortable when sitting on the floor for a long time. Leave your shoes neatly at the entrance or put them in the shoe rack.

Taking off your shoes at the entrance is standard in Korean homes, so wear clean socks. If it is your first visit or elders live there, neat clothing makes a good impression. You may end up sitting on the floor, so choose clothes that are comfortable for that.

In a jjimjilbang you wear the outfit handed to you at entry while using the shared areas. Since these spaces are mixed-gender, you need to be in that outfit. The bathing areas are separated by gender, and there you wash without clothes. Whether towels and outfits are included varies by facility, so check at the entrance.

Generally, swimsuits are not worn in the bathing areas of Korean public bathhouses; people bathe fully undressed. Washing your body thoroughly before getting into the baths is basic etiquette. Water parks and spa facilities where swimsuits are worn are separate, so check what kind of facility you are visiting.

Most indoor swimming pools in Korea require swim caps. Hotel pools and water parks may have different rules. Shower before swimming, and since some pools also have rules about swimwear types, check the facility's guidelines before you go. Some pools sell caps on site.

At Korean beaches you will see bikinis and regular swimsuits, but many people also wear rash guards to block the sun. Topless sunbathing is not customary. When heading to nearby restaurants or streets, it is best to throw something on over your swimwear.

Many Korean gyms require indoor-only sneakers, and some lend workout clothes and towels. Gyms often ask you not to enter in the shoes you wore outside. If you buy a day pass, ask in advance whether clothing rental is available and what the rules are.

If you visit during a service or Mass, wear neat clothing that is not revealing. Historic cathedrals popular with tourists are still places of prayer, so look around quietly. Refrain from taking photos during services and follow any posted guidance.

National cemeteries and memorial sites honor those who died, so neat clothing in subdued colors is appropriate. Avoid flashy outfits or clothes with joking slogans. Stay quiet in the memorial areas, keep photos respectful and follow the posted guidance during your visit.

Tours to the DMZ and the Joint Security Area visit military zones, so they may set rules on dress and behavior. Some, for example, restrict overly revealing clothing or garments with certain slogans. Rules can change, so be sure to check the guidance for the tour you booked before the day.

Some clubs set their own dress standards, such as turning away people in slippers, shorts or athletic wear. Rules vary by club and can change from night to night. Clubs check ID at the door, so be sure to bring identification such as your passport.

Many Korean golf courses have dress rules, such as requiring collared shirts or banning jeans and slippers. Some also recommend wearing a jacket when entering the clubhouse. Rules differ from course to course, so check the details when you book your round.

Most Korean performance venues have no dress code, so neat everyday clothes are enough. Some people dress up a little more for special performances or opening nights. Take off large hats that could block the view of people behind you, and switch off your phone during the show.

In Korea, many people wear full hiking outfits and boots even for nearby hills. You do not have to match that look, but non-slip shoes and quick-drying clothes help keep you safe. Many trails pass through temple grounds, so walk quietly when you go through them.