Basic Korean etiquette

The most common greeting is a slight bow while saying 'annyeonghaseyo'. Bowing a little deeper shows extra respect to elders or people you are meeting for the first time. Handshakes are common in business, sometimes with the left hand lightly supporting the right forearm as a sign of respect.

In Korea, speech levels and forms of address can depend on relative age, so people sometimes ask when they first meet. It is usually meant to figure out how to address you, not to be rude. If you would rather not answer, a friendly smile and a change of topic is fine.

When handing items, money or business cards to elders or people you have just met, use both hands. If you use one hand, lightly touching your other hand to your wrist or elbow looks respectful. You will often see shop staff hand over cards and receipts with both hands too.

Always remove your shoes at the entrance of a Korean home. You will also take them off in floor-seating restaurants, hanok stays, temple halls and places like jjimjilbang. A shoe rack or a raised floor at the entrance is a good sign that shoes come off there.

Traditionally, you wait until the eldest person starts eating before you begin. Avoid sticking your spoon or chopsticks upright in rice, as it resembles ancestral rites. Koreans usually leave rice bowls on the table rather than lifting them to the mouth while eating.

Generally no. Tipping is not customary at restaurants, in taxis or at hair salons, because service is considered part of the price. Some upscale hotels add a service charge to the bill. If you try to tip, staff may be confused or politely decline.

Traditionally, yes. Many Koreans avoid writing a living person's name in red ink because of an association with writing the names of the deceased. Younger people may not mind much, but when writing cards or notes it is safer to use another color.

Some do, because 'sa' (four) sounds like the Sino-Korean word for death. You may notice elevators labeling the fourth floor 'F' instead of '4'. It rarely causes problems day to day, but some people avoid giving gifts in sets of four.

Keep your voice down on subways, buses and in museums. Phone calls should be short and quiet, and videos or music should go through earphones. Restaurants and bars are often lively and noisy, so normal conversation volume is fine there.

Korean has polite and casual speech levels, and you use polite forms with strangers and elders. As a visitor, simply ending sentences with '-yo' already sounds courteous. Rather than calling someone by their bare name, Koreans often add 'ssi' or use a title such as a job position.

Yes, curling your index finger to call someone can look rude. Instead, Koreans beckon with the palm facing down and fingers waving toward themselves. In restaurants, say 'jeogiyo' (excuse me) or press the call button on the table to get staff's attention.

Something to share, such as fruit, drinks or dessert, is a common choice. Offer it with both hands; your host may not open it right away. Take your shoes off at the door, and thank your hosts warmly after the meal.

People line up in order at bus stops, subway platforms, restaurants and shops. Popular restaurants often manage queues with a waiting list or a waiting app where you register and get notified. Cutting in line is considered very rude, so always join the back.

History and politics, North Korea, and comments about someone's appearance or weight can be sensitive depending on the person. When you first meet someone, food, travel, dramas and music are safe topics. If the other person does not bring up a sensitive subject, it is best to approach it carefully.

At most restaurants you pay at the counter near the entrance after eating; staff usually do not bring the bill to your table. Some places have you order and pay first at a kiosk or tablet. If your group wants to split the bill, mention it when you pay.

Yes. Respect for elders is a strong cultural value. People leave priority seats free for older passengers and greet elders first. At meals, the eldest usually starts eating first. Visitors are not expected to know every custom, but small gestures of respect make a good impression.

Take off your shoes before entering a temple hall, and use the side doors rather than the central one, which is traditionally reserved. Avoid photos and loud talk during services or when people are praying. Dress modestly, avoiding very revealing clothing.

Blowing your nose loudly at the dinner table can be seen as impolite, so step away briefly if you need to. Cover your mouth when you cough, and many people wear a mask when they have a cold. Spitting in public is also frowned upon.

'Gamsahamnida' or 'gomapseumnida' are the standard ways to say thank you. When leaving a shop, say 'annyeonghi gyeseyo' (stay well); the staff will say 'annyeonghi gaseyo' (go well). Even a few basic Korean phrases make interactions with locals much warmer.

Traditionally, the person who invited you or the oldest in the group often pays. Splitting the bill has also become common among friends. If someone treats you, a nice way to return the favor is to buy coffee or a meal next time.