14 Common Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting South Korea

When visiting Korea for the first time, it is easy to fall prey to these common mistakes. I had a read of this list to help prepare me for a culture shock when I go to South Korea.

I thought we should re-post this since South Korea reopened without a vaccine requirement.

DON’T Sit There! Elderly seats on Subways

There are designated seats on the subway for elderly, sick, or pregnant people in Korea. It's a good idea to sit in one if no one needs your help. You would be wrong. Don't sit there when nobody is around, and don't sit there when the train is full.

They are usually marked in Korean and English, but if there is no English, it is easy to see and understand the signs.

DON’T Stick Your Chopsticks in Rice

It is a common Korean mistake and not polite in most Asian countries. It might be a good idea to stick your chopsticks in rice. Resist. They should be placed on the side of the plate. It has been said that if you put them in rice, it has death connotations.

DON’T Write a Name in Red Ink

It's very bad luck to write someone's name in red ink in Korea because of the superstitions surrounding this. The names of dead people were written in red ink on funeral banners and in family registers.

DON’T Refuse Soju

You could get away with it if you don't drink alcohol and stick to it. If you are at a table drinking beer and someone pours you some soju, don't refuse it. Even if you think it tastes like petrol.

DON’T Forget to Pour Drinks Properly

If you want to show your respect for the people you are drinking with, it would be good to pour them a drink. Make sure you do this correctly. Pour slowly from the bottom of the bottle if you hold it with one hand.

You shouldn't pour your own before everyone else. If you are very careful, make sure to pour the oldest one first.

DON’T Face an Elder while Doing a Shot

You need to be careful when taking the shot since all the drinks are poured. Don't look into the eye of the person who poured the shot. Look to one side and hold your elbow and shoot your drink, then return to the table and replace your glass.

Why?

It shows respect.

DON’T Blow Your Nose in Public

Sniffing constantly is better than blowing your nose in public, which is considered very rude, in Korea and Japan. Hold it in until you can and excuse yourself to the bathroom.

DON’T Receive with One Hand

In Japan, taking a gift or business card with one hand is against the law. You should respectfully use both hands with business cards.

DON’T Talking Loudly on Public Transport

Don't talk loudly in general. respect those close and be aware of your surroundings. This also means not playing games, playing loud music, or making a call on the phone.

This is a cultural faux-pas in Japan.

DON’T Wear Shoes In Someone’s House

Before stepping onto the raised threshold and into the house, you should remove your shoes. It is impolite to keep your shoes on.

DON’T Forget Socks

You will often have to take your shoes off. It's best to always wear socks or carry some with you, because you don't want to have to put your stinky bare feet into someone's clean slippers.

It is a good idea to make sure you are always wearing good socks, or no socks with holes in.

DON’T Rush to Call Someone their First Name

It is polite to say hello to someone by their last name in Korea. Only close friends call people by their first names. Kim is the second name, or family name, for example. His first name is "Jong Un".

Everyone should not be assumed to be called Kim. It is a common surname. Common surnames are not limited to Korea only. Similar to Smith or Jones in the UK.

If you meet Mr. or Mrs. first, call their family name.

DON’T Rush To Eat

It is polite to wait for the eldest before eating in Korea. If you are dining at someone's house or with someone's family, this is true.

DON’T Assume People Speak English

It doesn't mean everyone in Korea speaks English. You would be surprised by how few do. It's best to learn some key phrases before you leave, and make sure you have a translator on your phone.

Common Mistakes When Visiting Korea: A Final Note…

You are being introduced to a lot of new things. You may make some mistakes when visiting Korea. All of them! You have to try and respect the rules of the society and culture.

Have fun!

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