So I’m guessing you finally decided to visit South Korea. Well, Congratulations! But, before you get on your airplane, read this article so you learn some Korean culture and not offend anyone. Let’s get into it!
1. Tip? What is that?
Unlike the western world, there is no tipping culture in South Korea. Are you asking me if I’m sure? Well, as a South Korean, I can say, YES I’M SURE. In fact, when I moved to Canada and learned about the western world’s 20% tipping culture, I was shocked. But just because I said you don’t need to tip doesn’t mean tipping is an offensive gesture. If you want to tip your waiter/waitress because he/she did a great job, feel free to do so. (To learn more click here)
2. Taxis are great, but Buses and Subways are better!
Taxis start at three thousand won(around 2.7 dollars) and depending on your travel distance the price increases and can reach ten thousand won(around 9 dollars) very quickly, but buses and subways are only thirteen hundred won(around 1 dollar) and doesn’t care how far you go. Hence, in price comparison, buses and subways are much better than taxis.
Some might say that buses and subways are dangerous and dirty, but what they don’t know is that South Korea has one of the lowest crime rate in the world and has one of the best public transit system in the world. So, if you go to Korea and you need get some where, don’t take a taxi, but walk one more block to find your bus and subway station. (To learn more click here)
3. Ajumma (아줌마) is your best bet in traditional restaurants
Don’t be offended because your waitress never came back to your table and checked on you since she placed your food on your table. Unlike the western culture where the waitress checks on their customers every ten to fifteen minutes, in the South Korea, your waitress will only visit you when you actually need something. Then, how do they know when you need something? You simply scream, “Ajumma” and they will come running to your table asking if you guys need anything. “Ajumma” is a respectful Korean word for a married or old woman. If you don’t like the word “Ajumma”, you can call her “Imo”. Yes, it sounds like “emo”, but “Imo” actually means aunt in Korea. The reason we call them “Imo” is because South Koreans have “Jung(정)” which cannot be translated to any English word. (To learn more click here)
DISCLAIMER: REMEMBER, THIS TIP IS FOR TRADITIONAL RESTAURANTS ONLY AND CANNOT NOT BE USED AT MCDONALD’S, WAFFLE HOUSE, OR ANY MODERN WESTERN RESTAURANTS IN KOREA. FURTHERMORE, IF YOU SEE A CIRCULAR BUTTON ON THE END OF YOUR TABLE, INSTEAD OF CALLING THEM, JUST PRESS THAT BUTTON AND YOUR WAITRESS WILL COME.
4. We bow first, and then shake hands
It will be an awkward moment if you randomly try to shake someone’s hand in South Korea before bowing. Always, before shaking hands or doing any greeting gestures such as hugs, please bow first. Bowing in Korea is a respectful way of greeting people. If you go to restaurants, malls, or even amusement park, there will be male or female person in front of the gate bowing to greet you and that is not uncommon. So if you want to make South Korean friends, you can bow first, then shake hands, and have a great conversation! (To learn more click here)
5. The street is crowded
First, I would like to apologize to anyone who feels offended when someone hits them on the shoulder while walking on streets. Unfortunately, due to overpopulation in such small area (urban areas such as Gangnam or Myeongdong) your shoulders WILL be hit by another human being. There is no private space in South Korea, so don’t be offended if someone hits your shoulders. It’s not because they hate you or they are ignorant, but because they physically can’t avoid hitting you. (To learn more click here)
Insight 