Welcome to Korea! If it’s your first time visiting, get ready for some amazing food, incredible sights, and… a few unexpected surprises!
Korea is a fantastic country to visit, but cultural differences can sometimes catch foreigners off guard. To help you blend in like a pro, here are 10 common mistakes that many travelers make—and how to avoid them!
1. Tipping in Restaurants (Big No-No!)
Mistake: Leaving a tip after a meal
Solution: No tipping! Service charges are included, and tipping can actually confuse waiters.
Fun Fact:
- In the U.S., tipping is expected (15-20%!), but in Korea, it's unnecessary and even awkward.
- Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and servers do not expect tips—but a polite "감사합니다 (thank you)" is always appreciated!
2. Talking Loudly on Public Transport
Mistake: Chatting loudly on the subway or bus
Solution: Keep your voice down—especially during rush hour!
Korean Culture Tip:
- Silence is golden on public transport. Many people use this time to rest or even nap.
- If you're on a phone call, Koreans usually whisper or move to a less crowded area.
K-Drama Example:
Watch any K-drama subway scene—notice how quiet it is? Yep, that's real!
3. Sitting in Reserved Seats on the Subway
Mistake: Sitting in the silver seats even when they’re empty.
Solution: Those are for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and disabled individuals.
Did You Know?
- In Korea, respect for elders is a big deal.
- Even if the seat looks available, it's best to leave it open just in case someone who needs it gets on.
Subway Hack:
- Use the regular seats if you're not in the priority group.
- Some subway apps show which train cars are less crowded—super helpful!
4. Assuming Everyone Speaks English
Mistake: Expecting fluent English everywhere.
Solution: Learn a few basic Korean phrases—locals appreciate the effort!
Survival Korean:
- Hello: 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
- Thank you: 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)
- Excuse me: 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida)
Korean Travel Hack:
- Use Papago or Google Translate for real-time translations!
5. Sticking Chopsticks Upright in Rice
Mistake: Leaving chopsticks stuck vertically in a rice bowl.
Solution: Lay them flat or place them on a chopstick rest.
Why?
- It looks like a funeral ritual (offering food to the dead).
- Koreans find it bad luck and inappropriate at the dining table.
Dining Pro Tip:
- Don't pass food chopstick-to-chopstick—this also mimics a funeral custom!
6. Expecting Napkins & Trash Cans Everywhere
Mistake: Looking for public trash cans (spoiler: they’re hard to find!).
Solution: Carry a small bag for your trash and dispose of it at home or in a café.
Why?
- Korea removed many street trash cans to reduce littering.
- In restaurants, napkins can be tiny—you might want to bring some tissues!
Where to Throw Trash?
- Convenience stores often have bins (but check if it’s recycling or general waste).
7. Pouring Your Own Drink in a Group
Mistake: Pouring yourself a drink without offering to others first.
Solution: In Korea, someone else pours for you—and you pour for them!
Drinking Etiquette:
- Use both hands when pouring for someone older than you.
- Turn your head slightly away when drinking with elders—it’s a sign of respect!
Pro Tip:
- If your glass is empty, someone will likely refill it for you. Just wait!
8. Jaywalking Whenever
Mistake: Crossing the street when the light is red (even if no cars are coming).
Solution: Wait for the green light! Koreans follow traffic rules more strictly.
Why?
- Korea has strict pedestrian laws, and jaywalking can result in fines!
- Many intersections have CCTV cameras monitoring pedestrian activity.
Safety First:
- Even locals will wait at an empty crosswalk—follow their lead!
9. Expecting PDA Everywhere
Mistake: Kissing or hugging publicly like in Western countries.
Solution: Keep PDA low-key—holding hands is fine, but making out? Not so much.
Why?
- Korea is more conservative about public affection.
- K-dramas may show romance, but real-life couples are more subtle.
Do Koreans Date Differently?
- Yes! Skinship is usually more private, and couple culture is HUGE (matching outfits, anniversary gifts, etc.).
10. Assuming All Korean Food Is Super Spicy
Mistake: Avoiding Korean food because you think everything is too spicy.
Solution: Many dishes are mild! Just ask: “안 매운 거 있어요?” (Do you have non-spicy options?)
Mild & Delicious Korean Dishes:
- Bibimbap (비빔밥) – Mix it yourself, go easy on the chili paste!
- Samgyetang (삼계탕) – Chicken soup, very mild.
- Jjajangmyeon (짜장면) – Black bean noodles, no spice at all!
Ready for Korea? Avoid These Mistakes & Travel Like a Local!
Korea is an amazing country to visit, and knowing these tips will help avoid awkward situations and impress locals!
Which mistake surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!
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