Korea
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Korea?
We asked people in Korea if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting Korea. It is considered rude to point with your index finger, so it is best to use an open hand when gesturing. It is also important to show respect to elders by bowing when greeting them. It is also important to remove your shoes when entering someone's home or a temple. Additionally, it is important to avoid public displays of affection, as this is considered inappropriate in Korean culture. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and etiquette when dining, such as not leaving chopsticks sticking upright in a bowl of rice," said another expat in Korea.
"Tipping...there is NO tipping in South Korea - period. Not for waitresses, taxi drivers, Concierges, Room Service, ANYTHING. They take pride in what and how they do things they are paid to do. Tipping is an insult. Business Cards are a BIG thing. When given a business card, actually take 30 or so seconds to look at it. Put it in a shirt pocket or your wallet. Do NOT put it in your back pocket and sit on it. The card is a reflection of the person," wrote a member who made the move to Chinhae, Korea.
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William RussellWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Korea?
- How do I find a place to live in Korea?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Korea?
- What is the average cost of housing in Korea?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Korea?
- What should I pack when moving to Korea?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Korea?
- Why do people move to Korea?
- What are healthcare services like in Korea?
- What are medical services in Korea like?
- What are typical rents in Korea?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Korea?
If you live in Korea, newcomers to Korea would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.