Home / Korea's Cultural Spotlight
September 30, 2024
Taking your shoes off in the house
it is customary to take one's shoes off at the entryway before entering a home in Korea. In fact, it is a sign of disrespect if you don not. Koreans have a special relationship with their floor, on which they sit and often sleep on, so a dirty floor can be thought of as intolerable. Some households may use indoor slippers, but it is far more common to walk around barefoot or in socks. In the bathroom, Koreans typically wear rubber slippers to prevent slipping.
Don't use your hand palm-up to call someone over
When gesturing for someone to come over to you or when hailing a cab, be sure your palm is facing down and you move all your fingers in one sweeping motion. Making this same gesture palm-up, as is common in many countries, is insulting in Korea because it’s how they call their dogs.
Accept and present things with both hand
Use both hands when accepting change or passing something at a dinner table or, more commonly, place your left hand on the inside of your right wrist as you extend your arm to pay.
Learn how to properly shake hands
When shaking hands, use both hands – or at least place your left hand on your right wrist for support. A slight bow of the head is also a polite gesture.
Don’t pour your own drinks
It’s generally considered impolite to pour your own drink. If you’re eating with others, let them fill your glass, and return the favor.
Don’t write a persons name in red ink
Never write someone’s name in red ink. This is a bad omen, as dead people’s names are written in red.
Two-handed Handshake
It's an age respect thing! Koreans follow a social hierarchy that is primarily based on age. Koreans differentiate between using two hands for shaking hands vs. one hand. One hand can be used by someone of higher rank to someone of lower rank, but not vice versa! It’s considered rude.
Incorrect assumption you can call people by their first name
The way you address Korean is based on the social hierarchy, and you shouldn’t call people by their first names until you are well versed in the culture and know when it’s appropriate to do so. Don’t assume you can call people by their first names. The safest way to handle this one is to ask that person how they would like to be called when you first meet them. Often that person will give you a version of their Korean name or their English name, allowing you to comfortably sidestep the complex name and title rules that Koreans live by.
Blowing your nose in front of others
Don’t blow your nose in front of others. If you feel like you need to clear out your sinuses in South Korea, best to excuse yourself and head to the restroom.
Handling business cards properly
When you exchange business cards at a meeting, your first instinct may be to put them in your pocket or to write some notes on them. Don’t do it! A Korean’s business card represents that person, so make sure you pay it the proper respect.
