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!...
"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," commented one expat who made the move to Chinhae, Korea.
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"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," remarked another expat in Korea.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Korea?
- How do I meet people in Korea?
- What is life like in Korea?
- Is there a lot of crime in Korea?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Korea accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Korea like?
- Is the cost of living in Korea high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Korea?
- What are healthcare services like in Korea?
- Is the cost of living in Korea high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Korea?
- What is the weather like in Korea?
- Are there good restaurants in Korea?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Korea?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Korea?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Korea?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Korea?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property 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 one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.
