Cultural Etiquette in Daily Life: What You Should Know

Living in Korea as an expat is exciting, but daily life comes with cultural norms that may be unfamiliar at first. Cultural shocks are frequent for recent immigrants or visitors as well. Understanding and respecting these unwritten rules can make your transition smoother and help you build better relationships with locals. 1. Respect for hierarchy: Age and status are important in Korean culture. It is common to bow slightly when greeting someone older, and using polite language (존댓말) is expected. When in doubt, it is better to use more formal language to show respect. 2. Dining etiquette: The oldest person at the table always begins eating first. Drinking culture is also strong in Korea and comes with its own norms. It is polite to pour drinks for others rather than for yourself, especially for seniors. If someone pours a drink for you, hold your glass with both hands. 3. Shoes off indoors: In homes and some traditional restaurants, always remove your shoes at the entrance. This is why there is often a designated area and cabinets for storing shoes. Wearing indoor slippers is common and helps keep the space clean. 4. Public behavior: Speaking loudly on public transportation or making phone calls in quiet spaces such as subways is generally frowned upon. Koreans value calm and order in shared environments out of respect for others. 5. Gift giving: Small gifts when visiting someone’s home are appreciated. Fruits, snacks, or something from your home country are all thoughtful options. Adjusting to these customs may take time, but practicing them shows appreciation for Korean culture and helps you feel more at home. Make sure to check the KLiK Lounge for more tips!