12 Korean Etiquette Rules Foreign Travelers Should Know Before Visiting Korea
A practical guide to accommodations, subways, buses, and restaurants in Korea
Are you planning a trip to Korea?
Visiting Korea in real life, after seeing it in dramas, videos, and travel content, can be very exciting. But once you arrive, you may notice that some everyday customs are different from what you are used to.
Korea is a very convenient country for travelers. However, when using accommodations, public transportation, and restaurants, there are a few local rules that are helpful to know in advance.
This guide will introduce important Korean etiquette tips by place: accommodations, subways, buses, and restaurants. Knowing these small cultural differences can make your trip much more comfortable and enjoyable.
1. Accommodation & Indoors
Take off your shoes indoors
In Korea, it is common to take off your shoes before entering a home.
Hotels are usually an exception, but in Airbnbs, guesthouses, hanok stays, and Korean homes, you will usually need to remove your shoes at the entrance.
Korea has a traditional floor-heating system called ondol. Because of this, indoor floors are not just for walking. People may sit, rest, or even sleep on the floor.
If you see a shoe rack or indoor slippers near the entrance, take off your shoes there.
If slippers are provided, you can wear them indoors. If not, socks or bare feet are usually fine.
Traveler Tip
If you see other people’s shoes near the entrance, it is probably a place where you should take off your shoes.
Take a moment to look around before entering.
2. Subway
Leave priority seats and pregnancy seats empty
Korean subways have special seats for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and others who may need them.
The seats at the ends of subway cars are usually priority seats.
Pink seats are reserved for pregnant women.
Many countries have priority seats, but in Korea, people often leave these seats empty even when no one is sitting there. This is especially true for the pink pregnancy seats.
As a foreign traveler, you may wonder, “Why is no one sitting there if the seat is empty?”
In Korea, leaving these seats open means that people who really need them can use them at any time.
Let people get off before you get on
When using the subway or an elevator in Korea, let people get off first before you enter.
If you try to get on as soon as the doors open, you may block people who are trying to get out. This can make the process slower and uncomfortable for everyone.
When waiting for the subway, stand to the side of the doors.
After people get off, you can get on.
This is the safest and fastest way to board.
Be mindful of the flow on escalators
On subway escalators in Korea, people often stand on one side while others pass on the other side, especially during busy hours.
However, you may also see safety signs asking people not to walk on escalators.
So you do not need to rush or walk up the escalator. The most important thing is not to block the flow, especially when the station is crowded.
If you have a suitcase or large bag, try not to stand in the middle of the escalator. Stay to one side and be aware of the people behind you.
Keep your voice low on public transportation
Subways and buses in Korea are usually quieter than many visitors expect.
Many people are commuting, resting, or using their phones quietly.
Speaking loudly, using speakerphone, or watching videos without earphones can be seen as rude.
It is okay to talk with your travel companions, but try to keep your voice low.
If you need to take a phone call, it is best to keep it short and quiet.
3. Bus
Get on through the front door and get off through the back door
Most city buses in Korea have two doors.
You usually get on through the front door near the driver and get off through the back door.
When you get on, tap your transportation card on the card reader near the front door.
Some buses may accept cash, but using a transportation card is much easier for travelers.
It may feel confusing at first, but you can simply watch how other passengers get on and off.
Tap your transportation card when you get off
In Korea, you should tap your transportation card not only when you get on the bus, but also when you get off.
There is usually a card reader near the back door. Tap your card there before leaving the bus.
This is important if you plan to transfer to another bus or the subway.
If you forget to tap your card when getting off, your transfer discount may not apply, or you may be charged an additional fare.
Remember
Tap once when you get on. Tap once when you get off.
That is the easiest way to remember how to use buses in Korea.
Be careful with open food and drinks on buses
On Korean city buses, open drinks or food that can spill may not be allowed.
For example, an open takeaway coffee, a drink in a disposable cup, soup-based food, or food that can be eaten right away may be restricted by the bus driver.
Eating on the bus is also not common in Korea.
Food smells or spills can make other passengers uncomfortable.
However, fully packaged food or sealed drinks are usually okay if you are simply carrying them.
For example, a boxed meal, packed fried chicken, an unopened drink, or a sealed tumbler is generally fine.
Traveler Tip
A simple rule is this:
Avoid bringing food or drinks onto a bus if they can spill or be eaten right away.
If you have takeaway coffee, it is safer to finish it before getting on the bus or use a fully sealed cup.
4. Restaurant
Say “Jeogiyo” when you need to call the staff
In many Korean restaurants, staff may not constantly check your table.
If you need something, it is normal to call the staff yourself.
The most common phrase is “Jeogiyo”, which is similar to “Excuse me” in English.
You do not need to wait until the staff notices you.
Simply raise your hand slightly and say “Jeogiyo.”
In Korea, you may also hear people call restaurant staff in a more familiar way.
If the staff member is a man, some customers may say “Sajangnim”, which means “boss” or “owner.”
If the staff member is a middle-aged or older woman, people may sometimes say “Imo”, which literally means “aunt.”
These expressions can sound warmer and more familiar than simply saying “Jeogiyo.”
However, if you are not sure what to say, “Jeogiyo” is the most common and neutral expression to use in Korean restaurants.
Many Korean restaurants also have a small call bell on the table.
If there is a call bell, you can simply press it instead of calling out loud.
Water and side dishes may be self-service
In some Korean restaurants, water, side dishes, utensils, or small plates are self-service.
You may see the Korean word “self” written as 셀프.
If you see a water dispenser and cups in one area of the restaurant, you can usually get water yourself.
If there is a side dish station, you can take what you need.
Korean side dishes are often free or refillable.
However, it is best to take only as much as you can finish. Taking too much and leaving it behind is not considered polite.
You often pay at the counter, not at the table
In many Korean restaurants, you do not pay at the table.
Instead, you pay at the counter near the entrance when you leave.
If there is a bill on your table, take it to the counter.
If there is no bill, just go to the counter and the staff will usually check your order.
This is common in small restaurants, snack shops, soup restaurants, barbecue restaurants, and many casual dining places.
So if you finish your meal and no one brings you the bill, do not worry.
You may simply need to pay at the counter.
Tipping is not expected in Korea
Korea does not have a strong tipping culture.
At restaurants, cafes, and taxis, you usually pay only the amount shown on the bill.
Leaving a tip is not necessarily rude, but it may confuse the staff.
They may even try to return the money because they think you left it by mistake.
In Korea, a simple thank-you is more natural than leaving extra money.
After your meal, you can say:
“Gamsahamnida.”
Thank you.
“Jal meogeotseumnida.”
I enjoyed the meal.
These short phrases are enough to leave a good impression.
Final Thoughts
Korean culture may feel a little unfamiliar at first.
But learning these small differences is also one of the most interesting parts of traveling.
Take off your shoes indoors.
Leave priority seats open on the subway.
Tap your transportation card when getting off the bus.
Say “Jeogiyo” when you need help in a restaurant.
These simple local rules can make your trip to Korea much smoother.
You do not need to worry about being perfect.
Most Koreans are understanding when foreign travelers make small mistakes. But showing that you respect local culture always leaves a good impression.
Keep this guide in mind, and you will feel more comfortable and confident while traveling in Korea.
Enjoy your trip, and have a safe and wonderful time in Korea!
Quick Summary
Accommodation
- Take off your shoes in homes, Airbnbs, guesthouses, and hanok stays.
- Check the entrance area for shoes or slippers.
Subway
- Leave priority seats and pink pregnancy seats empty.
- Let people get off before you get on.
- Be mindful of the flow on escalators.
- Keep your voice low on public transportation.
Bus
- Get on through the front door and get off through the back door.
- Tap your transportation card when you get on and when you get off.
- Avoid open drinks or food that can spill.
Restaurant
- Say “Jeogiyo” when you need to call the staff.
- Use the call bell if there is one.
- Check if water and side dishes are self-service.
- Pay at the counter in many restaurants.
- Tipping is not expected in Korea.
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