Korean Greetings & Etiquette: What You Actually Need to Know
Skip the outdated travel blog advice. Here's how Koreans actually greet each other, why you don't need to press your palms together, and the etiquette that actually matters.
The Palms-Together Myth
You've probably seen tourists (and even some celebrities) greeting Koreans with palms pressed together and a bow. This is not a Korean greeting. Korea is not Thailand or Japan. The palms-together gesture (hapjang / 합장) is a Buddhist prayer gesture used only in temples. In everyday Korean life, nobody does this. A simple bow — just a slight nod of the head — is all you need. Koreans won't be offended if you just wave and say hello.
Greetings
Do
- A slight head nod (about 15 degrees) is perfect for casual greetings
- Say 'annyeonghaseyo' (안녕하세요) — it works in every situation
- Shake hands in business settings — use both hands or support your right arm with your left hand for extra respect
- Wave casually to people your age or younger
- Bow deeper (about 45 degrees) when meeting elders or in formal situations
Don't
- Don't press your palms together — this is a temple gesture, not a greeting
- Don't bow to everyone you see — a head nod is enough for service staff, cashiers, etc.
- Don't hug or kiss cheeks on first meeting — Koreans have less physical contact with strangers
- Don't use first names with people older than you unless invited to
Essential Etiquette That Actually Matters
Two-Hand Rule
When giving or receiving something (money, business card, a drink) to/from someone older, use both hands or support your right hand with your left. This is the #1 thing Koreans notice and appreciate.
Shoes Off Indoors
Always remove shoes when entering a Korean home, some restaurants with floor seating (ondol), and all temples. If you see shoes lined up at the entrance, take yours off.
Pour Drinks for Others First
At a meal with soju or beer, pour for others before yourself. Hold the bottle with two hands. Turn your head slightly away from elders when drinking. This sounds intense but Koreans find it charming when foreigners try.
Wait for the Eldest to Start Eating
At a group meal, don't pick up your chopsticks until the oldest person at the table starts eating. This is genuinely important in Korean culture.
Don't Tip
Tipping is not part of Korean culture — not at restaurants, not in taxis, not at hotels. It can even make people uncomfortable. Just pay the listed price.
The Magic Phrase
Learn 'gamsahamnida' (감사합니다, thank you). Use it everywhere — restaurants, shops, taxis. Koreans genuinely light up when foreigners say it. 'Jal meokgesseumnida' (잘 먹겠습니다, I will eat well) before a meal is bonus points.
Restaurant & Cafe Etiquette
Do
- Press the call button on the table to get service — it's not rude, it's the system
- Water and banchan (side dishes) are free and unlimited — just ask for more
- Many places have self-service water stations — look for cups near a water dispenser
- Pay at the counter, not at the table (in most restaurants)
Don't
- Don't wave your hand or yell to call a server if there's a bell button
- Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice — this resembles funeral incense
- Don't blow your nose at the table — step away briefly
- Don't leave a big tip on the table — staff might chase you down to return it
Quick Korean Phrases
Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요)
Gamsahamnida (감사합니다)
Jeogiyo (저기요)
Ne (네) / Aniyo (아니요)
Eolmayeyo? (얼마예요?)
Mashisseoyo! (맛있어요!)
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