Korea
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!...
"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 who made the move to Korea.
"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," explained one expat living in Chinhae, Korea.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Korea?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Korea?
- Will I be able to find a job in Korea?
- What is life like in Korea?
- What do expats in Korea appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- 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?
- What are healthcare services like in Korea?
- What are medical services in Korea like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Korea?
- What are emergency services like in Korea?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Korea?
- How are local medical facilities in Korea?
- As a foreigner living in Korea, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
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 the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat 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.
