Visiting Korea can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it is important to make sure you are aware of the cultural and social norms of the country. In this article, we will discuss 15 things you should not do while visiting Korea.
1. Don’t Wear Shoes Inside: Wearing shoes inside is a major faux pas in Korea. Shoes are considered dirty and should be left outside at the entrance of the house or building. If you are visiting someone’s home or entering a religious space, it is expected that you will take off your shoes.
2. Don’t Stick Chopsticks in Rice: In Korea, this is considered very rude and disrespectful. The gesture is similar to a funeral ritual in which the deceased’s chopsticks are placed in a bowl of rice. To avoid offending anyone, don’t stick your chopsticks in rice.
3. Don’t Give or Receive Gifts with Your Left Hand: In Korea, the left hand is considered unclean and it is considered rude to give or receive gifts with your left hand.
4. Don’t Cross Your Legs: Crossing your legs is considered rude in Korea, especially when talking to someone. You should sit with your legs together or slightly apart.
5. Don’t Spit in Public: Spitting in public is considered rude and offensive in Korea.
6. Don’t Throw Away Food: In Korea, it is considered rude to waste food. Don’t throw away food, even if you don’t like it.
7. Don’t Pass Objects with One Hand: When passing a gift or object to someone, it is considered polite to use two hands.
8. Don’t Point: Pointing is considered rude in Korea, so it is best to gesture with your whole hand or use words to describe what you are pointing at.
9. Don’t Put Your Feet Up on Furniture: In Korea, it is considered rude to put your feet up on furniture, so try to keep your feet on the floor.
10. Don’t Touch Someone’s Head: In Korea, it is considered rude to touch someone’s head.
11. Don’t Blow Your Nose in Public: Blowing your nose in public is considered rude in Korea. It is best to excuse yourself to the restroom if you need to blow your nose.
12. Don’t Eat or Drink in Public: Eating or drinking in public is generally considered rude in Korea.
13. Don’t Chew Gum in Public: Chewing gum in public is considered rude and impolite in Korea.
14. Don’t Give Money as a Gift: In Korea, money is not traditionally given as a gift. Instead, gifts of food, alcohol, or other items are preferred.
15. Don’t Give Flowers as a Gift: Flowers are generally not given as gifts in Korea, as they are considered to be bad luck.
Among other things, you ought to stay away from these in Korea. Research is essential before a trip because there are numerous other cultural customs that must be followed while abroad. It’s also important to remember to behave properly while you’re visiting and to respect local culture and customs. You can make sure that your trip to Korea is enjoyable and memorable by paying attention to the advice provided here.
