10 Unique Aspects of Korean Culture That Surprise Foreigners

Foreign visitors to Korea are often surprised by unexpected cultural differences. Korean lifestyles, etiquette, and social norms can differ from those in other countries, which can be both interesting and surprising. This article introduces 10 unique aspects of Korean culture that often surprise first-time visitors!

1. Free side dishes served everywhere

One of the most impressive aspects of Korean food culture is the provision of complimentary side dishes (banchan). Many foreigners are surprised by the unlimited number of side dishes they can receive at restaurants without paying extra.
✅ Most Korean restaurants serve complimentary side dishes such as kimchi, namul, and jangajji.
✅ In many cases, you can ask for more side dishes without incurring any additional charges.
💡 "In America, you have to pay for extra food, but in Korea, it's free, which was amazing!" – Foreign Tourist A

2. The absence of a tipping culture in Korea
In many Western countries, tipping is customary in restaurants, hotels, and taxis, but in Korea, it is not necessary. In fact, offering a tip might even embarrass the staff.
✅ Service charges are included in the price in Korea, so you don't need to tip separately.
✅ You don't need to tip at hotels or in taxis either.
💡 "I tried to leave a tip at first, but the staff waved their hands in refusal!" – Foreign Traveler B

3. A culture of quiet in public spaces
In Korea, it's considered polite to be quiet in public places such as subways, buses, and cafes. In particular, answering phone calls on the subway is frowned upon, and doing so may cause discomfort to those around you.
✅ Announcements prohibiting phone calls are sometimes made on the subway.
✅ Many people quietly study or work alone in cafes.
💡 "In Europe, it's natural to talk on the phone on buses and subways, but in Korea, I felt self-conscious!" – Foreign Worker C

4. Fast and convenient delivery services
Korea's delivery services are among the fastest and most efficient in the world. Using delivery apps, almost any food can be delivered right to your door.
✅ You can even get deliveries to the Han River Park!
✅ There's a huge variety of delivery food, and many places operate 24 hours a day.
💡 "I ordered chicken at midnight and it arrived in 20 minutes. The Korean delivery system is revolutionary!" – Foreign Student D

5. The use of honorifics when speaking to elders
Korean has a clear distinction between formal and informal speech. Using honorifics when speaking to someone older or meeting them for the first time is essential.
✅ In Korea, it's common to ask someone's age first.
✅ Using informal speech with someone you've just met can be considered impolite.
💡 "I found it surprising that people ask your age first in Korea. Usually, we ask names first!" – Foreign Tourist E

6. Inexpensive and delicious street food
Korea's street food culture is a major attraction for foreigners. The ability to sample a wide variety of foods at affordable prices is particularly impressive.
✅ Popular street foods include: tteokbokki, sundae, hotteok, kimbap, and hotdogs.
✅ Easily found in night markets and tourist areas.
💡 "I could eat my fill for 5,000 won! I love it!" – Foreign Backpacker F

7. Widespread mask-wearing culture
In Korea, wearing a mask is common to prevent the spread of colds, during periods of high air pollution, or for skin protection. This practice has become even more established since the COVID-19 pandemic.
✅ Wearing a mask when sick is seen as a considerate act towards others.
✅ Mask-wearing is so common that it doesn't cause much discomfort.
💡 "It was surprising that Koreans automatically wear masks when they have a cold. It's not nearly as common in other countries!" – Foreign Student G

8. Convenient public transportation and transportation card system
Korea's public transportation system is extremely convenient, and a single T-money card can be used for buses, subways, and taxis.
✅ There are minimal additional charges when transferring between subways and buses.
✅ Public transportation fares are relatively inexpensive.
💡 "Is there another country with such an efficient public transportation system? Korea's transportation system is the best!" – Foreign Worker H

9. Drinking culture – turning your glass when toasting
Korean drinking culture involves unique etiquette. When drinking with elders, turning your head away while drinking is customary.
✅ It's polite to receive a drink with both hands.
✅ Avoid making eye contact while drinking with elders.
💡 "At first, I didn't understand why people turned their glasses when drinking, so I just followed suit! Korean drinking culture is truly unique." – Foreign Tourist I

10. The culture of grilling your own meat at restaurants
Korea's samgyeopsal (pork belly) and BBQ culture is popular with foreigners, but many are initially surprised by the "do-it-yourself" grilling aspect.
✅ Grilling your own meat is customary at samgyeopsal restaurants.
✅ It's a social activity, often involving conversation with friends while grilling.
💡 "I didn't know I had to cook the food myself in Korea! But it turned out to be really fun!" – Foreign Tourist J

Korean culture – even more fun once you understand it!
Korean culture may differ from other countries, but it becomes even more interesting and enjoyable once you understand it. By sharing the surprising experiences foreigners have in Korea, we hope more people will come to understand and appreciate Korean culture.
👉 What aspect of Korean culture surprised you the most?