7 Common Mistakes Foreigners Make in Korea

7 Common Mistakes Foreigners Make in Korea – Insider Tips!

Foreign visitors to Korea often make mistakes due to cultural differences. These mistakes often stem from unfamiliarity with Korean culture, but knowing about them beforehand can make for a more comfortable and enjoyable trip. This article introduces 7 common mistakes foreigners make in Korea and helpful tips to avoid them.

1. Talking Loudly on the Subway

🚫 Mistake: Korean subways and public transportation generally maintain a quiet atmosphere. However, some foreign tourists make the mistake of talking loudly on the phone or engaging in loud conversations, causing inconvenience to those around them.
✅ Solution:
• Maintaining quietness on public transport is basic etiquette in Korea.
• If you must make a call, keep it short and quiet, or get off at the next stop to make your call.
• Using earphones to minimize sound is also a good idea.
💡 Local Tip: On the Korean subway, it's common practice to set your phone to "vibrate" mode and use text messages or chat.

2. Shouting "Excuse me!" to Call a Waiter

🚫 Mistake: In Western countries, shouting "Excuse me!" to get a waiter's attention is common, but in Korea, this can be considered awkward.
✅ Solution:
• In Korea, you can call a waiter by raising your hand or saying "Jeogiyo!" (Excuse me!).
• Some restaurants have a bell at each table; press the button to call a staff member.
💡 Local Tip: In upscale restaurants, a staff member will often come to take your order, so it's best not to call out too urgently.

3. Only Using Cards and Not Having Cash

🚫 Mistake: While Korea is convenient for card use, cash is still sometimes necessary. Traditional markets, street vendors, and small shops may not accept cards.
✅ Solution:
• Purchase a T-money card in advance to cover transportation and some small purchases.
• It's a good idea to have some cash on hand when visiting traditional markets or small restaurants.
• You can easily exchange currency at banks or convenience stores if needed.
💡 Local Tip: Some stores may add a **surcharge (3-5%)** for card payments, so paying in cash can be cheaper.

4. Littering on the Streets

🚫 Mistake: Trash cans are not plentiful on Korean streets. Some foreign tourists are surprised by the lack of readily available trash receptacles.
✅ Solution:
• In Korea, it's customary to take your trash home or back to your accommodation.
• Convenience stores often have trash cans near the counter; use them if you can.
• Cafes usually allow you to dispose of trash inside the store.
💡 Local Tip: Trash cans are often found near parks and subway stations, so try looking around for one.

5. Offering a Tip

🚫 Mistake: While tipping is customary in the US and Europe for services like restaurants, taxis, and hotels, Korea doesn't have a tipping culture. Offering a tip might cause confusion or embarrassment.
✅ Solution:
• In Korea, service charges are usually included in the price, so you don't need to tip.
• You don't need to tip at hotels, and in restaurants, just pay the listed amount.
💡 Local Tip: However, in some high-end hotels or private guided tours, tipping might be considered polite.

6. Drinking First at a Social Gathering

🚫 Mistake: Korean drinking culture involves social etiquette. Drinking before elders or superiors is considered disrespectful.
✅ Solution:
• It's polite to drink together after an elder or superior raises their glass first.
• When someone pours you a drink, receive it with both hands.
• When drinking with others, slightly turn your glass before drinking; this is part of Korean drinking culture.
💡 Local Tip: If you're uncomfortable drinking, saying "I'll drink slowly!" can help navigate the situation gracefully.

7. Sitting in Priority Seating

🚫 Mistake: Korean subways have priority seating (for pregnant women, the elderly, disabled, etc.). However, some foreigners mistakenly sit in these seats.
✅ Solution:
• It's polite to leave the priority seating empty if possible.
• Even if the seats are empty, use a regular seat instead.
💡 Local Tip: If you accidentally sit in a priority seat, be aware that you may get subtle cues to move. It's best to change seats quickly.

Conclusion: Understanding Korean culture makes travel more enjoyable!
Korea has many unique cultural aspects, but understanding basic etiquette and customs can make your trip much smoother and more enjoyable.

<Helpful Tips to Know Before You Travel>

✅ Be quiet on public transportation!

✅ No tipping culture – No extra charges!

✅ Say ‘Jeogiyo’ to call a waiter in a restaurant

✅ Observe etiquette when drinking

👉 What interesting cultural differences have you experienced in Korea? Share them in the comments!