Travel like a local. Learn the doβs & donβts of Korean culture and simple Korean phrases β tap the speaker on any phrase to hear how it sounds.
Koreans deeply value respect and harmony. A few simple habits will earn you warm smiles everywhere.
A slight bow with βAnnyeonghaseyoβ is the polite way to say hello, thank you and goodbye.
Give and receive money, cards, gifts or drinks with two hands (or one hand supporting the other) β a key sign of respect.
Remove footwear before entering homes, hanok stays, temples and many traditional restaurants. Wear clean socks!
Let the eldest sit, start eating and be served first. Age and seniority matter a lot in Korea.
Pour drinks for your companions (with two hands) and let them pour yours β never fill your own glass.
Keep your voice down and phone on silent on the subway and buses. Use priority seats only if eligible.
Never stick chopsticks upright in rice β it resembles a funeral ritual and is considered bad luck.
Red ink is traditionally linked to death. Use black or blue when writing someoneβs name.
Tipping is not part of Korean culture and can feel awkward. Good service is already included.
Pointing with one finger (or your foot) is rude. Gesture with your whole open hand instead.
Blowing your nose during a meal is impolite β step away to the restroom if needed.
Wait until the oldest person at the table picks up their spoon or says itβs time to begin.
Pick a situation and tap to hear the word. Romanisation shows you how to say it.
These Sino-Korean numbers are used for prices, dates and phone numbers. Tap to listen.
Example: β©15,000 = λ§ μ€μ² μ (man o-cheon won). Just point at the price β itβs always shown in digits too!
Hangul is famously easy. It has just 10 basic vowels & 14 basic consonants β tap each to hear it.
Letters combine into syllable blocks: γ + γ + γ΄ = ν (han). Two blocks make νκ΅ (Han-guk) = βKoreaβ!
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