Cover Here’s how you can make a positive first impression and build stronger relationships with South Koreans (Photo: Getty Images)
Here’s how you can make a positive first impression and build stronger relationships with South Koreans (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
Going to South Korea and potentially meeting South Koreans for the first time? Here are some etiquette tips
First impressions matter everywhere, but they carry a particular weight in South Korea, where social etiquette is deeply rooted in Confucian principles emphasising respect, hierarchy, and harmony. Understanding and respecting these cultural norms will help you make a positive first impression and build stronger relationships with South Korean acquaintances.
Read more: A K-pop and K-drama fan’s ultimate guide to South Korea
Understanding these cultural nuances will help you successfully navigate your first encounter with a South Korean colleague, friend, or potential business partner.
Naming conventions
Above Getting a South Korean’s name or title wrong can cause significant social awkwardness
South Koreans place their family name first, followed by their given name, but you should never address someone by their given name alone unless explicitly invited to do so.
See also: 23 Korean celebrities with unofficial “titles” and what they mean
When addressing someone, use their professional title followed by their family name, such as “Professor Kim” or “Director Park”. If you’re unsure of their title, you can use the respectful suffix “-ssi” or “-nim” after their family name. For example, “Kim-ssi” or “Kim-nim”.
Basic questions
Above Many South Koreans believe MBTI helps them understand potential compatibility in friendships and relationships (Photo: Getty Images)
Many South Koreans believe MBTI helps them understand potential compatibility in friendships and relationships (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
Likely, the few questions that a South Korean would ask you in a conversation upon first meeting are your age (to decide formal or informal speech patterns moving forward), marital status, and if you’ve eaten. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked for your blood type and Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) as well.
Don’t miss: K-drama chic: How Korean television is reshaping street style
In South Korean culture, it’s widely believed that a person’s character and personality traits can be assessed by his or her blood type, even though there’s no scientific basis for this belief. Asking for someone’s MBTI is also common as it’s a popular way for them to get to know you quickly.
Bowing
Above Bowing is not just a greeting–it’s a fundamental way of showing courtesy, gratitude, apology, or reverence (Photo: Getty Images)
Bowing is not just a greeting–it’s a fundamental way of showing courtesy, gratitude, apology, or reverence (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
In South Korea, bowing remains the traditional and most respectful form of greeting. The depth and duration of your bow communicate your level of respect and understanding of social hierarchy.
Read more: The global rise of kimchi: From Korean staple to international superstar
When meeting someone older or in a senior position, bow at a 45-degree angle while keeping your back straight. A gentle head nod or slight bow from the waist is appropriate for peers or casual situations. Remember that a person of lower status should always bow first and more deeply.
Use both hands
Above The gesture shows you value what you’re receiving and the person giving it (Photo: Getty Images)
The gesture shows you value what you’re receiving and the person giving it (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
For South Koreans, showing respect through body language extends to how you handle objects. When giving or receiving items–whether it’s a business card, money, or a gift–always use both hands as using just one hand can be considered dismissive or disrespectful.
See also: How K-pop fan culture is reshaping business strategies and redefining brand loyalty
In professional settings, accept a business card with both hands, examine it respectfully for a moment, and then carefully place it on the table in front of you or a cardholder. Never write on it or stuff it directly into your pocket.
Table manners
Above Poor table manners can be seen as disrespecting not just the meal, but also the host and other diners (Photo: Getty Images)
Poor table manners can be seen as disrespecting not just the meal, but also the host and other diners (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
Wait for the eldest person to start eating before you begin. Never stick your chopsticks vertically into your rice because, similar to Chinese culture, it resembles funeral rites. Also, try to match the pace of others while eating no matter how hungry you are.
Don’t miss: The health benefits associated with traditional Korean foods
The age-based hierarchy also influences drinking etiquette. When drinking with South Koreans, younger people traditionally pour drinks for their elders and turn their heads slightly away while drinking as a sign of respect.
Avoid these
Above Physical touch is considered intimate and usually reserved for close relationships and giving personal space reflects respect for boundaries and social hierarchy (Photo: Getty Images)
Physical touch is considered intimate and usually reserved for close relationships and giving personal space reflects respect for boundaries and social hierarchy (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
While Western cultures might embrace hugging or kissing on the cheek as greetings, South Koreans typically prefer physical distance from new acquaintances so maintain minimal physical contact unless initiated by the South Korean person.
Read more: “Skip-care”: The Korean beauty scene’s “less is more”, but what is it?
There could be some stereotypical things about South Korea that you want to ask about but some questions to not ask are such as, “Do you want a reunification with North Korea?”, “What are your thoughts about Kim Jong-un?”, “Have you or will you get plastic surgery?”, or anything that’s related to political or historical views of Japan.
Topics
Best of Tatler Asia video highlights
Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community
Lainey was the Digital Director of Tatler Malaysia. When not whiling away the hours watching documentaries, the latest K-drama, or reruns of Friends, she can be found indulging her wanderlust by stalking travel platforms or feeding her obsession with music. She loves animals, running, all things social media, a good conversation over coffee or soju or wine (often rambling on if nobody pulls the brakes on her), and is an avid fan of bursting-at-the-seams laughter.
