Haggling in South Korea is generally not expected or common, particularly in department stores, malls, and convenience stores where prices are fixed. However, you can negotiate at traditional, open-air markets like Namdaemun or Gwangjang, especially when buying multiple items or if no price is displayed.
At wholesale markets, a lot of products are sold at incredibly low prices. And on top of that, haggling is a part of the wholesale and traditional market culture. So, if you do it right, you can bring the prices even lower. Even if you don't, it's still a lot of fun!
In Korean business etiquette, negotiations are generally slow and consensus-based. The focus is on finding common ground that respects the needs and interests of all parties involved. Aggressive bargaining tactics are not common in South Korean business culture. Instead, patience and careful consideration are valued.
South Koreans will prepare well for negotiations and research all details about your company and your products in advance. Do the same and collect sufficient information about your negotiating partners. Your negotiation should be focused on a win-win situation that reflects a good balance between both sides.
The 70/30 rule in negotiation is a guideline to listen 70% of the time and talk only 30%, focusing on understanding the other party's needs, motivations, and priorities through active listening and open-ended questions, which builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and fosters collaborative solutions, making the other person feel heard and valued. This approach shifts the focus from simply stating your position to uncovering insights that lead to mutually beneficial agreements.
Stop Wasting Your Time HERE (Let me show you the REAL Seoul)
What is the 4B rule in South Korea?
The 4B movement is a lifestyle choice for women, rejecting four traditional expectations: marriage, childbirth, dating, and sex with men. The 4B ideology first emerged in South Korea around 2015, following the rise of 'Megalia', a radical feminist online community.
A total of 118 days off will be available for South Korean workers throughout the year, including Saturdays and 70 so-called “red days” -- public holidays and Sundays -- marked in red ink on standard Korean calendars, according to the Korea Aerospace Administration's official calendary.
' That shows just how lightly Korean society treats sleep,” said Shin, who is also president of the Korean Society of Sleep Research (KSSM). According to a 224 KSSM report on sleep habits, Koreans sleep for an average of six hours and 58 minutes, which is 18 percent less than the OECD average.
A recent survey showed that nearly 96 percent of South Koreans are willing to accept immigrants as part of their society on some level, but only 8 percent said they are willing to accept them as family members.
Ensuring adequate rest is vital for employee well-being, and South Korean labor law includes specific provisions for breaks: Employees working at least 4 hours per day are entitled to a 30-minute break, while those working 8 hours or more must receive at least 1 hour of rest.
Stores and businesses in Korea are typically open seven days a weekand most holidays, with the exception of major holidays such as Seollal (Lunar New Year's) and Chuseok.
What are the standard working days in South Korea? Monday to Friday/Saturday. Some South Korean companies operate on Saturdays and expect employees to work, either on normal hours or on an overtime rate of pay.
Tourists in South Korea are subject to the same laws as locals. Some important laws to be aware of include the strict anti-drug policy, with severe penalties for possession or use of illegal substances. Smoking is prohibited in many public places, including restaurants, bars, and public transportation.
However, from the 15th century, Korean law clearly stipulated that every man was allowed only one wife (remarrying after a spouse's death was nearly obligatory for men and nearly prohibited for women). The strict line between the wife and concubines was maintained thoroughly.
On August 24, 2025, South Korea's National Assembly voted to approve amendments to the Trade Union and Labour Relations Adjustment Act (the “Act”), also known as the “Yellow Envelope Act.” The reform, long resisted by prior governments and business groups, expands the scope of who qualifies as an “employer,” broadens ...
This kind of sudden silence – what we call “ghosting” – can feel hurtful. But often, it's more about fear than disrespect. In fact, according to a survey by Seoul City, 63% of young Koreans said they avoid awkward situations by simply stopping contact. So if this happens to you, please don't blame yourself.
How much money would you need to go to Korea for 2 weeks?
If you want to spend two weeks in South Korea, you can expect to spend around $2,000 per person, not including the cost of flights between your home country and Seoul. Note that this is an average: It's possible to travel in Korea on less than this, and fairly easy to overshoot such a figure.
