What not to do as a tourist in South Korea?

As a tourist in South Korea, avoid breaking strict cultural etiquette by not using one hand to give or receive items, ensuring you take off shoes indoors, and never leaving chopsticks upright in rice. Also, refrain from talking loudly on public transport, sitting in designated elderly subway seats, or tipping at restaurants.

What not to do in Korea as a foreigner?

• Don't speak loudly on public transit or in quiet spaces.
• Don't eat while walking on busy streets; it's frowned upon and inconvenient for others.
• Don't point with a single finger at people; use an open hand or nod.
• Don't touch someone's head (including children); it's considered intimate in Korean culture.

Do and don'ts in South Korea?

Common Korean Etiquette

1) Take your shoes off at the door when entering any residence, temple, or guesthouse. 2) Greet people you meet with a short bow—essentially a nod—and soft handshake using both hands. 3) Give and receive any object using both hands.

What things are not allowed in South Korea?

These categories are strictly controlled in South Korea.

• Firearms, ammunition, and weapons.
• Illegal drugs.
• Prescription drugs containing controlled substances.

What can I not wear in Korea?

Don't wear:

• Tank tops with spaghetti straps or blouses that reveal cleavage or shoulders.
• Ripped clothing.
• Graphic tees that is vulgar.
• Midriffs.
• Very short shorts/skirts.
• Flip-flops.

11 Things NOT to do in South Korea - MUST SEE BEFORE YOU GO!

What is the yellow rule in Korea?

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 ...

What are some strict rules in South Korea?

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.

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.

What is impolite in South Korea?

Impolite, Rude and Offensive Behavior in Korea

Yawning loudly and chewing gun in public are also considered rude. It is considered bad manners in Korea to lift rice bowls, like Chinese often do, to eat, or smoke in front of the elderly.

Is it okay to fold Korean won?

No person shall damage coins by melting, pulverizing, or compressing them or by any other means without permission by the Bank of Korea, in order to use coins for other purposes in the pursuit of making profit.

What not to take to Korea?

Restricted Items

• Liquids, sprays, gel-type cosmetics, toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, etc.), or medicines. Carry-on. ...
• Foods that contain liquids or are in gel form, such as gochujang or kimchi. Carry-on.

What is the biggest predator in Korea?

The yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula koreana) is observed to be the apex predator in South Korea where the tigers (Panthera tigris) have disappeared.

Can you eat in public in Korea?

Koreans consider it somewhat rude to eat in front of non-eating people, or to eat while walking down the streets. The latter custom dates back to a time when eating in public was considered mean to people who didn't have enough to eat.

What is considered inappropriate in South Korea?

It is also unacceptable to speak of smelly or dirty things when having meals with others, or to eat too slowly or quickly. Blowing one's nose at the table, even if the meal is spicy, is considered mildly offensive. If such an action is necessary, it is recommended to leave the table or otherwise be discreet.

What is the Q code in Korea?

The Q-Code is a South Korea QR code that holds all your vaccination information needed for entry. The travel requirement was created to help shorten the time for quarantine inspection for foreign travelers entering the country.

Can you wear red in Korea?

Can we wear red? While there are no particular color restrictions in South Korea, your question makes sense. Koreans are a collectivist society and until recently quite homogeneous. They do not like to stand out and wear mostly black, white, blue.

What is restricted in South Korea?

Restricted goods : Firearms, Narcotics; animals and plants stipulated in the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and their products, etc.

What color means good luck in Korea?

Hong (Red): Hong represents fire and conveys meanings of passion, energy, luck. Red, frequently used in traditional Korean weddings and celebrations, symbolizes vitality and joy.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for outfits?

The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.

Why can't you wear jeans in Korea?

Jeans are banned in North Korea because they symbolize Western culture and rebellion. The regime enforces this ban through strict dress codes and the 'fashion police', aiming to maintain control.

How to not look like a tourist in Korea?

Dress Like a Local: What To Wear in South Korea

1. Don't wear all black. Don't forget to accessorize in South Korea. ...
2. Dress modestly. ...
3. Pay attention to the season. ...
4. Opt for comfortable shoes. ...
5. Show your love with coordinated clothes. ...
6. Blend in by standing out. ...
7. Embrace Korean traditions. ...
8. Don't stop with the outfit.