Etiquette Tips for Dining in South Korea: Tips and No-No’s
Respecting Korean Dining Traditions
When enjoying Korean food, it's essential to understand and respect certain cultural practices and etiquette to enhance your dining experience and show proper respect. From dining with chopsticks to enjoying banchan side dishes, here are some key points to remember:No-No’s When Dining Korean Food
Don’t Stick Your Chopsticks Upright in Rice:This gesture resembles a funeral ritual in Korean culture. Lay your chopsticks on the side of your bowl instead for a respectful dining experience.
Avoid Mixing Banchan:Banchan side dishes are best enjoyed individually. Mixing them together is generally frowned upon.
Don’t Start Eating Before Elders:If dining with others, wait for the eldest person at the table to start eating first as a sign of respect.
Use Both Hands When Passing or Receiving:Using both hands when handing over food or drink is polite and shows respect.
Don’t Pour Your Own Drink:It's customary for others to pour drinks for you. When it's your turn, pour for others as well.
Avoid Wasting Food:Leaving food on your plate can be seen as disrespectful. Try to take only what you can eat.
Be Mindful of Spiciness:Avoid eating too aggressively, as Korean food can be quite spicy. Be cautious when trying new dishes if you're not accustomed to heat.
Be Quiet and Respectful:Eating is often a more subdued affair, so keep your voice at a moderate level and avoid interrupting others.
Additional Dining Dos and Don’ts in South Korea
South Korea has many specific etiquette rules for dining. Here are a few more tips on what to avoid and what to do:No-Don’ts in South Korean Dining Etiquette
Avoid Smacking While Munching:Smacking your lips while eating is considered very noisy and disturbing to South Koreans. Those who do it are called 'smackers' and are thought to be very rude.
Do Not Make Noise When Eating Noodles:While it’s okay to make small, natural sounds while eating noodles, making large or intended noises is not allowed.
Avoid Spitting Phlegm or Blowing Your Nose During a Meal:These actions are considered dirty and unhygienic. If you need to blow your nose or spit, do so discreetly using a tissue.
Avoid Bringing Up Political Matters:Discussing political topics at the dining table can spoil the mood. Keep the conversation light and positive.
Avoid Scooping Others’ Food with Your Used Spoon:This is seen as unhygienic. Younger generations especially feel this is a significant issue.
Pick Up Vegetables Unless You Really Don’t Want Them:Korean cuisine often includes a variety of vegetables, and this is an integral part of the dish's flavor. It’s less common for South Korean children to avoid vegetables, unlike their American counterparts.
Do Not Blame the Dish Directly:Instead of criticizing the food directly, leave feedback on platforms like Facebook or other online review sites.