Korean Table Manners: 10 Dining Etiquette Rules Every Visitor Should Know

Full transcript

Annyeong, yeoreobun! Yul here. Before you eat in Korea, let me save you from a few awkward moments. Here are ten Korean table manners.

One. Wait for the oldest person to start eating before you pick up your spoon.

Two. Never stick your chopsticks straight up in a bowl of rice. It looks like the incense used at memorial ceremonies for the dead. Very unlucky!

Three. Don't lift your rice bowl to your mouth. In Korea, the bowl stays on the table, and you use a spoon for rice and soup.

Four. Use your spoon for rice and soup, and chopsticks for side dishes.

Five. Side dishes are shared. Take a little at a time, and don't dig around looking for the best piece.

Six. Try to match the pace of the group. Don't finish super early and leave everyone behind.

Seven. Don't blow your nose at the table. Step away for a moment.

Eight. When drinking with elders, turn your head slightly away as you drink.

Nine. Before eating, say jal meokgesseumnida, I will eat well. After eating, say jal meogeosseumnida, I ate well.

Ten. Usually there's no tipping in Korea. Good service is already included.

Yul's tip! Don't stress too much. Koreans are very happy when visitors try. If you say jal meokgesseumnida with a smile, the restaurant owner might give you extra side dishes. Masitge deuseyo!