ZERO DAILY

10 Things You Should NOT Do in Korea

I would like to ask for your understanding that I used GPT because my English is not very strong! Thank you 🙂

If you’re visiting or living in Korea, there are some behaviors that might seem normal in your country but are considered rude or even illegal here. To help you avoid awkward situations, here’s a list of things you should NOT do in Korea.

1. Not Wearing a Seatbelt in a Taxi

  • In Korea, wearing a seatbelt in the back seat is mandatory by law.
  • If you don’t wear one, both the driver and the passenger may be fined.
  • Many foreigners assume it’s okay not to wear a seatbelt in the back, but you should always buckle up.

2. Opening and Eating Products in a Convenience Store Before Paying

  • In some countries, it’s acceptable to eat or drink before paying, but in Korea, this is considered rude.
  • Always pay first before consuming anything.

3. Expecting Public Transport Late at Night

  • Korea has an excellent public transport system, but most subways and buses stop running between 1 AM and 5 AM.
  • If you’re out late, you’ll need to use a night bus, taxi, or ride-hailing app instead.

4. Trying to Bargain in Stores

  • Unlike some countries where bargaining is common, Korea generally follows fixed pricing.
  • Unless you’re in a traditional market or a second-hand store, attempting to haggle might make the situation awkward.

5. Sitting in the Priority Seats on Public Transportation

  • Even if no elderly person is around, priority seats (marked in orange) are usually left empty as a sign of respect.
  • If a foreigner unknowingly sits there, Koreans may give disapproving looks or even ask them to move.

6. Randomly Accepting Business Cards or Flyers

  • In Korea, taking a business card or a flyer can sometimes mean you’re interested in their service.
  • Be especially careful with adult entertainment flyers or religious pamphlets, as accepting them may lead to unwanted situations.

7. Trusting Public Wi-Fi Completely

  • While Korea has plenty of free Wi-Fi, some of them are unsecured and vulnerable to hacking.
  • Avoid using open Wi-Fi for banking apps or logging into personal accounts to prevent security risks.

8. Entering Someone’s Home With Your Shoes On

  • In Western countries, wearing shoes indoors is common, but in Korea, you must remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
  • Walking inside with shoes on is considered highly disrespectful.

9. Talking About Politics or Religion in Public

  • In some cultures, discussing politics or religion is common, but in Korea, these topics can be sensitive.
  • Preaching or debating about religion in public may make people uncomfortable.

10. Wasting or Leaving Too Much Food in Restaurants

  • In some countries, leaving food on the plate may be seen as a sign that you’re full, but in Korea, it can be considered rude.
  • In family-owned restaurants, the owner might ask, “Did you not like the food?” and feel bad about it.

Let me know if you have any questions! Thank you 🙂

zerodaily1314

,

Leave a comment