What can you not do in Korean culture?

Here are 10 things you should never do in South Korea.
  • Speak Loudly in Public. ...
  • Sit Randomly When Using Public Transportation. ...
  • Wear Revealing Clothes. ...
  • Leave Your Chopsticks Stuck in Rice. ...
  • Use One Hand to Receive or Give Things. ...
  • Don't Drink While Front-Facing The Elders. ...
  • Don't Start Eating Before the Elders.
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What is considered most disrespectful in Korean culture?

Touching, patting, or back slapping is to be avoided during interactions. In addition, direct eye contact between juniors and seniors should be avoided because it is seen as impolite or even a challenge. Korea is one of the most demographically homogeneous countries in the world, racially and linguistically.
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What things are disrespectful in South Korea?

If it's considered rude in your country, it's probably considered rude in Korea. Things such as spitting, shouting, hitting people, swearing, and generally being obnoxious are definitely rude in Korea.
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What are some Korean rules?

Korean etiquette and manners
  • Korean etiquette and manners. By Sidrah Shaheen. ...
  • Receive things with two hands. ...
  • Show appreciation for your food and those who make or treat you to it. ...
  • Order of eating. ...
  • Do not let your chopsticks stand straight. ...
  • Drinking etiquette. ...
  • Handshakes.
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What can you not wear in Korea?

While short-shorts and skirts are commonplace for women in Korea's major cities, exposed shoulders and low-cut tops are still considered taboo most places. Summers get hot in South Korea, so loose-fitting t-shirts are a good alternative to tank tops.
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11 Things NOT to do in South Korea - MUST SEE BEFORE YOU GO!



What are marriage rules in Korea?

Males over 18 and females over 16 years old may marry with their parents' or guardians' consent. Otherwise South Korea's age of consent to marriage is 20 in Korean age (19 in international age). 20 years of age is also the age of consent for sexual activity.
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What is unlucky in Korea?

Every culture has a number considered unlucky because of superstitions. In the United States it's 13. In South Korea, it's four. The reason behind the fear of the number four, known as tetraphobia, lies in the way it sounds. The Korean word for "four" sounds much like their word for "death."
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What should you avoid when giving gifts in Korea?

Do not give: expensive gifts (Koreans will feel obligated to reciprocate with a gift of equal value), knives or scissors (they signify "cutting off" a relationship), green headwear, gifts with red writing (denotes death) or gifts in a set of four (denotes death).
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What clothes are inappropriate in Korea?

While short-shorts and skirts are commonplace for women in Korea's major cities, exposed shoulders and low-cut tops are still considered taboo most places. Summers get hot in South Korea, so loose-fitting t-shirts are a good alternative to tank tops.
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How do you show respect to Koreans?

Respect should always be shown to those that are older than you. This involves deferring to their opinion, waiting for their input and lowering your gaze if they are an elder. Objects, gifts and food should be offered and received with two hands. Remove your hat when indoors.
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What is to dislike in Korean?

싫어하다 (sireohada) dislike (verb)
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What social media is allowed in South Korea?

Korea has the second-highest rate of active social media users in the world. Users toggle between multiple platforms, such as KakaoTalk, Meta, Instagram, Naver LINE, and TikTok.
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What should I be careful of in Korea?

Avoid large public gatherings. Avoid large public gatherings and take extra care in any crowded space. The crime rate in South Korea is low. However, petty crime happens, especially in major cities such as Seoul and Busan.
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What does crossing legs in Korean mean?

Crossing your legs is seen as being lazy or disrespectful to the other person. Therefore, you should sit up straight and keep your hands on your lap. Takedown request | View complete answer on inmykorea.com.
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What are some Korean taboos?

Taboos in South Korean Culture
  • Do not wear your shoes in places of worship or peoples' homes.
  • Do not put your feet on furniture.
  • Do not eat or drink in public places while walking.
  • Do not place your thumb between your middle and index finger while making a fist as this an obscene gesture.
  • Do not use red ink.
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How do Koreans pay respect?

Bowing and handshakes

Koreans bow to those senior to them both as a greeting and a show of respect.
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How does dating work in Korea?

Public displays of affection (PDA) is a sin most Korean couples commit. While you should keep the steamy make-out sessions private, PDA tends to happen on the norm in Korean dating culture. Holding hands, giving a peck, or even a kiss is a usual sight.
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What colors are bad luck in Korea?

Is red an unlucky Colour in Korea? This is traditionally taboo because the color red to Koreans used to symbolize death. The belief was that if a person's name was written in red, death or bad luck would come soon.
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Why do Koreans not like the number 4?

The number 4 is a symbol of bad luck. In elevators, the letter F indicates the fourth floor instead of the number 4. The pronunciation of the number 4 sounds similar to the word '死' which means death in Chinese characters. In China and Japan, the number 4 is also associated with misfortune or death.
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Does Korea have swear words?

Korean has its own collection of swear and curse words, be it a local slang or a specific term, just like any other language.
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Who pays for Korean wedding?

Who Pays for a Korean Wedding? In Korea, it is customary for the groom's family to pay for the wedding. This includes the cost of the venue, food, and other expenses. The bride's family usually pays for her wedding dress and other incidentals.
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Do Koreans take their husbands last name?

Korean names consist of two parts: a family name and a given name. Traditionally, a child takes their father's surname like in many other cultures, but Korean women do not take their husband's surname after marriage.
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At what age can Korean get married?

Under the Civil Code 2011 the minimum legal age of marriage is 18 years. However, minors can be married with parental consent.
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Is cleavage not allowed in Korea?

Although it is becoming more acceptable with modern Korean fashion, there are still reservations about showing cleavage. Even if there are tops or blouses with cleavage, women take extra precaution generally when sitting, bending, and bowing.
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