What not to 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 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 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 not allowed in South Korea?

Guns, narcotics, pornography, subversive material, treasonous material, and counterfeit goods are prohibited from entering Korea.
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What gestures to avoid in South Korea?

Gestures: It is considered rude to make a fist with your hand while placing the thumb between the middle and index finger. Expressions: Koreans may appear quite straight-faced in conversation.
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Things Foreigners Should NEVER Do In Korea



What is considered flirting in Korea?

Flirting in Korean culture is pretty much like what you see in Korean dramas. They use romantic, sweet, and cute phrases to touch the heart of the person they like. Aside from romantic phrases, they also flirt by acting cute, called aegyo (애교).
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What things are taboo in Korea?

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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What are the weirdest laws in South Korea?

10 Things You Didn't Know Are Illegal in Korea
  • Tattooing. Whilst having a tattoo is not illegal in Korea – though may ban you from entering some jjimjilbangs! ...
  • Smoking in Public. ...
  • Dog Meat (보신탕) ...
  • Lobbying. ...
  • Sheer Tops (indecent exposure) ...
  • Street Vendors. ...
  • Gambling (Casinos) ...
  • Online Gaming (Cinderella Law)
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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 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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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 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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How do you get angry in Korean?

  1. Mworae. 뭐래. (e) Whatever.
  2. Sanggwanhaji ma. 상관하지 마. (s) It's none of your business.
  3. Soksanghae. 속상해. (s) I'm upset.
  4. Nae mal an deutkko itjjana. 내 말 안 듣고 있잖아. (s) You're not listening to me.
  5. Ip josimhae. 입 조심해. (s) Watch your mouth.
  6. Jeokdanghi hae. 적당히 해. (s) That's enough.
  7. Geumanhae. 그만해. (s) ...
  8. Jibeochiwo. 집어치워. (s)
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How do Koreans apologize?

How do you apologize in Korean? Well, there are two main ways to say “I'm sorry” in Korean: 죄송합니다, joesonghamnida, and 미안해요, mianhaeyo.
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What not to wear in Seoul?

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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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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Is it rude to shake hands in Korea?

It's considered rude. Though this is what we may be used to in the West, you may want to adjust how you shake hands in South Korea. What to do: To be on the safe side, it's best to show your manners by shaking a person's hand with two hands the first time you meet them.
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What is punishable by death in South Korea?

The most frequently used type of punishment is a fine followed by imprisonment and penal servitude. Fines are typically imposed for less serious offenses. *Death penalty. Capital punishment is imposed for 16 types of crimes, including murder cases, crimes of seduction and crimes of insurrection.
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Can you hug in South Korea?

Although the culture around hugging is changing, hugging in Korea is generally reserved for couples or for close friends or family that are saying goodbye for a long while. Instead, if you want some skin, you can opt for the universally acceptable high-five ;).
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What crimes are punishable by death in South Korea?

Currently, the Penal Code of South Korea regulates executions as a form of punishment for some crimes according to the Criminal Law section 41. Those crimes include: Rebellion (Section 87), Conspiracy with foreign countries (Section 92), homicide (Section 250), robbery-homicide (Section 338), and other 12 sections.
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Is it rude to cross your legs in Korea?

Do not cross your legs or stretch your legs out straight in front of you. Keep your feet on the floor, never on a desk or chair. Always pass and receive objects with your right hand (supported by the left hand at the wrist or forearm) or with two hands.
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Are tattoos taboo in Korea?

The Constitutional Court in Seoul upheld a ban on tattooing on Thursday, confirming South Korea as the only developed country that permits no one but medical professionals to perform the procedure.
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What do Koreans value?

The Korean values of obligation towards others, respect for family, elders and authority, loyalty, honour, and filial piety are all part of its Confucian.
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How do Koreans show love?

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 do Koreans call their crush?

There are two words you can use to express sweetheart in Korean. The first word is 애인 (aein) and the second word is 연인 (yeonin). Both 애인 (aein) and 연인 (yeonin) can also be used for “lover.”
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