What should I avoid in South Korea?

Do and don'ts in South Korea?

What is not allowed in South Korea?

Pornographic websites, books, writings, films, magazines, photographs or other materials of a pornographic nature are illegal in South Korea.

What is considered rude in Korea?

In South Korea, it is considered rude to cross your legs in the presence of other people. It is actually much more acceptable to sit with your legs straight or open a bit. Crossing your legs is seen as being lazy or disrespectful to the other person. Therefore, try to sit up straight and keep your hands on your lap.

What things are disrespectful in South Korea?

11 Things NOT to do in South Korea - MUST SEE BEFORE YOU GO!

Is it rude to smile in Korea?

Smiling: As well as an expression of glee and humour, smiling can indicate that one is feeling ashamed or embarrassed in Korean culture. For example, a Korean may smile when they make a mistake. Sneezing: Sneezing is considered rude in Korea. It is best practise to excuse yourself from the room if you have to.

Is it rude to stare in Korea?

However, it is fair to say that many Koreans with international experience have figured out that staring is rude to most westerners. In the meantime, if you find yourself the victim of eyeball glares and analytical squints, just relax and turn up the volume on your iPod.

What does two fingers mean in Korean?

Your fist is the shape of a heart and your two fingers, which are the index and the thumb, are two main vessels. This Korean heart gesture is used to say “I like/love you” to someone and it's commonly used to show how much you adore someone (e.g. K-Pop idol singers at a concert).

Do foreigners bow in Korea?

Meeting and greeting

Foreigners will see Koreans bowing all the time, even during telephone conversations. Though doing likewise will do much to endear you to locals, don't go overboard – a full, right-angled bow would only be appropriate for meeting royalty (and the monarchy ended in 1910).

What are toilets like in South Korea?

The Korean toilet bowl is not exactly what you would expect. Instead of having a toilet seat, you'll have to use a squatter toilet. It is essentially a porcelain hole in the floor. These are traditional Korean bathrooms that have been leftover from before the whole country underwent rapid modernization.

What is illegal in Korea?

One of the illegal things in Korea includes making, distributing, and consuming pornographic content. The law came in effect to reduce sexual crimes, and even though censorship is not as strict these days, the sites that are deemed too lewd remain blocked. Read more about censorship in Korea here.

Can an Indian live in South Korea?

South Korea has been gaining popularity among Indian expatriates. Since the 1970s, many Indians have been coming to the South Korea and now there are about 7,006 Indians as per International Migration Report, living and working in the country.

What can I bring to Korea?

Why do Koreans have good skin?

Since ancient times, Koreans have only used natural, harsh-free ingredients for their skincare routines: green tea, “snail slime”, bamboo extracts, propolis, and honey are just some examples of the elements they used and have passed through generations.

Is burping rude in Korea?

You might have known about slurping with the amount of Korean dramas you consume regularly. But burping, or even farting, in public is not frowned upon. Burping is actually considered a sign of appreciation for the food.

What do Koreans say before eating?

If you feel confident in your Korean, you can say 'jal meokkessumnida' (잘 먹겠습니다 ) before the meal — similar to the Japanese itadakimasu, it roughly translates to 'I will eat well'. After the meal, you can say 'jal meogeosseumnida' (잘 먹었습니다) to signal that you have indeed eaten well and are happy.

What religion is in South Korea?

Christianity and Buddhism are the dominant confessions among those who affiliate with a formal religion. Buddhism and Confucianism are the most influential religions in the lives of the South Korean people. Buddhism, which arrived in Korea in 372 AD, has tens of thousands of temples built across the country.

Do Koreans sleep on the floor?

At this point it is important to reflect on my initial topic of verticality because Koreans do typically sleep on the floor on what are called yos,⁶ which can be stored in a cabinet during the day.

What is family life like in Korea?

Koreans are very family-orientated. Family members are very loyal to each other and dedicated to maintaining their nexus (characteristic of collectivist societies). In some traditional/rural social circles, families can be so defining that they are perceived as having a collective face .

How do Koreans wave hello?

Handshaking is the typical greeting as well as the bow in Korea. Usually, a younger person bows first, going on to shake hands with both hands if the older person starts handshaking. The order is important, the senior first. It is considered to be impolite for younger people to start the handshake.

What does the pinky mean in Korean?

Promise swear

This is Korea's version of a pinky swear. In fact, you will start making the gesture by indeed interlocking your pinkies like in a pinky swear. But then, because that is not sufficient for making a promise, with your pinkies interlocked, you will also have the same hands' thumbs pressing together on top.

What is the Korean heart called?

Conventionally, heart display using both hands and arms has been performed worldwide, but finger hearts are also called Korean Finger Hearts because they are associated with the rise of South Korean pop culture.

How do you offend in Korean?

What do Korean guys call their girlfriend?

Jagiya (자기야) – “Honey” or “Baby”

Perhaps the most popular of the Korean terms of love between couples, it means “honey”, “darling” or “baby” which you'll often hear among couples in K-dramas. You can also just shorten it to 자기 (jagi). Use this term along with Korean love phrases. It's used for both men and women.

How is dating in Korea?

A Korean couples' ring is a symbol or a statement telling people that you and your significant other are together romantically. Korean couples usually get a couples' ring when they hit the 100 days mark of being together. All in all, we hope and expect you to have fun if you choose to date while living in Korea.