1. Bowing and shaking hands

Bowing is a common way of greeting and showing respect in Korea. Note that Koreans normally don’t put their palms together when they bow.

 You should bow when you meet someone for the first time, when you say goodbye, when you apologize, or when you thank someone. The degree of the bow depends on the age and status of the person you are bowing to. Generally, the older or higher-ranking the person is, the lower and longer you should bow. Shaking hands is also acceptable, especially among men or in business settings. However, you should always use your right hand or both hands to shake hands, and avoid touching the other person's arm or shoulder. In contrast to some Western cultures, hugging or kissing on the cheek, especially between acquaintances, is generally considered inappropriate in Korea.

2. Addressing people

In Korea, it is important to address people by their titles or positions rather than their names, unless you are very close friends or family. For example, you should call your teacher 선생님 (seonsaengnim), your boss 사장님 (sajangnim), or your older brother 형 (hyeong) or 오빠 (oppa). If you don't know the person's title or position, you can use 씨 (ssi) after their surname or full name as a polite form of address. For example, 김민수 씨 (Kim Min-su ssi) or 박지영 씨 (Park Ji-young ssi). You should avoid using 당신 (dangsin), which means "you" in Korean, as it can sound rude or aggressive in most situations.

3. Dining etiquette

When dining out in Korea, there are some etiquette rules that you should follow to show good manners and respect. First of all, you should wait for the oldest or highest-ranking person to sit down and start eating before you do. You should also follow their lead when ordering food and drinks, and offer to pay for the bill if you are younger or lower-ranking than them. Second, you should use both hands when receiving or passing food or drinks, and avoid pointing your chopsticks or spoon at anyone. You should also avoid making loud noises when eating or drinking, such as slurping or burping.

4. Socialising etiquette

When socialising with Koreans, there are some etiquette rules that you should follow to make a good impression and avoid offending anyone. First of all, you should respect the personal space and privacy of others, and avoid asking too personal or sensitive questions, such as about their age, marital status, income, or political views. You should also avoid making negative comments or jokes about Korean culture, history, or politics, as they might be seen as insulting or ignorant. Second, you should be careful with your body language and gestures, and avoid doing anything that might be considered rude or disrespectful in Korea. For example, you should not cross your legs or point your feet at anyone, as feet are considered dirty in Korea. You should also not blow your nose in public or touch someone's head or hair without their permission. Third, you should be aware of the drinking culture and etiquette in Korea, which is quite different from some Western countries. Drinking alcohol is a common way of socialising and bonding with Koreans, especially among co-workers or friends. However, there are some rules that you should follow when drinking with Koreans. For example, you should always pour drinks for others before yourself, and use both hands when pouring or receiving drinks. You should also turn your head away from the oldest or highest-ranking person when drinking from your glass or bottle.

These are some of the unique cultural and etiquette issues in Korea that you should know before you travel there in 2024. By following these rules and respecting the local culture, you will have a more enjoyable and memorable trip to Korea.