Suwon, South Korea Travel Tips

Visiting Suwon, South Korea: Travel & Cultural Etiquette Tips

  1. Bow or Handshake? In formal situations, a bow is customary, but among friends and colleagues, a handshake will suffice. For tourists, a handshake is the most common greeting.

  2. Removing Shoes Many Korean homes and temples require removing shoes before entering. Be prepared to take off your shoes when visiting traditional Korean houses (Hanok) or Buddhist temples.

  3. Table Manners Koreans eat with spoons and chopsticks, and it is considered rude to stick your chopsticks vertically into your rice bowl as this resembles incense sticks used in funerals.

  4. Public Behavior Korean culture values respect and politeness. Speak softly in public places, avoid public displays of affection, and dress appropriately when visiting temples or palaces.

  5. Tipping Tipping is not common or expected in South Korea. In fact, it might offend some service providers.

  6. Gift Giving If invited to a Korean home, bringing a small gift such as chocolates or alcohol is appreciated but not required. Avoid giving 4-item gifts (four sounds like the word for death in Korean), and always use both hands when offering or receiving gifts.

  7. Respecting Space Personal space is valued in Korea. Be mindful of your distance from others, especially in crowded places like markets or public transportation.

  8. Haggling It’s not customary to haggle over prices in stores, but it’s acceptable at traditional markets or when buying antiques. However, always expect to pay a fair price for goods and services.

  9. Punctuality Koreans value punctuality. Arriving late can be seen as disrespectful or unprofessional.

  10. Dress Code When visiting historic sites like Hwaseong Fortress, dress modestly to show respect for the historical significance of these places.