10 Cultural Taboos in South Korea You May Not Know 🚫🇰🇷

10 cultural taboos in South Korea

Every country has unique customs and traditions, and South Korea is no exception. Understanding cultural taboos can help you show respect and avoid unintentional mistakes. As the old saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." The same applies when visiting South Korea!

Here are 10 taboos in Korean Culture that you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and respectful experience. 🏯✨

1. Avoid the Number 4 ❌4️⃣

In South Korea, the number 4 is considered unlucky because it sounds similar to the word for "death" in Sino-Korean (사, pronounced sa). Many buildings skip the 4th floor entirely or replace the number with "F" in elevators.

No #4 in elevator in Korea

Why is this important?

• Many Koreans avoid using the number 4 in daily life, including on phone numbers, addresses, and even gifts.
• Hospitals and hotels often exclude room numbers containing the digit 4 to prevent negative associations.
• Similar to how many Western cultures avoid the number 13, Koreans have a deep-rooted superstition about the number 4.

💡 Pro Tip: If you ever see an elevator skipping from the 3rd to the 5th floor, now you'll know why!

2. Don’t Let the Bottle Touch the Glass When Pouring 🍾🚫

When drinking alcohol in South Korea, never let the mouth of the bottle touch the rim of the glass while pouring. This gesture is associated with offering drinks to the deceased in ancestral rites.

Drinking culture in Korea

Drinking Etiquette to Follow:

• Always pour drinks for others first before filling your own glass.
• Hold the bottle with both hands when pouring for someone older or of higher status.
• If you’re receiving a drink from an elder, turn your head slightly away and sip politely.

💡 Pro Tip: Being aware of Korean drinking etiquette will help you make a great impression at social gatherings! 🍻

3. Never Write a Person’s Name in Red Ink ✍️🔴

In Korean culture, writing someone’s name in red ink is considered extremely disrespectful because traditionally, red ink was used to write the names of deceased individuals.

Never write anyone name in red link

What to Keep in Mind:

• Using red ink to write someone's name implies bad luck or even a curse on them.
• This belief is so strong that red pens are rarely used for writing names in any context.
• If you need to highlight or emphasize something, choose black or blue ink instead.

💡 Pro Tip: Want to make notes in Korea? Stick to blue or black ink! 🖊️

4. Never Stick Chopsticks Upright in Rice 🍚🥢🚫

Placing chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice resembles a traditional Korean funeral ritual, where rice is offered to deceased ancestors in the same manner.

Don't stick chopsticks upright

Table Manners to Remember:

• Always lay your chopsticks neatly on the side of the bowl or plate.
• Avoid pointing chopsticks directly at someone, as it can be seen as rude.
• Try not to make noise by tapping chopsticks against the bowl.

💡 Pro Tip: Knowing these small etiquette rules will help you impress your Korean friends! 🍽️

5. Keep Your Voice Down on Public Transport 🚌🤫

Korean public transportation is known for being quiet and orderly. Loud conversations, laughing, or talking on the phone for too long is considered rude.

Subway etiquette: keep your voice down

Things to Remember:

• People often wear earphones or read while commuting.
• Speaking too loudly can attract disapproving looks from others.
• The front seats are reserved for the elderly and disabled, so avoid sitting there unless necessary.

💡 Pro Tip: If you need to talk, keep your voice low and short! 🎧

6. Avoid Talking About Plastic Surgery 🏥💄🚫

While plastic surgery is common in South Korea, it’s still considered a personal and sensitive topic. Many people prefer to keep their procedures private.

Don't talk about plastic surgery

Things to Consider:

• Asking someone directly if they had surgery can be offensive.
• Many Koreans undergo procedures for self-confidence, not just beauty standards.
• Complimenting someone’s natural beauty is often more appreciated.

💡 Pro Tip: Stick to general compliments like “You look great!” instead of questioning their appearance. 😉

7. Don’t Enter a Temple Through the Main Gate ⛩️🚷

When visiting Buddhist temples in South Korea, it’s customary to enter through the side doors rather than the main entrance.

Bulguksa temple, Gyeongju

Temple Etiquette to Follow:

• Remove your shoes before entering any temple buildings.
• Dress modestly—no shorts, tank tops, or revealing outfits.
• Avoid loud conversations and flash photography inside sacred areas.

💡 Pro Tip: Show respect by bowing slightly when entering a temple. 🙏

8. Always Wait for Elders to Finish Eating First 🍽️👴

Korean culture places great importance on respecting elders, especially at the dinner table.

Table manners in Korea

Meal Etiquette:

• Wait for the eldest person at the table to start eating before you do.
• Eat at a similar pace to avoid finishing too early.
• Never leave the table before the elders finish eating unless absolutely necessary.

💡 Pro Tip: Show appreciation by saying "잘 먹었습니다!" (Jal meogeotseumnida – "I ate well!") after the meal! 🍜

9. Don’t Sit in Seats for Seniors and Pregnant Women🚆

On subways and buses, there are special seats reserved for seniors and pregnant women. Even if they are empty, it's best to avoid sitting there unless necessary.

Seat for seniors and pregnent women in subway

Why It’s Important:

• Taking a senior’s seat may earn disapproving looks or even scoldings from older passengers.
• In some cases, you may be asked to give up your seat, so it’s best to stand instead.
• Koreans highly value respect for the elderly, so make sure to show proper manners.

💡 Pro Tip: Look for priority seating signs and always be ready to offer your seat. 🚌

10. Never Wear Shoes Inside a Korean Home 🚪👟🚫

Koreans traditionally sit, sleep, and even eat on the floor, so keeping it clean is crucial. Shoes must be removed before stepping inside a home.

Never wear shoes in house

What to Remember:

• Take off your shoes at the entrance and place them neatly.
• Many homes provide indoor slippers for guests.
• Walking around in dirty socks or bare feet can still be considered rude, so wear clean socks!

💡 Pro Tip: The same rule applies in traditional Korean restaurants where seating is on floor cushions! 🏠

Final Thoughts 💡

South Korea is a beautiful country with a rich culture and deep-rooted traditions. By understanding these cultural taboos, you can show respect and enjoy a smooth, enjoyable visit. 🇰🇷✨

👉 Which of these surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments! 💬

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