Things Foreigners Should NEVER Do In Korea

Big “Never Do” Mistakes for Foreigners in Korea (Key Tips)

Don’t lump Koreans in with Japan or China

• Avoid grouping Koreans together with Japanese/Chinese people.
• Even “innocent” comparisons can be culturally offensive due to history.

Don’t be loud on public transportation

• Keep your voice low on subways, trains, and buses.
• Public transit is treated like a quiet zone—loud talk can lead to staring, judgment, or offense.

Don’t touch or rearrange other people’s belongings

• In places like cafes, people may leave items (laptop/phone/wallet/umbrella/tissues) to hold their space.
• Don’t move their chair or items to “make room.”
• If you step away (bathroom/ordering), the expectation is to leave your spot marked with your things.

Don’t assume everyone speaks English

• Don’t expect English everywhere (even if Seoul and foreigner-heavy areas are easier).
• Use basic Korean greetings/thank-yous to show respect:
  • 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) = hello
  • 감사합니다 (kamsahamnida) = thank you

Don’t take photos/videos of people’s kids

• Avoid photographing children, in particular.
• Some people dislike being filmed, and filming can be a sensitive/grey-area topic.
• Best practice: don’t linger, don’t intentionally target individuals—especially kids.

Don’t casually refuse food/drinks offered by Koreans (unless you truly must)

• Declining can be seen as disrespectful because sharing food/drinks is common.
• If you can’t accept (e.g., allergies or medical reasons), refuse respectfully and explain.

Don’t litter—carry your trash

• If there isn’t a trash bin, the expectation is to take your garbage with you (carry a bag or hold it until you can sort it properly).
• Leaving bottles/items by poles/trees/benches is considered littering and can lead to trouble.

Don’t be overly direct when criticizing

• Communication is often more indirect; blunt criticism can come off as rude.
• Unless someone is clearly doing something seriously unacceptable, criticism is often not handled directly.

Don’t expect personal space to be like the U.S.

• Rush hour public transit can be extremely crowded.
• Try not to push or confront—“social harmony” means people generally accept crowding.

Dating expectations may move faster than in the U.S.

• The advice suggests a “few dates” mindset (like a 3-date rule), where a woman may want to know where things are headed early.
• Avoid being overly aggressive/flirtatious in a “pickup” way; it’s described as poorly received and can be seen as creepy/cringe.

Don’t tip (generally)

• Tipping culture is described as frowned upon; in most cases don’t tip.
• The note is that tipping may cause locals to start expecting it due to tourist habits.

Don’t smoke anywhere—use designated smoking areas

• Smoking is common, but designated areas exist for a reason.
• Smoking too close to shops/restaurants or smoking while walking can annoy people or lead to consequences.

Don’t ignore laws/rules just because you’re a foreigner

• Follow local norms: don’t jaywalk, don’t act like you “own the place,” and don’t disregard rules.
• Ignoring rules can create a negative impression of foreigners.

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Notable Locations / Products / People Mentioned

Locations

• Seoul
• Subway/train/bus systems
• Cafes
• Public sidewalks
• Designated smoking areas
• “Rush hour” around 6:00 p.m.

Products / Food / Drink

• Soju (mentioned in the context of offered drinks)

People / Speakers

• No specific named speakers; the advice is shared by the video narrator/creator.