FascinatingS Facts  

• Over the years the mountain peaks in South Korea have been worn down, and most summits are under 3,300 feet. This is lower than many mountains around the world. 

• About 3,000 volcanic islands surround the Korean peninsula. 

• Confucianism, a Chinese philosophy, has a large impact on Korean views of respect and morality. 

• Because South Korea has a large population compared to the amount of land available, natural habitats for animals are limited to small spaces, mainly consisting of 21 national parks and the mountain forests. 

Religion and Ethnic Groups

• Protestant (19.7%), Buddhist (15.5%), Catholic (7.9%), none (56.9%). Confucianism plays a big role in Korean beliefs. 

• Ethnicity is homogeneous in South Korea (one of the most homogeneous in the world). Those not of Korean descent make up a very small portion of the population and typically do not stay in the country permanently. 
   

Greetings 

• It’s impolite to greet a Korean with their given name without permission. Professional titles or the use of “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” etc. should be used to address someone until you receive their permission to use their given name. (Remember: Korean naming conventions are opposite of those in Western cultures, and follow this format: family name (surname), a second family name (shared by all in a generation), and then given name.) 
   
• Bowing is the common greeting, but women will sometimes nod instead of bowing fully. You should also bow when leaving. A deeper bow means the person is showing respect and trust. 
   
• Handshakes are also common between men. When shaking hands, your left hand should support your right forearm. 

General social etiquette 

• Although equality between men and women is constitutional in South Korea, society is based on a mostly male-led family, or patriarchy. Gender and age play an important role in social organization. 
   
• Saying “no” or refusing/declining is considered rude. 
   
• Politeness and patience, both verbally and through body language, are very important during conversations. Overt and excessive body language should be avoided, and you should be mindful to stay within your own personal space at all times. However, in cities, expect to experience pushing and shoving. 
   
• If you are unfamiliar with a person, do not give the person a hug, pat on the back, or other form of physical touch. Also avoid prolonged eye contact, which is insulting in Korean culture.  
   
• If you’re calling someone over, use a claw motion with your palm down instead of using your index finger to point. 
   
• Do not put your thumb between your middle and index finger while making a fist; this is considered an obscene gesture. 
   
• When accepting a gift, use both hands or use your left hand to support your right arm, and wait until the gift giver is absent to open the gift. To return the favor, offer a gift of similar value. Western items are popular gifts. Gifts should be wrapped and presented nicely, but avoid dark and red wrapping paper (bright green and yellow is preferred). 
   
• If invited to someone’s home, bring the hostess a small gift (chocolates, flowers, other sweets), but avoid gifting alcohol. Koreans like to reciprocate gifts with something of similar value, so it’s best to not give overly expensive gifts. Knives, scissors, items with red writing, and sets of four have a strong symbolism to cutting ties and death. Do not give these items as gifts. 
   
• When invited to someone’s home, remove your shoes if your host has done so. It is seen as an honor to be invited to someone’s home, so following their customs and being polite is a must. Do not put your feet on furniture. 

Eating 

• You shouldn’t eat and drink while walking in public places. 
   
• If visiting someone’s home for a meal, wait for the host to seat you. If you are given the “seat of honor” (one that faces the door), it is customary to put up a bit of an objection. 
   
• Elders will be served first and will begin the dining process. 
   
• Although dining is seen as a way to build relationships, there may be stretches of silence until after everyone has eaten. 
   
• It is considered rude to pour your own drink, but it is acceptable for you to pour a drink for someone else. If you do not want a refill, leave some drink in your glass instead of refusing more. 
   
• Passing and receiving food follows the same rules as giving/receiving an item or gift: use both hands, or support your right arm with your left hand. 
   
• If eating out, the host will typically pay for everyone, although the guest can offer to pay. If there is a sign the says “no tipping,” do not leave a tip. 
   
• You may receive an invitation to sing a song or to continue with drinks or a party after dinner. Neither request should be refused. 
   
• Chopsticks shouldn’t be used to point and shouldn’t be left sticking out of a bowl. 

Getting around and ease of travel 

South Korea has a large network of transportation options. Large cities like Seoul and Busan have extensive subway systems. Areas outside of the cities can be reached using railways and local buses, which are available throughout the day and night. Ferries and domestic air travel are also options to reach the surrounding islands or areas farther out when short on time. 

Information for public transportation is provided in both Korean and English, and the different travel options are considered reasonably priced. However, avoid traveling on buses and subways during holidays and rush hour, as they can be overcrowded. 

Key phrases 

Good morning/hello: ahn-nyong-ha-se-yo 

Goodbye: ahn-nyong-hee ga-se-yo 

Please: jwe-song-ha-ji-mahn 

Thank you: gahm-sah-hahm-ni-da 

You’re welcome: chon-mahn-eh-yo 

Excuse me: sil-le-hahm-ni-da 

Do you speak English?: yong-o-rul hahl-jool asim-ni-ka? 

I only speak a little Korean: jeo-nun han-kook-o-rul jo-gum-bah-ke mo-tahm-ni-da 

What is your name?: song-ha-mi o-teo-ke dwe-si-ji-yo? 

My name is [name]: jeh ee-reum-un [name] 

How are you?: ahn-nyong-ha-se-yo? 

I’m fine, thank you: neh jal-i-soum-ni-da 

I don’t understand: jal mo-dara dut-ge-soum-ni-da 

What did you say?: mo-ra-go greo-shut-ji-yo? 

Can you speak more slowly?: jom-chon-chon-hee mahl-soum-hae joo-se-yo? 

Do you know where _____ is?: _____ uh-di-eehn-ji  ah-seh-yo? 

Where is the bathroom?: hwa-jang-shil-ee  uh-di-eh-yo?