Dress Etiquette

When the government announced that NHI would separate

It is
customary to bring a small gift when visiting a South Korean home. It's better
to bring a small token and not an ostentatious object that calls attention to
you. Fruit, flowers, and chocolates are popular gifts for these
occasions.

South
Koreans generally sit, eat, and sleep on the floor, so you will be expected to
remove your shoes upon entering a South Korean home and some schools and
restaurants. Bare feet may be offensive to people of the older generations, so
it's best to wear socks when visiting (be sure they're clean and free of
holes! 

In addition
to chopsticks, South Koreans regularly use soup spoons at meals. The chopsticks
are used primarily for side dishes, while the spoon is used for soup and rice.
Unlike in Japan, it's not appropriate to pick up your rice bowl while eating.
All plates and bowls should stay on the table. Drinking customs in South Korea
are also different than in Japan. Use both hands when pouring a drink for
someone, because it shows respect. Though filling a companion's glass with beer
or soju (similar to vodka) is appropriate, it's essential that the glass is
completely empty before pouring. This may seem like a trivial concern, but will
count for a lot in the eyes of your South Korean friends.

Among young
people, the person who issued the invitation usually pays. If you're out with a
group, the bill is split and everyone pitches in. Among older Koreans, one
person will take care of the bill, and roles will switch the next
time.

Tipping is
not a traditional Korean custom; however, a 10 percent service charge is added
to bills at all tourist hotels and tipping is not expected. It's never necessary
to tip a taxi driver unless he assists you with your luggage or takes you to or
from the airport.

South
Koreans are averse to overt physical contact between members of the opposite
sex. They generally limit interpersonal contact to a courteous handshake;
however, very good friends are often physical with each other, so don't be
surprised to see men and women walking hand-in-hand with a member of the same
sex. Public displays of affection between couples, like hugging and kissing, are
considered very improper.

South
Korean public baths, moyoktang, are wonderful. After a long, stressful
day, there's nothing like a steamy sauna and bath to wash away your troubles.
Moyoktang are found throughout the city and cost about W2,352 (US$2.85). There
are usually showers to use before entering the hot tub. Many places also have a
cold water tank, which is amazingly refreshing after a piping hot sauna. A
special feature of the baths is the underwear-clad massage. For about
W6,000–W8,000 ($7.30–$9.70 plus tip) the masseuses will scrub you down with hot
water and towels, removing all traces of grime. You've never known the true
meaning of "squeaky-clean" until you've experienced the wonderful traditions at
the public bath.