Etiquette in South Korea

Korean chopsticks and spoon are never put into food standing up, particularly rice. This is considered to bring bad luck since it resembles food offerings at a grave to deceased ancestors.

The code of etiquette in korea governs the expectations of social behavior in the country and is considered very important. Indeed, Etiquette in South Korea is largely based on Korean Confucianism, including such concepts as respect for elders. Like many other social cultures, etiquette varies greatly depending on one's status relative to the person in question.

Some conventions may be very regional practices. In this reason it may not exist in all regions of South Korea. Some customs have changed over the course of Korea history. The following are generally accepted modern customs in Korea. Moreover, Its geopolitics reasons, etiquette in south korea has been affected by other countries, such as China, Japan, even United States of America.

General

General

• The number 4 is considered unlucky as the pronunciation of 4 is similar to one Chinese character '死, it means death' So gifts should not be given in multiples of 4. In this reason, it is taboo that mark 4 in building elevator, even some lift do not have fourth floor button.

  

  Missing Floor 4

  Giving 7 of an item is considered lucky.
• Blowing one's nose at the table, even if the food is spicy, is mildly offensive. If necessary, take a trip to the toilet or at least be very discreet.
• In restaurants and bars, pouring one's own drink is a faux pas. Keep an eye on your neighbors' glasses and fill them if they are empty; they will do the same. To avoid over drinking, simply leave the glass near full. When pouring drinks, hold bottle in right hand, lightly place left hand on forearm near elbow.
• When someone of a significantly higher social position pours you a drink, it is considered proper to turn away from that person when you drink it.
• A couple kissing each other in public is a faux pas, since it is not seen as modest.

Eating and drinking

Rice is generally eaten plain or mixed up with other different kinds of grains.

Special birthdays

Special birthday of 2 years baby is called Korean birthday celebrations

Etiquette in Other Regions

• Etiquette in Africa
• Etiquette in Asia
• Etiquette in Australia and New Zealand
• Etiquette in Canada and the United States
• Etiquette in Japan
• Etiquette in Latin America
• Etiquette in the Middle East

See also

• Culture of Korea
• Korean cuisine
• Public holidays in South Korea
• Korean birthday celebrations
• Traditional Korean thought
• Marriage in South Korea