Eating And Drinking Etiquette

Social connection in Korea revolves mostly around food and drink. The hosts will be delighted to share their cuisine and culture with a foreign visitor. You will be urged to taste a variety of foods, so you should happily accept any suggestions and offers. In Korea, picky eaters are uncommon, thus refusing to try something new could be interpreted as a criticism on the person who is providing it. Koreans are quite curious in how a westerner will respond because they are very proud of their cuisine.

There will be food and beverages available, so no one should prepare their own beverages. All visitors are asked to follow the lead of the oldest or most senior participant. Everyone should try to stay at the table until the most senior person says the evening is ended.

Chopsticks should never be used to point or for any other function than that for which they were designed. When not in use, chopsticks should be laid neatly and side by side on the table. Don't let them protrude from a dish of rice. This has symbolic meanings connected to funeral customs.

For the vast majority of places, tipping is neither customary nor appropriate. The wages paid to servers are fair, and they do not depend on tips to make up the difference. For large groups, a few western-style hotels or restaurants would impose a gratuity, but this is uncommon. It's common to make friends with the employees and owner if you frequent a restaurant or bar. In this circumstance, small physical (non-monetary) gifts can be given to worthy employees.