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Hidden Korean Culture Shocks That Will Totally Catch You Off Guard!

UNWRITTEN RULES YOU’RE PROBABLY BREAKING RIGHT NOW! We dive deep into unspoken social rules that will make your life in South Korea easier!


Controversy in K-pop
Controversy in K-pop - Credit: Kpophit.com

Stepping off a plane involves more than just changing time zones; it’s a total brain changer, and it messes with your social compass, as we are sure you are aware. While Korea has many landmarks that look AMAZING on camera, many invisible rules of daily life will truly make your head spin. DON'T WORRY, the Dojeon team has you covered!


The Concept of Personal Space


When you first come to Korea, this is the main invisible rule that will frustrate you and make your head spin. In many European cultures, an arm's length of distance is the norm and a social baseline for comfort. However, in many Mediterranean or Latin American regions, physical closeness and frequent touch are signs of warmth rather than intrusions. This is the same for Koreans. The concept of personal space may not exist in Korea, with many people standing right next to you and walking right into you most of the time.



Punctuality and "Social Time"


In Germany or Japan, arriving "on time" actually means arriving five minutes early to show proper respect, and that is a common practice in most countries. However, in many "event-oriented" cultures, a 7:00 PM dinner invitation is merely a suggestion that the evening will begin eventually, meaning it is often a rough guide with a 10 to 15 minute window of lateness. This is true for the most part, except for lunchtime, when it seems 99% of Koreans take their lunch between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. During this time, restaurants are packed, and coffee shop queues are very long.



The Complexity of Tipping


In the United States, tipping is a mandatory social contract that ensures servers earn a living wage, with each year the average tip amount rising. In contrast, leaving extra cash in Korea can be viewed as an insult or a confusing mistake, which is fantastic! Don't make the mistake of tipping, as it is considered rude in Korea!



The "Two-Armed" Refusal


In Korea, you will often notice people handing cash or cards over, and even drinks, with two hands! Why? Well, the answer is simple. To show proper respect when declining or receiving, you must use both hands or support your pouring arm at the elbow to signal sincerity. In contrast, for certain cultures, refusing a drink with one hand can seem dismissive or rude, though in Korea, it is very normal.



Final thoughts


The Dojeon team firmly believes that from the moment you step off the plane to the moment you leave Korea, there will be no shortage of cultural shocks you need to adapt to! From the way you stand in line to the way you say "no", the world is a beautiful, confusing puzzle of unwritten laws. Lean into the awkwardness, because those moments of confusion are usually where the best travel stories begin.



What cultural shocks have you experienced in Korea? Comment below and let the team know!


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