Local culture in South Korea

If you’re visibly foreign, the locals generally won’t expect you to understand the local culture in South Korea. You’ll pick up the ins and outs of local customs by observing those around you, although learning some basic Korean phrases and bowing etiquette will go a long way.

Language barrier in South Korea

The language barrier in South Korea is one of the biggest sources of culture shock. While the younger generation will probably be excited to test their English skills on you with a friendly greeting, most older people speak little to no English. The language barrier becomes more pronounced outside Seoul and major tourist areas.

Learning basic Korean greetings will ease everyday interactions considerably, and translation apps can help bridge the gap when you’re stuck.

Meeting and greeting in South Korea

Meeting and greeting in South Korea involves adopting the bow, which works as a greeting, a sign of gratitude or an acknowledgement. A slight dip of the head is sufficient for most situations. South Koreans pay great respect to their elders, so always bow to people who are senior to you unless they’re serving you in some way.

Don’t worry too much about getting the angle perfect. Locals don’t expect foreigners to master the formal 30- or 45-degree bows reserved for business settings or special occasions.

Cuisine in South Korea

The cuisine in South Korea has unique tastes and aesthetics, and South Korean hosts will be incredibly impressed if you try all the food that is placed in front of you. Most Western foods are available in South Korea, but the local cuisine is cheaper and definitely worth a try. Many popular dishes feature spicy gochugaru (red chilli pepper) or fermented flavours, but there are also plenty of non-spicy options. If you’re sensitive to heat, avoid the kimchi or ask for milder versions of dishes.

Vegetarians in South Korea will face challenges, as many dishes contain meat, seafood, and hidden ingredients like fish sauce and anchovy broth. Seoul offers the most vegetarian-friendly options, particularly in neighbourhoods like Itaewon, and temple food restaurants serve traditional vegetarian cuisine. If you’re vegetarian, ask a Korean friend or co-worker to write a note explaining your dietary requirements, or use a translation app to communicate with serving staff.

Trends in South Korea

Trends in South Korea move fast. Koreans are extremely fashion-conscious, a fact visible in almost every facet of daily life. New shops and eateries pop up overnight to keep up with current styles. Don’t be surprised if your favourite café closes and reopens as something completely different within months.

For the fashion-conscious, it’s wise to mirror the dress code of people of a similar age. In the workplace, it’s advisable to dress formally for the first week or two and then adjust according to your particular work environment. Workplace attire has become more relaxed since the pandemic, although Korean offices still tend toward business casual at a minimum. Women should note that although short skirts are perfectly acceptable, cleavage should never be shown, and shoulders are usually covered.

A further adjustment you’ll need to make is removing your shoes whenever you enter a home. Most locals keep a pair of indoor slippers that they change into after arriving home. Traditional restaurants with floor seating also require patrons to remove their shoes before entering the dining area, while Western-style restaurants with chairs and tables do not.

Space in South Korea

Space in South Korea takes some getting used to. South Korean cities are crowded with apartment blocks, skyscrapers and bustling markets. Being able to adopt an ‘Eastern space, not Western space’ mindset will be helpful, especially when negotiating apartment sizes or making your way through Seoul subway carriages during peak hours. Studio apartments in Seoul are typically significantly smaller than Western standards. The cities are crowded, but there are plenty of forests, beaches and islands that offer weekend escapes.

LGBTQ+ in South Korea

LGBTQ+ people in South Korea will find their rights exist in a legally grey area. Same-sex relationships are not illegal, but the country doesn’t have strong anti-discrimination laws and does not recognise same-sex marriage.

Seoul has the most accepting environment for LGBTQ+ people, with established communities in Itaewon (particularly the ‘Homo Hill’ area) and Jongno. These neighbourhoods host gay bars, clubs and community spaces where you can connect with both Korean and international LGBTQ+ communities.

Outside Seoul, social acceptance drops considerably, and discretion may be necessary in smaller cities and rural areas. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract negative attention, and you should be aware that conservative attitudes are strong in many sectors of society. That said, many LGBTQ+ expats live openly and comfortably in Seoul, particularly in international or progressive work environments.

LGBTQ+, Diversity and Inclusion in South Korea

Time in South Korea

Time in South Korea operates on strict punctuality in professional settings. Business meetings typically run between 10am and noon or 2pm and 4pm, and arriving on time shows respect for your colleagues. If you’ll be late, call ahead to explain.

 The standard workday runs from 9am to 6pm, Monday through Friday. South Korea legally caps the working week at 52 hours (40 regular hours plus 12 overtime), although the reality is that you'll likely be expected to work more hours. Overtime culture is prevalent in many Korean companies, particularly in traditional industries. International firms and tech startups tend to offer better work-life balance. Before accepting a position, clarify expectations around overtime and after-hours availability.

Women in South Korea

Women in South Korea have a maze of deeply ingrained social expectations to negotiate. The country is male-dominated in many professional and social spheres, although modern Korean women strongly value their independence and are increasingly challenging traditional expectations. Female expats may encounter gender dynamics that feel outdated compared to Western workplaces, including slower career advancement and more traditional role expectations.

Women who smoke in public, wear low-cut shirts, or drink ‘too much’ will draw disapproval. Being foreign provides some leeway, but you’ll likely receive disapproving looks if you engage in these behaviours publicly.

Gender Equality and Women in Leadership in South Korea

Cultural dos and don’ts in South Korea

• Do check for toilet paper before entering the stall. While most modern public toilets in South Korea now stock paper inside each stall, some older facilities or traditional restaurants still keep it near the entrance or sinks.
• Don’t expect to eat much fruit in South Korea, as it is exceptionally expensive
• Don’t write anyone’s name in red ink, as this traditionally signifies death
• Don’t leave chopsticks sticking up in a bowl, as this is only done when commemorating the dead
• Do turn your head away when drinking alcohol in the presence of elders or superiors
• Don’t pour yourself a drink. If another person at the table offers a refill, accept it with both hands and return the favour by pouring one for them. Use both hands when pouring.
• Don’t fold your arms when in the company of older people, but leave them hanging by your side
• Do always use two hands when accepting or giving money, business cards or anything of importance. This applies equally when presenting these items to others.