20 Mistakes Every Foreigner Makes on Their First Trip to Korea
You’ve booked your flight, downloaded KakaoMap, and memorized a few lines of K-Pop lyrics. You think you’re ready for South Korea. Think again!
Korea is hyper-efficient and incredibly welcoming, but its unique social and cultural rules can trip up even the most seasoned traveler. Making these mistakes won’t land you in trouble, but they will definitely earn you a few confused stares and make your trip less smooth.
As a local who loves seeing foreigners here, I’ve compiled the definitive, witty list of 20 Common Mistakes Tourists Make in Korea—and how you can avoid them to travel like a savvy local from day one!
The Top 5 Rookie Mistakes (The Must-Avoids)
1. Mistake: Only Relying on Google Maps.
- The Fix: Google Maps often struggles with turn-by-turn navigation in Korea. Download and use Naver Map or KakaoMap for accurate directions and public transport times.
2. Mistake: Using Cash for Everything.
- The Fix: Korea is nearly a cashless society. Use your credit/debit card for small purchases, taxis, and even street food. You’ll move much faster.
3. Mistake: Forgetting to Tap Out on the Subway/Bus.
- The Fix: Always tap your T-Money card both when you enter and when you exit the subway turnstile or the bus. Failing to tap out means you miss the transfer discount and get charged the maximum fare.
4. Mistake: Not Separating Trash (Mandatory).
- The Fix: Recycling (plastic, glass, paper, etc.) and separating general waste from food waste is mandatory. Never throw food waste into the regular trash bin at your hotel or accommodation without separating it first.
5. Mistake: Disregarding Shoe Etiquette.
- The Fix: Always remove your shoes before entering a traditional Hanok, someone’s home, or many high-end restaurants/pensions. Look for a small step up or a dedicated shoe rack near the entrance.
Etiquette & Social Faux Pas (Avoid the Stares)
6. Mistake: Using One Hand to Hand Items. Use two hands (or support your right forearm with your left hand) when giving or receiving anything from an elder or superior.
7. Mistake: Pouring Your Own Drink. Never pour alcohol for yourself when drinking in a group. You should pour for others, and they will pour for you!
8. Mistake: Leaving the Chopsticks Sticking Up. Never leave your chopsticks vertically stuck into your rice bowl. This resembles a ritual at a memorial service and is a major taboo.
9. Mistake: Talking Loudly on the Subway. Keep your phone conversations quiet or short on public transport—it’s considered rude and disruptive.
10. Mistake: Refusing the Shared Dish. Korean food is communal. Don’t order an entree just for yourself; share the food (and the Banchan, side dishes) with your group.
11. Mistake: Starting to Eat First. Always wait for the oldest person or your host to pick up their spoon before you start your meal.
12. Mistake: Wearing Too Much Makeup/Heavy Fragrance to the Office. If visiting a Korean workplace, opt for a clean, natural K-Beauty look and minimal perfume. Loud makeup is often reserved for entertainment/nightlife.
Practical Travel Blunders (Smooth Your Logistics)
13. Mistake: Expecting Western-Sized Bath Towels. Korean bath towels are often smaller (more like hand towels). Embrace the efficiency!
14. Mistake: Forgetting Your Adapter. Korea uses the Type C/F two-round-pin plug (the European style). Pack the right adapter!
15. Mistake: Not Booking Ahead. For popular aesthetic clinics (K-Beauty) or specific niche restaurants, always book days or weeks in advance, especially in Gangnam or Hongdae.
16. Mistake: Ignoring the Delivery Culture. Don’t cook! Korean delivery apps (like Coupang Eats or Baemin) deliver everything from fried chicken (Chimaek) to full K-BBQ sets directly to your door, often until late at night. Use them!
17. Mistake: Trying to Order Food for One. Many restaurants require a minimum order of two servings for dishes like Samgyeopsal or Budae Jjigae. Solo travelers, look for Gukbap (rice soup) or Naengmyeon (cold noodles) spots.
18. Mistake: Drinking Tap Water. While technically safe in most areas, most Koreans drink filtered or bottled water. When visiting a local’s home, ask for Mul (water).
19. Mistake: Ignoring the Power of the Convenience Store. Korean convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) are lifesavers for cheap coffee, quick meals, emergency supplies, and T-Money top-ups.
20. Mistake: Only Visiting Seoul. Korea’s beauty is diverse! Take a KTX train to Busan for beaches, or Gyeongju for ancient history.
Avoid these common pitfalls, and your Korean adventure will be smoother, happier, and much more authentic!