Moving to or visiting South Korea can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with unexpected surprises—especially when it comes to daily life customs and unspoken rules. If you are a foreigner in South Korea, you may experience cultural shocks that make you stop and think, “Wait… what?” From unique recycling rules to no shoes inside, let’s dive into some of the biggest cultural differences that might surprise you!
1️⃣ Recycling Rules: It’s Serious Business
In many countries, recycling is encouraged, but in South Korea, it is the law. Every household and business must separate waste into different categories: food waste, plastic, paper, glass, and general trash. Unlike some places where you can just throw everything in one bin, South Korea has specific bags for different types of waste, and improper sorting can lead to fines.
🍎 Food Waste: It must go into special yellow biodegradable bags and is collected separately. Some apartments even have food waste bins with electronic ID systems!
📰 Plastic & Paper: These should be cleaned and placed in designated bins.
🗑️ General Trash: Only non-recyclables go here, and you must use city-designated bags purchased from convenience stores.
2️⃣ Where Are the Trash Bins?!
One of the biggest surprises for foreigners in South Korea is how difficult it is to find a public trash bin. If you are walking around with an empty coffee cup or snack wrapper, you might be carrying it for a while because bins are rare in public places.
Why? In the 1990s, the government removed most public trash cans to discourage illegal dumping and reduce littering. Instead of bins, South Korea encourages people to take their trash home or dispose of it at designated collection points.
🗑️ Where can you find trash bins?
✔️ Convenience stores (inside or right outside)
✔️ Subway stations (but only for small waste like receipts)
✔️ Fast-food restaurants and cafés (but only for customers)
If you are out and about, be prepared to hold onto your trash until you find a proper disposal spot!
3️⃣ No Shoes Indoors
One of the first things you will notice when entering a Korean home, some restaurants, and even certain offices is the strict no-shoes rule. Koreans believe that shoes bring in dirt and germs, so it is customary to remove them at the entrance.
Many homes have a 현관 (hyeongwan)—a small entrance area where you leave your shoes before stepping into the main living space. Some restaurants also provide slippers for guests. If you are visiting a Korean home, always take off your shoes unless the host specifically tells you otherwise!
4️⃣ The Silent Subway & Public Transport Etiquette
If you are used to chatting or taking phone calls on public transportation, you might get a few stares in South Korea. Subway and bus rides are surprisingly quiet, and it is considered rude to talk loudly. Instead, most passengers use their phones with headphones or simply rest.
Here are a few other public transport rules to keep in mind:
🚇 Priority seats are for the elderly, pregnant women, and disabled individuals—even if the train is full, these seats should remain empty unless needed.
📵 Talking on the phone loudly is frowned upon.
🎧 Keep your volume low when listening to music.
5️⃣ The Culture of “빨리 빨리” (Ppalli Ppalli – Hurry, Hurry!)
South Korea operates at an incredibly fast pace. The phrase "빨리 빨리" (ppalli ppalli) means "hurry up," and it reflects the country's efficiency-driven mindset. Whether it is fast food service, lightning-speed WiFi, or same-day delivery, Koreans expect things to be done quickly.
Foreigners might find this culture both impressive and overwhelming. If you are in a restaurant, don’t be surprised if your food arrives within minutes. If you are walking slowly on the subway stairs, you might hear someone hurrying behind you. Adapt and enjoy the speed of life in South Korea!
6️⃣ Table Manners & Dining Customs
Eating in South Korea comes with its own set of traditions. Here are a few things that might surprise you:
🍚 Sharing is caring – Many Korean meals are served in shared dishes, and everyone takes food from the same plates.
🥢 Never stick chopsticks in rice – It resembles a funeral ritual and is considered bad luck.
🍶 Two hands for respect – When receiving drinks from an elder, hold your glass with both hands to show politeness.
7️⃣ Bowing Instead of Handshakes
In South Korea, bowing is a form of greeting and respect. A simple nod is enough for casual situations, but for formal occasions, a deeper bow is expected. While handshakes are becoming more common in business settings, combining a bow with a handshake is seen as polite.
If you are unsure how to greet someone, just follow their lead—if they bow, return the bow.
8️⃣ No Tipping Culture
Unlike many Western countries, tipping is not expected in South Korea. In fact, leaving a tip at a restaurant or in a taxi might confuse the staff. Service charges are often included in the bill, and great service is simply part of the job.
The only exception? If you receive exceptional service, you can offer a small tip to a tour guide or private driver, but it is not necessary.
9️⃣ Personal Space? Not Really!
South Korea is densely populated, especially in cities like Seoul, so personal space is often limited. In crowded areas like subways, markets, or buses, don’t be surprised if people bump into you without apologizing—it is just part of city life.
However, Koreans are also very polite in other ways, like respecting queue lines.
🔟 Couples Wear Matching Outfits
If you walk around South Korea, you might notice something unique—couples wearing matching outfits! Koreans take couple culture seriously, and one of the ways they show their love is by dressing alike.
What do they match?
👚 Full outfits (same shirts, pants, or even shoes!)
💍 Couple rings or accessories
📱 Matching phone cases
This trend is not just for young couples—it is common across different age groups! Some brands even sell special "couple sets" so partners can coordinate their looks.
If you are dating in South Korea, do not be surprised if your partner suggests matching outfits—it is seen as cute and romantic rather than cringey!
Final Thoughts
Every country has its own unique customs, and South Korea is no different. While some of these cultural shocks may seem confusing or even frustrating at first, they are all part of what makes South Korea special. With time, you will adapt, and some of these habits might even become second nature!
