Culture & Communication
27 questions.
- Do people speak English, and what do I do when they don't?Use Korean text or interpretation when English is unavailable, especially outside tourist areas.
- What the 1330 interpretation line can do for youCall 1330 for interpretation when speaking with a business, subject to language availability.
- Using BBB Korea's volunteer interpretersSet up BBB Korea before you need it and check how to request an interpreter.
- Papago and translation appsTry translation apps and download supported language packs before you lose your connection.
- Showing Korean text on your phoneShow clear Korean text in large type when asking someone for help.
- Learning to read Hangul (한글)Learn Hangul's basic letters and syllable blocks, then practise reading familiar signs.
- Essential Korean phrases by situationUse the polite Korean expressions provided for ordering, asking questions and thanking people.
- The two Korean number systems and when each is usedKorean uses two number systems. Choose the number and counter appropriate to the situation.
- Pointing and gesturing in KoreaUse polite gestures and ask permission before photographing someone.
- Where you take your shoes offLook for a shoe rack, raised floor or instructions before entering.
- Two-handed giving and receivingUse both hands when politely giving or receiving an item, especially in formal situations.
- Age, speech levels, and why people ask your ageYour birth year can clarify age questions. Use polite speech with unfamiliar people.
- Bowing, and what to do insteadA small nod is a useful greeting. Follow the other person's lead.
- Queueing in Korea, and the ticket systemLook for a numbered-ticket machine or queue instructions before waiting.
- Subway silence and priority seatsKeep noise low and leave priority seats available for passengers who need them.
- Using escalators safelyStand securely on the escalator and hold the handrail. Use lifts with bulky luggage.
- When attention from strangers feels uncomfortableRespond to unwanted attention in a way that feels comfortable, and seek help if needed.
- Public affection: what's normal in KoreaKeep public affection considerate of your surroundings and other people.
- Where you may legally smokeUse a designated smoking area and check signs before smoking or vaping.
- Finding bins and sorting rubbishLook for public bins or carry your rubbish until you can dispose of it appropriately.
- Seoul's palaces and what you're looking atLearn which palace buildings were restored and what their names and layouts mean.
- Hanbok and free palace entryConfirm whether your hanbok meets the venue's free-entry requirements before renting it.
- Jjimjilbang (찜질방): the step-by-step protocolA jjimjilbang combines bathing and heated rest areas, with different clothing rules for each.
- Noraebang (노래방): how Korean karaoke worksChoose a karaoke venue, check its pricing and follow the song-selection instructions.
- Self photo studios and photo boothsChoose your photos and collect any digital download before its access period expires.
- PC bang (PC방): Korea's gaming cafésCheck guest access, prices and age rules, then sign out before leaving the shared computer.
- Korean age and the lunar calendarCheck lunar holidays by year and distinguish calendar dates from age conventions.