Use a small bow or nod in everyday greetings
A slight bow or nod can accompany 안녕하세요, meaning “hello”, or a word of thanks. It is suitable for many ordinary interactions in shops, restaurants and introductions.
Respond when someone greets you, but do not worry about matching the exact depth of their bow. Staff may use a more formal service greeting than a customer needs to return.
Seoul's etiquette guide describes a short bow, essentially a nod, as an everyday courtesy. You can also greet someone politely in words if bowing is uncomfortable or impractical.
Do not treat angles as a daily checklist
Some workplace training describes light, ordinary and deep bows using approximate angles. Those examples teach a particular professional presentation; they do not mean every visitor must calculate an angle before thanking someone.
Bow naturally and keep enough space to avoid bumping into another person. There is no universal ban on nodding to a friend or child, and repeating a greeting when the situation calls for it is not inherently wrong.
If someone offers a handshake, a slight nod can accompany it. You do not need to bow deeply while holding their hand.
Recognise ceremonial bows
The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture distinguishes standing bows from bows performed from a kneeling position. More elaborate forms may appear at traditional weddings, ancestral rites, funerals and family celebrations.
세배 is the New Year bow made to elders, especially at Seollal, Korean Lunar New Year. Its form is different from the brief nod you might use at a shop counter.
Customs differ between families, religions and occasions. A funeral can require a different sequence from a celebration, so ask someone familiar with the occasion rather than relying on one set of instructions for every ceremony.
Follow your host's guidance at a formal occasion
Ask your host or an organiser to explain what participants will do and whether you are expected to join in. It is reasonable to observe first or request a simpler alternative.
If kneeling, bending or participating in a religious gesture is not appropriate for you, explain briefly. A respectful greeting or another agreed gesture can acknowledge the occasion without forcing you into an unsuitable movement.
Public apologies are a different setting
You may see very deep bows at press conferences or public apologies. Their meaning depends on the event and the speaker. They are not a model for routine greetings during a trip.
