Do You Tip in Korea? Tipping and Table Manners Visitors Get Wrong
Short answer: you don't need to tip in Korea. Restaurants, cafes, taxis and hair salons don't expect it, and the price you see is the price you pay (tax is already included). Some upscale hotels and hotel restaurants add a service charge to the bill, and that's it. Korean table manners matter more than tipping: wait for older people to start, don't stand your chopsticks in the rice, and pour drinks for others rather than yourself. Here's what visitors most often get wrong.
Tipping in Korea: the simple rules
- Restaurants and cafes: no tip. Leaving money on the table can confuse staff, and some may run after you to give it back.
- Taxis: no tip. Pay the metered or app fare.
- Hotels: higher-end hotels may include a service charge on the bill. Tipping porters or housekeeping isn't expected.
- Tour guides and drivers: not required. On private tours some travelers give a small thank-you if the guide went out of their way. It's kind, but optional.
You may now see a tip option on some cafe payment screens or a tip jar in tourist areas. It's still uncommon and fully optional, so skipping it is fine.
Table manners visitors get wrong
1. Starting before the eldest person
In a group, wait until the oldest person or the host picks up their spoon or chopsticks. If you're eating with friends your own age, nobody will mind, but it's a nice gesture with a Korean family or colleagues.
2. Sticking chopsticks upright in rice
This looks like the way rice is offered at memorial rites for the dead. Rest your chopsticks on the table, the holder or across your plate instead.
3. Lifting the rice bowl to your mouth
Unlike in some neighboring countries, Koreans usually keep the rice bowl on the table and eat rice and soup with a spoon. Korean metal chopsticks are used for side dishes.
4. Pouring your own drink
With soju or beer, people pour for each other. Hold the bottle with one hand and support it with the other, and when an older person pours for you, hold your glass with two hands. It's polite to turn your head slightly away when you drink in front of an elder.
5. Waiting for a server to come by
Many restaurants have a call button on the table. If there isn't one, it's normal to raise your hand and say "Jeogiyo!" ("Excuse me!"). It isn't rude. Water is often self-service from a fridge or a dispenser, and extra side dishes (banchan) are usually refilled for free; some places have a self-serve banchan bar.
6. Trying to pay at the table
In most casual restaurants you take the bill to the counter by the door when you leave. Splitting the bill is becoming more common, but in traditional settings the host or the oldest person often pays, and the others may treat the next round.
7. Blowing your nose at the table
This is seen as rude. Step away or to the restroom if you need to, especially when the food is spicy.
For a BBQ meal specifically, our guide on how to order at a Korean BBQ restaurant covers grilling, wraps and ordering minimums.
Quick tips
- Don't tip. A smile and "Jal meogeosseumnida" ("I ate well") on the way out is the best thank-you.
- Look for the call button or say "Jeogiyo" to get attention.
- Pay at the counter on your way out.
- Pour for others, and use two hands with elders.
- Learn a few more words with our 30 Korean travel phrases.
Hana from POPORO CITY says: "Say 'jal meogeosseumnida' when you leave. The owner's face lights up every time."
FAQ
Is it rude to tip in Korea?
Not rude, but it isn't expected and can cause confusion. Staff may think you forgot your change.
Do Korean restaurants add a service charge?
Ordinary restaurants don't. Some hotel restaurants and upscale hotels do, and it will be shown on the bill.
Should I tip a tour guide in Korea?
It's not required. For a private tour where the guide did a great job, a small gift or tip is a friendly gesture, but entirely your choice.
Is it OK to eat alone in Korean restaurants?
Yes, solo dining is common now. A few BBQ or stew places require a minimum of two portions, so check the menu or ask.