The basics: shoes off indoors, items given with two hands, a head bow, elders first at the table.
Shoes
Homes, some traditional restaurants, temples, occasional noraebang rooms: look for shoe shelves at the entrance.
Two hands
When giving a card, drink, or gift to someone older/higher status, support with the other hand. Even a symbolic gesture counts.
Greeting
No need for a 90° bow. A nod + 안녕하세요 is plenty day to day.
Key vocabulary
| Word | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 예의 | yeui | Etiquette / manners |
| 신발을 벗다 | sinbareul beotda | Take off shoes |
| 두 손으로 | du soneuro | With two hands |
| 인사 | insa | Greeting |
Tip
If unsure, mirror the other person for 2 seconds. Observation beats theory.
Go further
Find these words in the Seonsaengnim dictionary and practice them in lessons / flashcards with native audio.