6 Things not to do when in South Korea

South Korea is a great country to visit, but one should not forget that it is also a relatively conservative country and comes with its own norms. There are a lot of places to explore, but before you begin your exciting trip, take a few minutes to read down and see what you are expected to do and what you are not expected to do when in a public place. Here are a few things you should avoid doing when in South Korea –

1. Do not speak loudly in public – This mostly applies, when you are travelling on a public transport. It can be seen as being rude, if you are talking loudly. Instead of getting those harsh looks from locals around you, it is better to speak with a mild voice.

2. Look before you pick your seat on a public transport – On public transport, there are seats that are reserved for the senior citizens and the disabled. Such seats are marked, and if you take those, you can get a harsh look or might also get yelled by the locals.

3. Do not wear revealing clothes – Things are surely changing, but when in South Korea, certain traits like wearing plunging necklines, backless dresses or open shoulders are considered as dressing indecent. You are free to show as much of the legs but nothing more than that.

4. Do not leave chopsticks stuck in rice – The upright chopsticks resemble incense sticks that are burnt at funerals and bringing up something similar to that on the dinner table is not good.

5. Use both hands while giving or receiving – When you are giving away business cards, gifts or also shaking hands, it is good to use both hands instead of just one.

6. Do not refuse drinks from elders – Korean culture includes lot of respect for elders. When in South Korea, if an elderly person offers you a drink, then even if you don’t consume alcohol, you are not supposed to refuse it.

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