ETC

🐥First time living in Korea? 4 essential manners for international students

2026-03-26

🙌 Today, we’ll introduce essential Korean manners every international student should know!

Have you ever felt confused by unfamiliar Korean customs when you first arrived?

Even if you’re quite used to Korean, the subtle cultural differences often make you worry about making mistakes! 😢

That’s why we’ve summed up 4 basic manners you must know for smooth communication and to be well-liked at school or part-time jobs.

With this guide, adapting to life in Korea should be no problem!

🗣️ Korean Honorifics Based on Age

In Korea, age and status are important, so it’s very natural to ask "How old are you?" when meeting someone for the first time to get closer.

On the first meeting, you must use honorifics regardless of age.
After a good relationship is built, you can switch to informal speech with the other person's consent.
It’s basic courtesy to always use honorifics when talking to professors or seniors.

👉 Choosing language that fits age and situation is the first step to good relationships!

🙇 Greetings Change with the Situation

In Korea, greetings mark the beginning of relationships and are one of the most important manners. How you greet changes based on who you meet and where you are.

When meeting someone for the first time or when greeting elders, lightly bow your head for a nod.
In part-time jobs or formal settings, bow at least 30 degrees at the waist.
Start with "Annyeonghaseyo" or "Annyeonghasimnikka" at first meetings.
With close friends, just wave lightly and say "Annyeong."

👉 Tailor your greeting to the situation and person for a great first impression!

🍚 Spoon & Chopsticks, Basic Dining Manners

Traditional dining manners are still important in Korea. There are some differences from other countries, so make sure to remember them!

Do not hold a spoon and chopsticks in one hand at the same time during a meal.
Do not hold the rice bowl or soup bowl in your hands while eating–leave them on the table.
Wait for the eldest person at the table to start eating first.
All side dishes are placed in the center and shared together.

👉 If you understand Korean dining manners, mealtimes with others will be much more comfortable!

💼 Company Dinners and Drinking, Essential Manners to Be Liked

While working part-time, at work, or at school,

you’ll often experience Korea’s company dinner (hoesik) culture.

Company dinners are important for building teamwork and getting closer.

Especially, if you know basic manners in drinking settings, you’ll stand out as a thoughtful person!

Always use both hands when pouring or receiving alcohol.
When drinking in front of elders, turn your head and body slightly to the side.
In Korean drinking culture, it’s preferred to pour drinks for each other rather than pouring your own (called jajak).
When toasting, position your glass a little lower than the other person's when clinking.

👉 Just follow drinking etiquette, and adapting to Korean life will be easy!

※ If you can't drink alcohol, don’t force yourself. Politely explain, fill your glass with water or a soft drink, and enjoy the atmosphere together!

🎯 Key Manners for International Students: Quick Summary

✔️ Learn honorifics and greeting manners according to age and status

✔️ Do not hold both spoon and chopsticks together; leave bowls on the table while eating

✔️ Use both hands to pour or receive drinks at company dinners

Korean culture may seem unfamiliar and confusing at first, but with a little effort, you’ll adapt in style!

💡VIVISA will help you.

VIVISA makes it easy to understand the following information.

👉 Visa information for foreigners and international students

👉 Part-time job & labor regulations

👉 Essential admin guides for living in Korea

Don’t worry about studying or working part-time in Korea—start with VIVISA and make it easy! ✨