South Korea Travel Tips

Unlike in many Western countries, tipping is not a common practice in South Korea and is generally not expected. The country has a service culture where excellent customer service is considered part of the job, and employees do not rely on tips for their income.

In most restaurants and cafés, tipping is unnecessary. Bills are typically paid at the counter rather than at the table, and leaving extra money is often met with confusion. Some upscale restaurants or establishments in tourist areas may include a 10% service charge in the bill, but there is no need to tip beyond that.

Hotel staff, including bellhops and housekeeping, generally do not expect tips. However, at high-end international hotels, staff may be accustomed to foreign guests tipping. If you feel inclined, offering 1,000 to 2,000 KRW (approximately $1 to $2 USD) is acceptable, but not required.

Tipping taxi drivers is not standard in South Korea. Fares are metered, and drivers do not expect extra payment. Most locals round up the fare to the nearest 1,000 KRW for convenience, but this is optional.

While tipping is not part of traditional Korean culture, tour guides and private drivers catering to foreign tourists may appreciate a tip as a token of thanks. A suggested amount for guides is around 10,000 to 20,000 KRW (approximately $8 to $16 USD) per day, while drivers might be given 5,000 to 10,000 KRW. Tips are always at your discretion and should reflect the quality of service received.

In beauty salons, spas, or massage parlors, tipping is not expected. Prices already include the cost of service. If you receive exceptional service and wish to show appreciation, a small tip is acceptable but not necessary.

If you are unsure whether tipping is appropriate, it’s generally safe to not tip unless you are in a tourist-oriented service. Korean culture emphasizes politeness and gratitude, so a warm thank you or a slight bow is more than enough to show appreciation.

Final Tips:

• Check your bill for a service charge; no additional tip is needed if it’s included.
• Use polite expressions like “감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)” – thank you – to show gratitude.
• Tipping is more common in services tailored to international tourists, but still optional.

Overall, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about tipping in most situations. Focus on experiencing South Korea’s hospitality, where great service comes without the expectation of extra payment.