Moving to a new country means getting used to not just rules and systems, but also the small everyday habits that make up daily life. Getting to know Korea’s common customs ahead of time can help you avoid misunderstandings and feel more at home. Culture is not about right or wrong; it is simply different from place to place. When you are unsure about something, it is perfectly fine to ask. Everything below reflects general patterns you will often see in Korea, and things can vary a little depending on the region and the person.

When You Are Sick: Hospitals and Pharmacies

Korean hospitals are divided by size and scope. For everyday symptoms like a cold or mild pain, visiting a local clinic (의원, a small neighborhood clinic) is quicker and cheaper. For a serious illness, or if you need specialized tests or surgery, you go to a general hospital or university hospital. At these larger hospitals, having a referral letter (진료의뢰서) from a smaller clinic helps the process go more smoothly.

After seeing a doctor, you receive a prescription. In Korea, hospitals generally do not hand out medicine directly. Instead, you take your prescription to a nearby pharmacy (약국) to pick up your medication. Pharmacies are usually clustered close to clinics and hospitals.

Enrolling in health insurance significantly reduces your hospital costs. See the Health Insurance Guide for details on how to sign up and how costs are calculated.

Taking Out the Trash

Trash disposal rules differ a lot from country to country, and Korea’s system is fairly detailed. It may look complicated at first, but once you learn it, it becomes second nature.

The days, times, and locations for putting out trash differ depending on whether you live in an apartment complex, a villa (a small multi-unit building), or a standalone house, and they also vary by area. Leaving trash out on the wrong day or in the wrong spot can result in a fine (과태료). When you first move in, it is safest to ask a neighbor, the building manager, or your local community service center (주민센터, the local government office in your neighborhood that handles resident registration and many daily administrative tasks) how it works in your building.

For bulky items like furniture or large appliances, you need to apply for a large-waste sticker (대형폐기물 스티커) and attach it before disposal.

Neighbors and Noise Between Floors

Korea has a very high proportion of apartment buildings and villas where many households live close together, sharing walls and floors. Because of this, noise between floors (층간소음) is one of the most common sources of conflict between neighbors.

Footsteps, loud music or TV, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and children running are the sounds most likely to cause problems, especially late at night or early in the morning. During those hours, try to reduce noise, and be careful about dragging chairs or dropping objects. Wearing indoor slippers and putting down floor mats can help a lot. Saying a brief hello when you pass a neighbor in the hallway also goes a long way: if a small issue comes up later, a friendly acquaintance is much easier to resolve it with.

Public Transportation

Korea’s subway and bus networks are fast and very convenient. Using a transit card (교통카드) is by far the easiest way to get around.

  • You can buy a transit card at a convenience store and top it up with cash. One card works on both the subway and buses.
  • If you transfer within a set time window, a transfer discount is automatically applied, saving you money. You need to tap your card on the reader when you get off as well, so that the discount registers correctly.
  • Subways and buses have priority seats (노약자 배려석 / 교통약자석) reserved for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Even if these seats are empty, it is good practice to leave them free.
  • On public transport, keep phone calls short and quiet, and listen to music through earphones. This is considered standard courtesy.

If you want to drive, you will need a Korean driver’s license. See the Korean Driver’s License Guide for the process.

Interacting with People

Korean has a system of formal speech (존댓말) that changes depending on who you are talking to. With someone you have just met, someone older than you, or someone senior at work, people use a polite speech level and typically greet each other with a slight bow (a small nod of the head). A gentle bow is often more natural than a handshake in these situations.

Because titles and speech levels shift depending on age and workplace seniority, it can feel confusing at first. People often address each other by their job title (for example, “Deputy Manager,” “Teacher”) or by relational terms (for example, “older sister,” “older brother”) rather than by first name. If you are unsure what to call someone, asking politely, “How should I address you?”, is not rude at all. In fact, it tends to come across as thoughtful and respectful.

Being on time for appointments is taken seriously in Korea. If you think you will be late, it is good to send a message in advance and apologize. Cultural misunderstandings happen, and most people are understanding when they can see you are being sincere.

Government Offices and Banks

At places like the community service center, Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인청, the government office that handles visas and foreigner registration), or a bank, there is usually a number ticket machine near the entrance. Take a number, find a seat, and wait until your number is called, then go to the counter. Instead of standing in a physical line, everything is handled in number order.

At these places, you will always need to show your ID for identity verification. As a foreigner, bring your Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증, the ID card issued to foreigners registered in Korea). You will need it for opening a bank account, sending money, and submitting most types of applications.

Meals and Table Manners

Korean meal culture is built around sharing food together. Several side dishes are placed in the center of the table for everyone, and it is common to share a pot of stew as well. When dining with someone older or more senior, there is a custom of waiting for the elder to pick up their chopsticks and spoon first before you start eating. However, you do not need to feel stressed about this. These are not strict demands, and if you are unsure, simply follow the lead of the person next to you.

If there are foods you cannot eat for religious or health reasons, it is perfectly fine to mention it in advance. Korean people tend to be very attentive hosts and will often offer food repeatedly. You can politely decline, and no one will take offence.

When You Need Help

If you have questions about daily life or run into an administrative issue, the Immigration Contact Center (1345) provides guidance in multiple languages. See How to Use 1345 for details. If you have questions about utility bills like electricity, water, and gas, the Electricity, Water, and Gas Guide is also useful.

Above all, learning Korean little by little makes an enormous difference across every area of life, from the hospital to government offices to your relationship with neighbors. There are many places to study for free, so take a look at the Free Korean Language Education page as well.

Rules and customs can vary a little by region. When something is unclear, please do not struggle alone. Ask a neighbor, the building manager, the community service center, or call 1345 without hesitation.