Korea, Explained
KOREA, EXPLAINED
The little things that make everyday life in Korea different.
Details
No Tipping Culture
Korea's no-tipping norm comes from the idea that service is already included in the listed price. At restaurants, cafes, taxis, and hair salons, customers generally pay what appears on the menu or meter without calculating an extra percentage. Unlike places where tipping became a formal part of service work, Korean businesses have generally treated polite service as part of what the customer has already paid for. Leaving unexpected cash can even confuse an employee, who may think you forgot your change. There are exceptions in some hotel or tourism settings, but for everyday spending, a warm thank-you, a good review, or a return visit is usually a more natural way to show appreciation. When a Korean employee waves off a visitor's tip, it reflects a different set of expectations around payment, not a rejection of your thanks. Many people also prefer the comfort of knowing the full price upfront.