Let's Learn KOREAN

Trivia #5 : Table Etiquette

TABLE ETIQUETTE
──────⊱ ✿ ⊰──────

Below are some tips to keep you from getting funny looks while eating with a Korean family.

● Rather than pouring their own drinks, Koreans pour for one another. It is a bad breach of etiquette to pour your own drink.

● If you are drinking with superiors (in age position) turn away your head away as you drink.

● During the meal, rest your chopsticks and spoon on top of a dish. When you have finished eating, lay the chopsticks or spoon on the table to indicate that you have completed the meal. Never stick chopsticks or spoons in a bowl of rice - this is done only during ancestral memorial services. Don't worry about reaching in front of others or asking for a dish to be passed.

● When dining in a restaurant, it is considered polite for one person to pay the entire bill. It will often be the person who is younger or subordinate to the rest of the group. Sometimes the person paying is the person who suggested going to eat in the first place. However, "Dutch Treat" is becoming more common among the youth.

●  Always wait for the eldest members of the dinner to be seated first. The eldest at the table eats first. No one even picks up their chopsticks until the eldest does. If they are last to finish, everyone should remain seated until they are dine eating. Try to pace yourself as Koreans typically finish their meals in about the same amount of time.

● Slurping is a no-no in Western etiquette. While eating noodles or soups in Korea, it's okay to make a small amount of noise. Enjoying soups or stews in a noisy restaurant tends to cover those sounds regardless. On the other hand, eat quietly if you're visiting someone's home or at a nice restaurant. Always avoid making clanging noises between utensils ans you plate or bowl.

● When eating with Koreans, refrain from blowing your nose (even though the spicy food may make your nose run) or coughing. If you have to cough, turn away.

● Tipping Koreans is just not done. That includes restaurants and delivery people. In most hotels, tips are included in the bill.

● If you see someone's glass empty, offer to fill it up. It's good etiquette to hold the bottle with two hands, or with one hand resting on your elbow.

──────⊱ ✿ ⊰──────

That's all for today!
See you in my next class.