10 Small Things Koreans Do Every Day That Surprise Foreigners

10 Small Things Koreans Do Every Day That Surprise Foreigners

Discover simple but fascinating habits that make daily life in Korea (한국, Hanguk) so unique. These are the small details that often surprise or delight foreigners when they first visit or live in Korea.

1. Saying “Did you eat?” as a greeting

In Korea, people often say “밥 먹었어요?” (bap meogeosseoyo?) — “Did you eat?” — instead of “How are you?”.
This question shows care rather than curiosity about food. Eating well means living well in Korean culture.
Many foreigners find it warm and surprising, like being cared for by a friend rather than just greeted politely.

2. Taking off shoes indoors

Removing shoes before entering a home is almost universal in Korea. This habit keeps homes clean and symbolizes respect for personal space.
You’ll see small “shoe zones” at entrances (현관, hyeongwan), even in high-rise apartments.
Foreign visitors often forget and laugh when gently reminded to take off their shoes — a small but meaningful part of Korean etiquette (예의, yeui).

3. Using metal chopsticks (젓가락, jeotgarak)

Korean chopsticks are flat and made of metal, unlike the wooden or bamboo ones in China or Japan.
This design began centuries ago for hygiene and durability.
At first, foreigners find them slippery and tricky, but soon enjoy the precision and cleanliness.
Some visitors even buy metal chopsticks as souvenirs after mastering them!

4. Eating soup with every meal

Almost every Korean meal includes a warm soup (국, guk) or stew (찌개, jjigae).
It balances the meal and helps digestion.
From soybean paste soup (된장국, doenjang-guk) to spicy kimchi stew (김치찌개, gimchi-jjigae), soups bring comfort to the table.
Many expats say they miss Korean soups after returning home — it’s that comforting!

5. Sharing food from one dish

Koreans often share food from common plates rather than having separate portions.
This reflects the value of togetherness and community (정, jeong).
Foreigners are sometimes surprised to see everyone using chopsticks to pick from the same dish — but soon, they enjoy the friendly, connected feeling of eating together.

6. Using both hands for respect

When giving or receiving something — a drink, a business card, or money — Koreans use both hands.
This small gesture shows politeness and humility.
At first, foreigners may wonder why, but soon they realize it’s a beautiful sign of respect.
In business meetings or family gatherings, using both hands builds mutual trust and good manners.

7. Drinking culture with hierarchy

In Korean drinking culture (술문화, sul munhwa), social hierarchy matters.
You pour drinks for elders or superiors first, never for yourself, and turn your head slightly away when drinking in front of them.
This shows respect (존경, jongyeong) and awareness of social roles.
Many foreigners find this system fascinating — like a polite ritual that turns a simple drink into a social dance.

8. Eating spicy food for breakfast

In Korea, breakfast can be just as spicy as dinner.
People often eat kimchi (김치, gimchi), spicy soups, or even Tteokbokki (떡볶이).
Foreigners are surprised to see such strong flavors early in the morning, but many grow to love it.
They say it wakes up not just the body, but the soul!

9. Using couple items

Couples in Korea often wear matching clothes, rings, or even phone cases.
It’s a fun way to express love publicly.
Foreign visitors find this charming and sometimes amusing — they say it’s like a real-life romantic drama!
In Korea, love isn’t hidden; it’s proudly shown through small matching details.

10. Obsession with convenience stores

Convenience stores (편의점, pyeonuijeom) are everywhere in Korea — often two or three on one street!
You can buy hot meals, pay bills, or even print documents there.
Some stores have tables where friends gather for late-night ramen (라면, ramyeon) and drinks.
Foreigners love this 24-hour lifestyle convenience and often say, “I wish my country had this!”

Conclusion

These 10 habits show how Korea (한국, Hanguk) blends tradition and modern life beautifully.
Each small action — from how people greet each other to how they share food — tells a deeper story about respect, care, and connection.
Have you experienced any of these cultural surprises?
Which one would you like to try in your daily life?
Share your thoughts or funny stories in the comments below!