7 Strange Greeting Habits in Korea That Foreigners Find Funny

(외국인이 웃으며 보는 한국의 독특한 인사 습관 7가지)

In Korea (한국, Hanguk), greetings are more than a simple “Hi.” They reflect history, respect, and social harmony.
To foreigners, these habits can seem quirky or even funny — but they also show how warm and considerate Korean culture really is.

1. Bowing in Every Situation

Whether meeting someone, leaving a store, or even as an elevator door closes, Koreans instinctively bow.
It’s part of the “Pali-pali” (빨리빨리) rhythm — fast but polite. Foreigners often find it endearing how people bow even when they’re not sure who’s watching.

2. Saying “Did You Eat?” Instead of “How Are You?”

Instead of asking “How are you?”, many Koreans say “밥 먹었어요?” (Bap meogeosseoyo?) — “Did you eat?”
To foreigners, it sounds odd, but it’s actually a caring way to ask if someone’s okay.
Food (음식, eumsik) and care go hand in hand in Korean greeting culture.

3. Waving Both Hands, Not Just One

When friends spot each other across a street, they often wave both hands excitedly.
It looks playful and childlike, but it’s a common gesture of friendliness in Korea.
Foreigners often describe it as “the cutest way to say hi.”

4. Touching Shoulders or Arms for Affection

Close friends sometimes show warmth by lightly touching shoulders or arms — a small act of connection.
Unlike in some Western cultures where physical touch is more reserved, this “skinship” (스킨십, seukinship) is a normal sign of friendship and comfort.

5. Using Two Hands for Everything

Whether handing a gift, receiving money, or pouring a drink, Koreans often use two hands.
This small gesture expresses respect (존경, jongyeong) and humility.
It’s one of the most recognizable elements of Korean etiquette (예절, yejeol).

6. Bowing While Talking on the Phone

Yes, it happens — even when the other person can’t see them!
Foreigners often laugh when they see someone bowing deeply while saying “네~ 감사합니다!” (“Yes, thank you!”) on the phone.
It’s a perfect symbol of polite habits (예의, yeyeui) in action — visible or not.

7. Apologizing Too Much (and Smiling While Doing It)

Koreans often say “죄송합니다~” (Joesonghamnida) or “미안해요~” (Mianhaeyo) in situations where foreigners might not.
Sometimes they even smile while apologizing, which can confuse outsiders.
It’s less about guilt and more about keeping harmony (조화, johwa) in daily communication.

What These Habits Reveal

To foreigners, Korean greetings can seem overly formal or funny at first,
but they’re rooted in deep respect for others — a desire to maintain smooth relationships and show care in every interaction.
It’s humor wrapped in harmony, and that’s what makes it so charming.

Which of these Korean greeting habits surprised you the most?
Have you ever tried bowing while on the phone? 😄 Share your thoughts in the comments below!