Korean Table Etiquette

Dininig is important of Korean Culture. People tend to eat with their families or with work colleagues and rarely eat alone. Due to Korean's confusian heritage there are many traditional customs that are still observed when dining. Below is an introduction to table etiquette in Korea.

CHOPSTICKS

Unlike other Asian culture, Korean chopsticks are made from stainless steel. They are shorter in length than Chinese chopsticks but longer than in length than Japanese cultures.

Korean chopstics are often decorated around the grip. At most restaurants, diners will given chopsticks and a spoon. If visitors are uncomfortable eatingwith chopsticks, they should ask for a knife and fork.

BEVERAGE

When dining at a restaurant, water or green tea is generally served free of charge with meal. At smaller establishments, visitors might be expected to help themselves to water from the water cooler. When drinking alcohol, seperated glasses will be provided, and diners should not use their water glasses.

Soju is drunk from a small glass resembling a shot glass, while makgeolli(thick rice beer) is generally served in a small bowl.