Tipping in South Korea
Tipping is not part of Korean culture and can sometimes cause confusion.
Tipping mandatoryRestaurants
Tipping is not expected and can be awkward.
Taxis & Rideshare
Not expected; drivers often return change.
Hotels
Not customary except at international luxury hotels.
Tour Guides
Small tips are acceptable for private guides but not expected.
Bars & Cafes
Not expected in Korean bars or hofs.
General Tipping Guidelines
When visiting South Korea, tipping customs may differ from what you're used to. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- ✓Check if a service charge is already included on your bill before tipping extra.
- ✓When in doubt, observe what locals do or ask your hotel concierge for advice.
- ✓Keep small bills and coins in the local currency handy for tipping situations.
- ✓For exceptional service, a small tip is almost universally appreciated even in non-tipping cultures.
- ✓Tip in local currency whenever possible — foreign coins and small bills are hard for staff to exchange.
Quick Reference
- Currency:South Korean Won (₩)
- Recommended cash:₩30,000-50,000 for small vendors