Tipping is not generally expected in Korea at restaurants, taxis, hotels, or salons. A sincere thank-you is usually enough; check the bill and venue policy if a service charge appears. (official guidance)
This is one of those small cultural gaps that trips up a lot of first-time visitors, mostly because it runs opposite to habits from home. In Korea, the price on the menu is the price you pay, full stop.
Restaurants: never tip
A service charge is not a standard extra to assume. If a charge appears on the bill, ask the venue what it covers rather than adding another amount automatically. (official guidance)
Taxis: pay the meter, that’s it
Just tap your card or pay cash for the exact fare shown on the meter. If the total comes out to something like 9,800 KRW, rounding up to 10,000 is common — but that’s convenience, not a tip, and drivers won’t expect anything more.
Hotels: the one gray area
This is really the only place where a small gesture can happen. If a concierge goes genuinely out of their way — sorting out a complicated booking issue, tracking down something hard to find — a discreet cash gift in an envelope (roughly 10,000–20,000 KRW) can be a thoughtful way to say thanks. It’s not expected, and standard housekeeping or bellhop service doesn’t call for anything at all.
Why tipping can actually feel awkward here
Tipping is not the usual way to show appreciation in Korea. A cash offer may be declined, so a sincere verbal thank-you is the simplest choice. (official guidance)
FAQ
Q: What if I really want to show appreciation for great service?
A: A sincere thank-you goes a long way here — verbally, or even a short note. Money isn’t the default way to express that in Korea.
A: Tipping is not generally expected. A worker or venue may decline it, so a verbal thank-you is a safe default. (official guidance)
A: A listed service charge is a fee set by that venue. Check the bill or ask staff what it covers; do not assume it is universal or that another tip is expected. (official guidance)
A: Tipping is not generally expected. Check the app or receipt for any delivery or service fee included in your order. (official guidance)
A: Tipping is generally not expected in common travel situations, though individual venues may have their own policies. (official guidance)
The Short Version
In most everyday travel situations in Korea, tipping is not expected. Check the bill for any venue-specific charge, and a sincere thank-you is usually enough. (official guidance)