Last updated: January 2026
I’ll never forget the look on that waiter’s face.
1989, my first week in Korea. Nice restaurant in Myeongdong. Great service. I left 10,000원 on the table as a tip — about 20% of the bill.
The waiter chased me down the street.
“Sir! Sir! You forgot your money!”
I tried to explain it was a tip. He looked confused, almost offended. He insisted I take it back.
That’s when I learned: Korea doesn’t do tipping.
35 years later, I still catch myself almost leaving tips. Old habits die hard. But understanding WHY Korea doesn’t tip taught me a lot about this culture.
Coming from the US, Europe, or anywhere tipping is expected?
Here’s the short answer: No, you don’t tip in Korea.
In fact, tipping can sometimes make things awkward.
Let me explain how it works.
The Simple Answer
Korea is a no-tipping culture.
You don’t need to tip at:
- Restaurants
- Cafes
- Bars
- Taxis
- Hotels
- Hair salons
- Spas
- Delivery drivers
- Anywhere, really
This isn’t just “tipping is optional” —
tipping is genuinely not expected or necessary.
Why Koreans Don’t Tip
In Korea, service is included in the price.
Workers are paid a wage for their service.
They don’t rely on tips to make a living
like servers do in the US.
Providing good service is seen as professional pride,
not something that deserves extra payment.
In fact, some Koreans might feel insulted by a tip —
as if you’re suggesting they need charity.
Cultural context:
Koreans take pride in their work.
A restaurant server provides excellent service
because that’s their job, not because they’re hoping for a tip.
Tipping is just one part of Korean culture that surprises visitors. Learn more unwritten rules in our Korean Etiquette Guide.
The cultural logic:
Americans see tipping as rewarding good service.
Koreans see good service as… the baseline expectation.
My Korean father-in-law explained it to me: “Why would I pay extra for someone to do their job correctly? That’s what their salary is for.”
It sounds harsh, but think about it differently. In Korea, service workers get paid a living wage. They don’t depend on tips to survive. The price on the menu IS the final price.
What I’ve observed:
Korean service is incredible. Restaurants refill your banchan without asking. Hotel staff remember your preferences. Taxi drivers help with luggage.
No tips expected. Ever.
It’s not that Koreans don’t appreciate good service. They just show it differently — through repeat business, recommendations, and sometimes small gifts during holidays.
What Happens If You Try to Tip?
If you leave money on the table after a meal,
the server will probably:
- Chase you down — thinking you forgot your money
- Look confused — not understanding why you left cash
- Politely refuse — and hand it back to you
This has happened to many tourists.
The waiter literally runs out of the restaurant
to return the “forgotten” money.
It’s a funny culture shock moment!
How Koreans Show Appreciation
If tipping is wrong, how do you show gratitude for great service?
1. Say thank you properly:
“감사합니다” (gamsahamnida) with a slight bow. Make eye contact. Mean it.
This sounds simple, but Koreans notice sincere appreciation.
2. Leave a good review:
Naver reviews matter enormously to Korean businesses. A heartfelt Korean review (even imperfect Korean) means more than money.
3. Become a regular:
The highest compliment to a Korean restaurant owner is coming back. And bringing friends.
My local 삼겹살 restaurant knows my order by heart. I’ve been going for 15 years. That loyalty means more to them than any tip ever could.
4. Small gifts:
During holidays (Chuseok, Seollal), some Koreans give small gifts to service people they see regularly — their hairdresser, building security guard, etc.
I give my building’s security guard a coffee gift set every Chuseok. His face lights up every time.
Exceptions: When You Can Tip
There are a few rare situations where tipping is okay:
High-End Hotels
International hotels catering to foreign guests
may have staff who accept tips:
- Bellhops carrying luggage
- Concierge providing special service
Even then, it’s not expected.
A simple “thank you” is perfectly fine.
Tour Guides (Private Tours)
If you hire a private tour guide for the day,
a tip is appreciated but not required.
Suggested: 10,000-20,000 won for a full-day tour.
Golf Caddies
This is the one place Koreans actually do tip.
Golf caddies receive tips, typically 50,000-100,000 won
depending on the course.
International Restaurants
Some upscale Western restaurants in Seoul
have adopted tipping practices for foreign customers.
But this is rare — maybe 1% of restaurants.
Places I’ve accidentally tried to tip:
| Place | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Waiter chased me down the street |
| Taxi | Driver looked confused, said “no change needed?” |
| Hair salon | Staff tried to give money back |
| Hotel bellhop | Politely refused, seemed uncomfortable |
| Massage shop | Accepted it, but awkwardly |
The massage shop exception:
This is the one gray area. Some high-end spas in tourist areas have started accepting tips because so many foreigners offer them.
But traditional Korean massage places? Jjimjilbangs? No tipping.
When in doubt, don’t tip. Nobody will be offended by NOT receiving a tip in Korea. They might be confused if you try to give one.
Do I Tip Taxi Drivers?
No.
Just pay the meter fare.
Koreans never tip taxi drivers.
If the fare is 9,800 won, you can say “만원 주세요”
(man-won juseyo = keep it as 10,000 won).
But this is rounding up for convenience, not tipping.
Most people just pay the exact amount or use T-money card.
What About Delivery Drivers?
Korea has amazing food delivery culture.
You can order anything to your door.
Do you tip delivery drivers?
No.
Just pay the order amount.
Delivery fees are already included or shown separately in the app.
A friendly “감사합니다” (kamsahamnida = thank you) is enough.
How to Show Appreciation Instead
If you received great service and want to show appreciation,
here’s what Koreans actually do:
1. Say Thank You
- “감사합니다” (kamsahamnida) — formal
- “고마워요” (gomawoyo) — casual
This means more than money.
2. Compliment the Food
Tell the restaurant owner the food was delicious:
“맛있었어요!” (mashisseosoyo) = “It was delicious!”
Restaurant owners love hearing this.
3. Leave a Good Review
Write a positive Naver or Google review.
This helps their business more than a cash tip.
4. Become a Regular
Come back again.
Repeat customers are valued in Korean culture.
Service Charges at Restaurants
Some upscale restaurants add a service charge (10%)
automatically to the bill.
This is different from tipping —
it’s a fixed fee added to everyone’s bill.
If you see “봉사료” (bongsaryo) or “service charge” on your receipt,
that’s already included. No additional tip needed.
Worried about ordering food without knowing Korean? Our guide on How to Order Food in Korea has all the phrases you need.
Quick Reference Guide
| Situation | Tip Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | ❌ No | Just pay the bill |
| Cafe | ❌ No | Pay at counter |
| Taxi | ❌ No | Pay meter fare |
| Hotel bellhop | ⚠️ Optional | High-end hotels only |
| Hair salon | ❌ No | Price is final |
| Spa/Jjimjilbang | ❌ No | No tipping |
| Delivery | ❌ No | Pay through app |
| Private tour guide | ⚠️ Optional | Nice gesture |
| Golf caddy | ✅ Yes | 50,000-100,000 won |
Common Questions
I’m from America. This feels rude not tipping!
I understand! It takes getting used to.
But in Korea, not tipping is the polite thing to do.
You’re respecting the culture, not being cheap.
The best thing you can do is be polite,
say thank you, and enjoy your meal without stress.
What if the service was exceptional?
Say thank you warmly.
Compliment the food or service directly.
Write a good review.
These gestures mean more in Korean culture than money.
Will staff be offended if I try to tip?
“Offended” is too strong, but they’ll likely:
- Feel awkward
- Not know what to do
- Try to give it back
It’s easier for everyone if you just don’t.
What if I really want to give something?
If you really want to show appreciation:
- Bring a small gift (snacks, chocolates)
- Write a thank-you note
- Leave a positive online review
My Experience
After 35 years in Korea, I’ve never once tipped at a restaurant.
The service is consistently excellent —
fast, attentive, and professional.
When I travel to the US and have to calculate 20% tips,
it feels strange!
Korean dining is refreshingly simple:
eat, pay the bill, say thank you, leave.
No math required.
Final Thoughts
After 35 years, I’ve completely converted.
I used to think tipping was generous. Now I see the Korean system as more fair. Everyone gets paid properly. No one depends on customer mood for their income. The service is consistently excellent because that’s the professional standard.
When I visit America now, I stress about tipping. 15%? 20%? 25%? Did I calculate right? Was the service good enough for 20%?
In Korea, I pay the bill and leave. Simple.
The price is the price. The service is excellent. Everyone wins.
Don’t tip. Just say thank you and mean it.
— Ted K
Planning a Korean BBQ dinner? Check out our Korean BBQ Etiquette Guide to know exactly what to expect.
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