Tipping (there isn't any in Korea)
Korea has no tipping culture. The menu price is all you pay.
Where no tip is expected
- Restaurants and cafés — no tipping
- Taxis — the meter fare only. Take your change.
- Hairdressers and barbers — no tipping
- Hotels — generally no tipping, though some luxury hotels have their own customs.
- Delivery — the app payment only. No separate tip.
Offering a tip often just confuses people, and it is frequently refused.
What is added instead
- VAT — usually already included in the displayed price.
- Service charge — some hotels and upmarket restaurants add one. Check whether the price list says "봉사료 별도" (service charge separate).
- Late-night surcharge — taxis charge more at night. That is a fare rule, not a tip.
Checking prices
- Look at the menu or price list first.
- Check for "봉사료 별도" or "부가세 별도" (service charge or VAT extra).
- Take the receipt and check it.
- If something seems wrong, ask before paying.
Where to go
- 1372 Consumer Counselling Centre (billing disputes)
- 1330 tourist interpretation line (24 hours, multilingual)
- 120 (Seoul) or your local government (taxi complaints)
- 1577-1366 interpretation
Questions people ask
The service was good and I want to show appreciation. Saying "감사합니다" or leaving a good review is the Korean way of showing thanks.
I was asked for a tip. At an ordinary business that isn't normal. Ask for a receipt, and if it feels improper, contact 1372 or your local government.
I think I'm being charged more as a foreigner. Check the menu price against the receipt. If they differ, ask there and then, and consult 1372 if unresolved.
The taxi driver didn't give change. Ask for it. The meter fare is the set price. If there is a problem, note the vehicle number and report it.
Take care
Be wary of places demanding extra charges "as a tip". In tourist areas and entertainment venues especially, charges not on the price list are sometimes demanded. Always take a receipt, and report improper charges to 1372 or 112.
Related
restaurant-etiquette · taxi-use · online-shopping · korean-etiquette
Source
Korea Tourism Organization www.visitkorea.or.kr / As of 2026-08