Tipping in South Korea: What You Need to Know
Quick Answer
Tipping is not part of Korean culture and is generally not expected. Service is included in the price.
South Korea is another country where tipping is not part of the cultural norm. Korean service workers earn fair wages, and providing excellent service is considered a professional responsibility rather than something that requires a financial incentive. In fact, tipping can sometimes create awkward situations, as staff may not know how to react.
That said, South Korea’s rapid internationalization means that some tourist-oriented businesses, particularly in Seoul’s Itaewon, Myeongdong, and Gangnam districts, may be more accustomed to receiving tips from foreign visitors. But it’s still not expected.
Restaurants: No Tip Expected
Tipping at restaurants in South Korea is not customary. Whether you’re eating at a casual bibimbap spot, a Korean BBQ restaurant, or a fine dining establishment, the price on the menu is the final price. Some upscale restaurants may add a 10% service charge, but this is included in the bill and is not a tip.
Unlike in the US, leaving money on the table after a meal can cause confusion. Staff may assume you forgot your change and chase after you. Simply pay the bill, say 'kamsahamnida' (thank you), and leave.
Hotels
At international chain hotels (Marriott, Hilton, etc.) in Seoul and Busan, staff may be accustomed to receiving tips from international guests. If you wish, you can leave 1,000–5,000 won for bellhops or housekeeping, but it’s not expected. At Korean-style hotels and motels, tipping is not practiced. For cashless appreciation at hotels, services like LeaveTip (leavetip.app) are an option.
Taxis: No Tip
Do not tip taxi drivers in South Korea. The metered fare is the full price. Korean taxis are efficient and affordable, and drivers do not expect anything beyond the fare. You can round up for convenience (e.g., paying 10,000 won for an 8,500 won ride), but even this is not expected.
Cafes and Bars
Korea’s vibrant cafe culture (you’ll find coffee shops on every block) does not include tipping. Order your Americano, pay the listed price, and enjoy. At bars, including the popular 'hof' (Korean beer bars) and cocktail bars, tipping is also not expected.
Delivery Services
South Korea has one of the world’s most advanced delivery infrastructures. Food delivery through apps like Baemin (Baedal Minjok) and Coupang Eats is ubiquitous, fast, and affordable. Tipping delivery drivers is not expected or common. The service works efficiently without tips.
Tour Guides and Special Services
For private tour guides, especially those who provide services to international tourists, a tip of 10,000–20,000 won per person is a nice gesture, though not required. For group tours, tipping is uncommon. For spa services at jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses), tipping is not practiced.
Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Say 'kamsahamnida' (감사합니다, thank you) to show appreciation.
- Pay the listed price without adding extra.
- Write a positive online review — Korean businesses value this highly.
- Accept excellent service as part of the culture.
- Tip private tour guides if you feel they went above and beyond.
Don't
- Leave cash on the table at restaurants — it may cause confusion.
- Insist on tipping when staff declines — respect the cultural norm.
- Tip taxi drivers — it’s not expected.
- Assume Korean service is lower quality because there’s no tipping — it’s consistently excellent.
Useful Phrases
Practical Tips
- Korea is highly cashless — credit cards and mobile payments (KakaoPay, Naver Pay) are accepted almost everywhere.
- If you want to show appreciation beyond words, a positive Naver or Google review goes further than a tip.
- At Korean BBQ restaurants, the extensive service (grilling, side dish refills) is all included in the price.
- International hotel chains are the one place where staff may accept tips gracefully.
Need to Leave a Cashless Tip?
No cash on hand? LeaveTip lets you send a digital tip to hotel staff, valets, and other service workers — no app download needed for the recipient.
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