Tipping is not a routine local custom and traditional establishments may decline it. Tourist-oriented venues can differ; follow a posted no-tipping policy and check for included service.
Usually no tipDining quick answer
Guidance applies to the services described below; customs can differ by provider.
FIND YOUR SITUATION
South Korea tipping cheat sheet
Amounts, whether a tip is expected, and the exceptions that matter. Open a row for details.
RestaurantsAdvice & exceptionsNo tip expected
Pay the bill. The national tourism organization says tipping is not required or expected.
Ordinary hotel luggage service does not require an extra payment.
HousekeepingAdvice & exceptionsNot expected
No daily gratuity is necessary.
ConciergeAdvice & exceptionsNot expected
A personal thank-you for special assistance is optional.
Tour guidesAdvice & exceptionsOptional
No tip is expected; a private tourist guide may accept an extra thank-you.
Spas & massageAdvice & exceptionsNot expected
Do not insist if a voluntary gratuity is declined.
Salons & barbersAdvice & exceptionsNot expected
Pay the stated service price; an extra may be refused.
FROM ARRIVAL TO CHECKOUT
Your journey
Arriving & getting around
Keep a prepaid airport transfer separate from a metered taxi or a full-day driver. For tour budgets, check the unit and whether guide and driver tips are separate.
If you choose to give a personal cash tip, use a currency the recipient can spend and make its purpose clear. Card payment for the bill does not guarantee a card-tip facility. Check the final total before approving it.
For a prepaid tour or resort stay, read the gratuity inclusions. A service fee, a staff tip pool and an individual guide tip may cover different people.
