Korean Food Etiquette 101

Que tal mis amigos!

I know many of us dream about having a nice Korean meal with our Kpop idols, or even dinning with their family. If you ever get the chance to congrats! However, how would that go? Are there any rules when dinning in Korea? When emerging yourself in different cultures it is very important to know some basic rules of that culture. Let me tell you many different cultures have a variety of rules to follow when your at the dinner table. Don't be afraid cuz your chica here has got you! Just in case you get to have dinner with your idols family or dinner with a friend in Korea just remember these basic rules.

Note: Many of these Korean rules for dinning resembles the Confucianism which is the root or foundation of many Asian cultures. Click on link to learn more about Confucianism.

Basic Korean Etiquette

1. Wait for the oldest or eldest guest to take a seat before you sit down. Seniority is very important in South Korea. It's all about showing respect to your elders.

2. Before you eat make sure to say to the server that you will eat well or "Jalmukesumneda" (in Korean). You want to make sure you do this when dinning in someone's home.

3. I know you are starving but hold up there! SLOW YOUR ROLE! You must wait to to eat until the elders lifts up their spoon or chopsticks.

4. DON'T EVER BLOW YOUR NOSE AT THE TABLE! AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR DAT HONEY!

5. Try to eat at the same pace as everyone eating at the table. You don't want to eat too slow or too fast. Just be aware of what's going on.

For more information visit koreanfood.about.com

More Rules...

6. Unlike Japan or China do not hold the rice or soup bowel.

7. When getting some of your side dishes remember that you are sharing these dishes. Don't touch all the food when getting some. Just touch what you are getting to put on your plate. NO DOUBLE DIPPING!

8. Ah I'm super thirsty let get a drink. WAIT THERE BEFORE YOU POUR UP HOME SLICE! Make sure to pour some drink for others first especially your elder.

9. When you are offered an alcoholic beverage you should accept especially if your elder offers it to you. It is disrespectful to not accept. SO AS DEAN SAYS POUR UP DRANK LOL!

10. When an elder offers to pour you a drink or passes you a dish make sure to hold your glass or accept the dish with both hands.

11. When pouring a drink for your elder don't be sloppy. It is considered acceptable to place your free hand under your pouring hand.

12. When you are finished don't stick your chopsticks straight up in your bowel. This is VERY DISRESPECTFUL! This resembles traditional ancestors ceremonies. Just put those chopsticks on the table please and thank you.

13. Don't eat with your eyes! Please don't take more food than you can eat. This is considered to be wasteful.

14. Always make sure to acknowledge the host or cook. You should say masegaemugusuyo (I ate well) after every meal.