Korean Cultural Etiquette: Drinking and Table Manners

In modern table manners, it's acceptable to eat from your knife.

Good table manners are only important in formal settings.

It's polite to sit down at the table before everyone has gathered.

In a formal setting, a man should hold the chair for the lady on his left.

Taking food from someone else's plate is an example of good table manners.

A meal is only a social occasion when it's a special event.

Wearing a hat or cap at the table is always acceptable.

Job applicants are never judged on their table manners during a lunch interview.

Table manners are only important in Western cultures.

Practicing good table manners will make you more confident in social situations.

In a traditional Korean setting, rice and soup are placed in front of the diner, with rice to the left and soup to the right
Spoon and chopsticks are placed to the right of the soup
Spoon is used for rice and soup, while chopsticks are used for other foods
Foods cannot be touched by hand
Do not hold silverware in both hands at the same time
Do not stick spoons or chopsticks vertically into rice, as this is done for the deceased
Say "Chal-mogot-seumnida" (잘 먹었습니다) when the meal is concluded to the host or the person who cooked the meal

Maintain a nice, upright posture
Keep elbows off the table while eating, but it's fine to lightly rest them on the table between courses
Use utensils correctly and do not shovel food or dive in before everyone is served
Take cues from the host and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself
Good table manners are essential in certain situations, such as a job interview