Tipping guide

Tipping in South Korea

South Korea does not tip. Service is included, staff are salaried, and an offered tip will usually be politely declined — sometimes twice, in case you insist.

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Tipping in South Korea at a glance

Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion

  • Restaurant (sit-down)
    Don't tip
  • Cafe / Bar
    Don't tip
  • Taxi / Rideshare
    Don't tip
  • Food delivery
    Don't tip
  • Tour guide / Driver
    Don't tip
  • Spa / Salon / Barber
    Don't tip
  • Hotel housekeeping
    Don't tip
  • Hotel porter / Bellhop
    Don't tip
  • Valet parking
    Don't tip
  • Hotel concierge
    Don't tip

Good service is the standard, not something you pay extra for. Cash left on a table will usually be chased down the street and returned to you.

Tipping is not part of Korean service culture and a tip will usually be politely refused. Hotels aimed at international guests are the only place you might see a service charge.

Rates shown are typical amounts, converted to local currency at approximately 27 Aug 2026. Tipping customs evolve and vary from region to region, so treat this as your best starting point rather than a hard rule. Where a bill already shows a service charge, that is usually the tip.

Common questions

Do you tip in South Korea?

No. Restaurants, cafes, taxis and hotels all expect exactly the amount on the bill.

What if I want to thank someone for great service?

Say so. Verbal thanks and a return visit are the recognised currency here. Cash is more likely to create awkwardness than pleasure.

Are there any exceptions in Korea?

International hotels sometimes add a 10% service charge, and a private guide or driver working with foreign tourists may accept a tip. That is about the extent of it.

International tipping guides by country

Open the free online tipping calculator — or read the guidance for another destination.