Politeness is a very important aspect in Korea's culture and there's a ton of emphases placed on sharing meals and drinks with everyone on the dining table. Although some of the older traditions have relaxed in recent years, there are some Korean table manners and etiquette still in effect today.
You'll soon find out that the Korean dining etiquette isn't all that different from what you're used to. Learning a few extra pointers may help you to be a great guest at a Korean table. So here are some table manners you may want to know about:
Wait Your Turn To Be Seated
Wait for the oldest person/people to sit down first before you take your own seat at the dining table. The honored guest, considered to be the oldest person among the group, takes the seat of honor farthest from the door.
Before The Meal and Beginning The Meal
Before you eat, especially when you're dining at someone else's house, it's polite to say that you're looking forward to the meal. In Korean, people say Jalmukesumneda, which means “I will eat well”.
Furthermore, when the meal is about to start, you have to wait for the oldest person/people to lift their spoon or chopsticks first before you start eating. There's no need for you to worry, it won't take that long.
During the Meal
Don't blow your nose when you're in front of the dining table. This act is considered to be extremely rude by the Koreans. If you need to use a tissue and sneeze, simply excuse yourself to another room to do your thing. While this may seem excessive to some cultures, it does help prevent the spread of germs.
Double Dipping
Korean meals served at Gangnam Davao Cafe and Restaurant have a ton of communal side dishes, and you should treat them the same way you would dine in a cocktail party. Make sure that you take enough for yourself while ensuring that there's still enough for others. In addition, try not to touch food if you don't intend to eat it.
Refilling Glasses
Always pour drinks for other people in the table first, especially for the ones who are older than you. If your neighbor's glass is half empty that's when you would customarily refill it. This would also mean that it's your neighbor's job to keep your glass refilled as well. Call it a generous gesture Koreans abide by.
Offers of Alcohol
It's not considered polite to refuse an alcoholic drink when it's offered to you, especially from the elderly. As in any social situation, you should be aware of how much alcohol you consume and how it would affect you.
Accepting Dishes or Drinks
When someone who's your senior pours a drink for you, hold out your cup with both hands to accept. This principle also applies for someone passing you a side dish or something else that's present at the table.
Placement of Utensils on Table
Don't stick your chopsticks straight up into your bowl because that symbolizes a traditional Korean ancestor ceremont. It's not only considered disrespectful, it's also considered a sign of bad luck. When you're done eating, the utensils go back on the table.
Never Waste Your Food
Don't take so much food that you can't even finish, as that is considered wasteful. In the culture of the Koreans, it's respectful for you to clear your plate. So, better you take food that you can consume and not put so much on your plate that can’t eat it at all.
When you're dining in a Korean restaurant or even places that serves Korean dishes such as YakiMix Davao City, it's better that you remember these Korean dining manners and etiquette. It's especially important to remember all of these when you're dining with Koreans.
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