Tipping in Korea: Do You Need To?

By Dragon Kim · Updated October 18, 2026 · 6 min read

Do I need to tip in Korea?

No. Tipping is not required or expected in Korea, and not tipping is never rude. A Korea Times explainer describes tipping as not customary in Korea and notes that employees are paid at least the national minimum wage directly by their employers. Good service is treated as part of the job rather than something you pay extra for.

A voluntary tip handed directly to a person is not illegal, and the Korea Herald notes that a tip is purely out of personal gratitude. It is simply unusual. It has also been seen as a show of status, so a sincere “gamsahamnida” (thank you) is the usual way to show gratitude.

Practical example: after a 28,000 won meal at a local restaurant, you pay 28,000 won at the counter on your way out. There is nothing to calculate, and no percentage to add.

Where might a tip or service charge come up?

Almost nowhere, except a 10% service charge at some hotels and upscale restaurants and an optional tip at valet parking. Use the table as a quick reference and confirm the final bill each time.

The 10% service charge appears on the Seoul Tourism Organization guide, which says many large hotels and upscale restaurants add it in addition to 10% VAT. Because it is not shown at every business, ask or check the menu footnote if you are unsure.

In taxis, a tip function is not part of everyday rides. Kakao T added an optional tip function in July 2023, according to the Korea Herald, and polls it cited showed most respondents opposed it. The Korea Times, however, says the tipping feature was piloted and never formally launched, so reports differ. Treat it as optional at most.

What should I do if someone asks for a tip?

Decline politely and pay the listed price; you are not obliged to give anything extra. Requests are uncommon, but recent cases show they do happen.

1. Look at the bill. Confirm whether a service charge is already included before you decide anything.
2. Check any kiosk or screen. If an optional contribution is preselected, remove it before paying.
3. Decline kindly. A smile and “no, thank you” is enough. Do not argue or feel pressured.
4. Pay the listed total. If a charge looks wrong, ask the staff to explain it, and check official tourism information on VisitKorea.

The Korea Times reports several examples from 2025: a Seoul restaurant placed a tip container at checkout, a noodle restaurant added an optional 300 won contribution at a kiosk, and a pizzeria reportedly asked for 2,000 won before ordering. These cases drew public criticism, which suggests how far this is from normal practice.

Why is there no tipping culture in Korea?

Because staff are paid wages by their employers, service is expected as standard, and the law pushes businesses to show one final price. Together these make tips unnecessary.

• Wages: Employees are paid at least the national minimum wage by employers, according to the Korea Times explainer.
• Law: The 2013 Food Sanitation Act revision requires menu prices to include taxes and service charges, so mandatory fees on top are not allowed.
• Public opinion: In the Korea Herald’s coverage of the 2023 taxi-app tip function, one survey found 71.7% opposed it and 17.2% supported it.

Practical example: if you want to thank a guesthouse host or a driver, a sincere thank-you or a positive online review is a safe alternative to cash. For more social rules, read our guides on Korean etiquette and ordering at a Korean restaurant.

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