Etiquette in Korea: Dining and Table Etiquette

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a South Korean's house: 

1. It is common for guests to meet at a common spot and travel together. 
2. You may arrive up to 30 minutes late without giving offence. 
3. Remove your shoes before entering the house. 
4. The hosts greet each guest individually. 
5. The host pours drinks for the guests in their presence. The hostess does not pour drinks. 
6. The hosts usually accompany guests to the gate or to their car because they believe that it is insulting to wish your guests farewell indoors. 
7. Send a thank you note the following day after being invited to dinner.

Table manners

1. Wait to be told where to sit. There is often a strict protocol to be followed. 
2. The eldest are served first. 
3. The oldest or most senior person is the one who starts the eating process. 
4. Never point your chopsticks. 
5. Do not pierce your food with chopsticks. 
6. Chopsticks should be returned to the table after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak. 
7. Do not cross your chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick rest. 
8. Do not pick up food with your hands. Fruit should be speared with a toothpick. 
9. Bones and shells should be put on the table or an extra plate. 
10. Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something is. 
11. Refuse the first offer of second helpings. 
12. Finish everything on your plate. 
13. Indicate you are finished eating by placing your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or on the table. Never place them parallel across your rice bowl.

REFERENCES:

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/south-korea-country-profile.html