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Reading the Room: Public Manners
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Reading the Room: Public Manners
Where to stand on escalators? Can I talk on the bus? We'll tell you the unspoken rules of Koreans.
Escalator sides, quiet transport, queuing culture, toilet paper.
MANNER★☆☆🚶 Stand Right🤫 Be Quiet🚶♂️🚶♀️ Queueing
Escalators: Keep the left side open
There's an unspoken rule on Korean escalators:
**'Stand on the Right, Walk on the Left.'**
It's a courtesy to leave the left side open for busy people to rush up.
Although safety campaigns suggest standing on both sides,
the 'stand on right' culture is still very strong.
If you want to stand still, make sure to stay on the **Right**.
Standing on the left might get you some angry glares from behind!
Shh! Quiet on buses and subways
Buses and subways in Korea are quiet like libraries.
Loud calls or conversations will attract stares.
If you get a call, whisper "I'm on transit, I'll call back" and hang up.
Playing music/video without earphones is strictly forbidden!
Be extra quiet near **'Priority Seats'**.
Silence for each other, isn't it beautiful?
Cutting in line is a big NO!
Korea is very strict about 'Queueing.'
Bus stops, toilets, cashiers - there's always a line.
Check the floor for waiting lines.
Cutting in line will get you angry stares and complaints.
Especially on the subway!
Wait for passengers to exit fully before entering.
Pushing in first is extremely rude.
Toilet paper: Bowl or Bin?
A dilemma in Korean toilets:
'Paper in the bowl or the bin?'
Nowadays, the rule is generally **in the bowl.**
However, older buildings with weak water pressure might have signs saying **'Paper in the bin.'**
Check for signs on the wall.
No sign? Flush it down comfortably!