Busan

General Overview of Tipping in South Korea

• Not Customary: Tipping is not a traditional practice in South Korea. The service industry operates on the principle that excellent service is part of the job and does not require additional compensation.
• Service Charges: Many mid-range to high-end restaurants, hotels, and other establishments automatically include a service charge (usually 10%) in the bill. This is considered sufficient, and no additional tipping is necessary.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Offering a tip in some situations might even cause confusion or embarrassment, as it is not a deeply ingrained practice.

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Tipping in Specific Situations in Busan

1. Restaurants

• Casual and Local Restaurants: Tipping is not expected at casual eateries, street food stalls, or traditional Korean restaurants. Simply paying the bill is sufficient.
• Mid-Range and High-End Restaurants: If a service charge is included in the bill, no additional tip is necessary. However, if you feel the service was exceptional, you can leave a small tip (around 5,000–10,000 KRW, or $4–$8 USD) discreetly. Place the money in an envelope or hand it directly to the server with a polite gesture of thanks.
• Western-Style or Tourist-Oriented Restaurants: In some Western-style or international restaurants, tipping might be more common, especially if they cater to foreign tourists. In such cases, leaving 5–10% of the bill is acceptable but not mandatory.

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2. Taxi Services

• No Tipping Required: Tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Busan. Fares are calculated by the meter, and drivers do not expect additional payment.
• Rounding Up: If you want to show appreciation, you can round up the fare to the nearest 1,000 KRW. For example, if the fare is 9,200 KRW, you can give 10,000 KRW and say, "거스름돈 필요 없어요" (geo-seu-reum-don pil-yo eop-seo-yo), which means "Keep the change."
• Airport or Long-Distance Rides: Even for longer rides, tipping is not expected, but rounding up is still a polite gesture.

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3. Hotels

• Bellhops and Porters: Tipping is not expected, but if you feel the service was particularly helpful (e.g., carrying heavy luggage or providing extra assistance), you can offer a small tip of 1,000–5,000 KRW ($1–$4 USD). Hand it directly to the staff member with a smile and a "감사합니다" (gam-sa-ham-ni-da), meaning "Thank you."
• Housekeeping: Tipping housekeeping staff is not common. If you wish to leave a tip, place 1,000–5,000 KRW in an envelope with a note saying "감사합니다" (Thank you) and leave it on the bed or desk.
• Concierge Services: If the concierge goes above and beyond (e.g., securing hard-to-get reservations or arranging complex travel plans), a small tip of 5,000–10,000 KRW is a thoughtful gesture but not required.

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4. Tour Guides

• Group Tours: Tipping is not mandatory, but for private or group tours, it is becoming more common to tip guides who provide exceptional service. A tip of 10,000–20,000 KRW ($8–$16 USD) per day is a generous and appreciated gesture.
• Private Drivers: If you hire a private driver for a day trip, tipping 10,000–20,000 KRW is a kind way to show gratitude, though it is not expected.

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5. Spas, Salons, and Other Services

• Spas and Massage Services: Tipping is not customary, as the price you pay typically includes all services. However, if you feel the service was outstanding, you can leave a small tip of 5,000–10,000 KRW.
• Hair Salons and Nail Salons: Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (e.g., 1,000–5,000 KRW) is a nice gesture for exceptional service.

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6. Attractions and Performances

• Street Performers: If you enjoy a street performance, it is polite to leave a small amount (1,000–5,000 KRW) in the performer’s tip box or hat.
• Cultural Sites and Temples: Tipping is not expected at cultural or religious sites. Instead, consider making a small donation to the temple or site if donation boxes are available.

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Key Cultural Considerations

1. Discretion is Key: If you decide to tip, do so discreetly. Hand the money directly to the person or place it in an envelope. Avoid making a show of tipping, as it may cause discomfort.
2. Language Tip: Saying "감사합니다" (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) with a smile when handing over a tip or payment is a polite way to express your gratitude.
3. Service Quality: South Koreans take pride in providing excellent service without expecting extra compensation. A sincere "thank you" is often more appreciated than a tip.
4. Tourist Areas: In areas frequented by international tourists, such as Haeundae Beach or Gwangalli Beach in Busan, tipping may be more common due to foreign influence, but it is still not obligatory.

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Summary Table

| Service | Tipping Expected? | Amount (if applicable) | Notes | |---------------------------|-----------------------|------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Restaurants (Casual) | No | N/A | Pay the bill as is. | | Restaurants (High-End) | No (optional) | 5,000–10,000 KRW | Only for exceptional service; check for service charges. | | Taxis | No | Round up to the nearest 1,000 KRW | Optional, but appreciated. | | Hotels (Bellhops) | No (optional) | 1,000–5,000 KRW | For extra assistance. | | Hotels (Housekeeping) | No | 1,000–5,000 KRW | Leave in an envelope with a note. | | Tour Guides | No (optional) | 10,000–20,000 KRW per day | For exceptional service. | | Spas/Salons | No | 5,000–10,000 KRW | Only for outstanding service. | | Street Performers | No (optional) | 1,000–5,000 KRW | Leave in the tip box or hat. |

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Final Tips

• When in doubt, observe what locals do or ask a trusted local contact for advice.
• If tipping feels awkward or unnecessary, a heartfelt "thank you" and a smile go a long way in South Korea.
• Always check your bill for service charges before deciding to tip.

By understanding and respecting Busan’s tipping culture, you’ll not only avoid awkward situations but also show cultural sensitivity during your visit. Enjoy your time in this vibrant coastal city!