Incheon

1. Restaurants

• General Practice: Tipping is not customary in restaurants in Incheon or South Korea as a whole. The price you see on the menu is what you pay, and service charges are often included in the bill.
• Service Charges: In mid-range to high-end restaurants, a service charge (usually 10%) may already be added to your bill. This is not considered a tip but part of the total cost.
• When to Tip: If you receive exceptional service or are dining in a very upscale, Western-style restaurant, you can leave a small tip (e.g., 5,000–10,000 KRW, approximately $4–$8 USD). However, this is not expected, and staff may even refuse it.
• Procedure: If you decide to tip, you can leave cash on the table or hand it directly to the server with both hands (a sign of respect in Korean culture).

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2. Cafes

• General Practice: Tipping is not expected in cafes, whether they are local coffee shops or international chains like Starbucks.
• Alternative Gesture: If you want to show appreciation, you can compliment the staff or leave a positive review online, which is highly valued in South Korea.
• Self-Service Cafes: Many cafes in Incheon operate on a self-service model, so tipping is unnecessary.

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3. Taxis

• General Practice: Tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Incheon. The fare displayed on the meter is the exact amount you are expected to pay.
• Rounding Up: If you want to show appreciation, you can round up the fare to the nearest 1,000 KRW (e.g., if the fare is 9,200 KRW, you can give 10,000 KRW and tell the driver to keep the change). This is seen as a kind gesture but is not required.
• Procedure: Simply hand the cash to the driver or pay via card. Most taxis in Incheon accept credit cards and transportation cards (e.g., T-money).

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4. Hotels

• Bellhops/Porters: Tipping is not expected, but if a bellhop helps you with heavy luggage or provides exceptional service, you can offer a small tip (e.g., 1,000–5,000 KRW, approximately $1–$4 USD). This is rare and entirely optional.
• Housekeeping: Tipping housekeeping staff is not common in Incheon. If you wish to leave a tip, you can leave a small amount (e.g., 5,000 KRW) in an envelope with a note saying "감사합니다" (thank you) to avoid confusion.
• Concierge: Tipping the concierge is not expected, even if they assist with reservations or directions. A verbal thank-you or a small gift (e.g., snacks or souvenirs) is more common.

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5. Tour Guides

• General Practice: Tipping tour guides is not a traditional practice in South Korea, but it is becoming more common in the tourism industry, especially for private or group tours catering to international visitors.
• Amount: If you feel the guide provided excellent service, you can tip around 10,000–20,000 KRW (approximately $8–$16 USD) per day. For group tours, a smaller amount (e.g., 5,000 KRW per person) is sufficient.
• Procedure: Hand the tip directly to the guide at the end of the tour, using both hands as a sign of respect.

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6. Spas and Beauty Services

• General Practice: Tipping is not expected at spas, hair salons, or nail salons in Incheon. The price you pay includes the service charge.
• When to Tip: If you receive exceptional service, you can leave a small tip (e.g., 5,000 KRW) or bring a small gift as a token of appreciation.
• Procedure: If tipping, hand the cash directly to the staff member who assisted you.

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7. Delivery Services

• General Practice: Tipping delivery drivers is not customary in Incheon. The delivery fee is usually included in the total cost of your order.
• Alternative Gesture: If you want to show appreciation, you can offer a small drink (e.g., a bottle of water or a canned coffee) when the driver arrives. This is a thoughtful gesture but not required.

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8. Cultural Considerations

• Respect for Service Workers: In South Korea, service workers are paid a fair wage, and tipping is not seen as necessary to supplement their income. Instead, providing excellent service is considered part of their job.
• Refusal of Tips: In some cases, staff may politely refuse a tip, as it is not part of the culture. If this happens, do not insist.
• Non-Monetary Appreciation: Koreans value verbal expressions of gratitude, such as saying "감사합니다" (gamsahamnida, meaning "thank you"). A warm smile and polite demeanor go a long way.

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Summary Table

| Scenario | Tipping Expected? | Amount (if tipping) | Procedure | |-----------------------|-----------------------|--------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Restaurants | No | 5,000–10,000 KRW | Leave cash on the table or hand it to the server with both hands. | | Cafes | No | Not applicable | Not expected; compliments or reviews are appreciated. | | Taxis | No | Round up to nearest 1,000 KRW | Hand cash to the driver or pay via card. | | Hotels (Bellhops) | No | 1,000–5,000 KRW | Hand cash directly to the bellhop with both hands. | | Tour Guides | No (optional) | 10,000–20,000 KRW/day | Hand cash directly to the guide at the end of the tour. | | Spas/Beauty Services | No | 5,000 KRW (optional) | Hand cash directly to the staff member. | | Delivery Services | No | Not applicable | Offer a small drink as a gesture, if desired. |

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Final Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

• When in Doubt: If you are unsure whether tipping is appropriate, observe what locals do or ask politely.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid tipping excessively, as it may make the recipient uncomfortable or confused.
• Focus on Politeness: Being respectful, saying thank you, and showing appreciation verbally are more important than tipping in South Korea.

By understanding and respecting the local customs in Incheon, you can navigate the city with ease and avoid any cultural misunderstandings. Enjoy your time in this vibrant and welcoming city!