Suwon

1. Restaurants

• General Practice: Tipping is not customary in restaurants in Suwon or South Korea as a whole. Most restaurants do not expect tips, and service charges are typically included in the bill. If there is a service charge, it will be clearly stated on the receipt (usually 10% in higher-end establishments or international hotels).
• Exceptions:
  • In upscale or Western-style restaurants, tipping may be more common, especially if the establishment caters to international visitors. Even then, it is not mandatory.
  • If you feel the service was exceptional, you can leave a small amount (e.g., 5,000–10,000 KRW, equivalent to $4–$8 USD) in cash. Hand it directly to the server with both hands as a gesture of appreciation, as leaving money on the table may cause confusion.
• Cultural Note: South Koreans value politeness and gratitude. A sincere "감사합니다" (gamsahamnida, meaning "thank you") is often more appreciated than a tip.

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2. Taxis

• General Practice: Tipping taxi drivers is not expected in Suwon. Fares are calculated by the meter, and drivers do not anticipate 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 "괜찮아요" (gwaenchanayo, meaning "it's okay") to indicate they can keep the change. This is seen as a kind gesture but is not required.
• Cultural Note: Taxi drivers in Suwon are generally honest and professional. They may refuse a tip if you try to offer one, as it is not part of the local custom.

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3. Hotels

• General Practice: Tipping is not a standard practice in hotels in Suwon, but there are some exceptions depending on the level of service and the type of hotel.
• Bellhops/Porters: If a bellhop assists you with your luggage, you can offer a small tip of 1,000–2,000 KRW per bag. This is not expected but is appreciated in higher-end hotels.
• Housekeeping: Tipping housekeeping staff is not common. However, if you wish to leave a tip, place it in an envelope with a note of thanks (in Korean, if possible) and leave it on the desk or bed. A small amount, such as 5,000 KRW, is sufficient.
• Concierge: If the concierge provides exceptional service, such as arranging difficult reservations or extensive travel plans, you can offer a tip of 5,000–10,000 KRW. Again, this is not expected but is a kind gesture.

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4. Tour Guides

• General Practice: Tipping tour guides is not a traditional practice in South Korea, but it has become more common in tours catering to international visitors.
• Group Tours: If you are on a group tour, tipping the guide is optional. A small amount, such as 10,000–20,000 KRW per person, is a generous gesture for excellent service.
• Private Tours: For private guides, tipping is more common. You can offer 20,000–50,000 KRW depending on the length and quality of the tour.
• Procedure: Hand the tip directly to the guide at the end of the tour with both hands as a sign of respect.

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5. Spas and Salons

• General Practice: Tipping is not expected in spas, salons, or massage parlors in Suwon. The price you see on the menu is the final cost.
• Exceptions: In luxury spas or establishments catering to foreigners, you can leave a small tip (e.g., 5,000–10,000 KRW) if you feel the service was exceptional. Hand it directly to the therapist or stylist.

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6. Delivery Services

• General Practice: Tipping delivery drivers is not customary in Suwon. Delivery fees are usually included in the price of the food or service.
• Cultural Note: Delivery services in South Korea are highly efficient and professional. If you want to show appreciation, a polite "감사합니다" (gamsahamnida) when receiving your order is sufficient.

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7. Unique Local Customs and Considerations

• Respectful Gestures: In South Korea, handing money directly to someone with both hands is considered polite. If you do decide to tip, always use both hands and accompany it with a slight bow.
• Service-Oriented Culture: South Korea has a strong service-oriented culture where providing excellent service is seen as a professional duty rather than something that requires extra compensation. This is why tipping is not deeply ingrained in the culture.
• Avoid Over-Tipping: Offering a large tip may cause confusion or embarrassment, as it is not a familiar practice for many locals. Keep tips modest and situational.
• Cash Tips Only: If you decide to tip, use cash. Credit card systems in South Korea do not have a tipping option, and adding extra money to a card payment may not be processed as a tip.

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Summary

In Suwon, tipping is not a widespread practice, and service staff generally do not expect it. However, small gestures of appreciation in specific situations (e.g., rounding up a taxi fare, tipping a bellhop, or rewarding exceptional service from a tour guide) are welcomed but not required. Always be mindful of cultural norms, and remember that a kind word or polite gesture often goes further than a monetary tip in South Korea.