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Put Your Wallet Away: Why You Should Never Tip in Korea

· 3 min read
Kai Miller
Kai Miller
Cultural Explorer & Photographer

One of the greatest joys of traveling in Korea is the simplicity of paying. The price on the menu is the price you pay. There is no mental math for tax, and absolutely zero pressure to tip. In fact, trying to tip can lead to an awkward sprint down the street as a waiter tries to return your "forgotten" money.

Here is the practical guide to keeping your money safe (and spending it correctly).

Put Your Wallet Away: Why You Should Never Tip in Korea

1. The Golden Rule: No Tipping​

In South Korea, service charges are built into the price or handled by fair wages. Tipping is not part of the culture.

  • Restaurants/Cafes: Do not leave change on the table.
  • Taxis: You can tell them to "keep the change" if it's a small amount, but it's not expected.
  • The Warning: Some newer cafe kiosks (Western style) have started adding a "Tip" option. Locals universally hate this. Feel free to press "No Tip" with zero guilt.

2. Digital Payments: Card is King​

South Korea is one of the most cashless societies in the world.

  • Credit Cards: Accepted everywhere, even for a $1 pack of gum.
  • Samsung Pay: Works on every card terminal in the country.
  • Apple Pay: Still limited (approx. 10% adoption). It works at major chains like McDonald's, Starbucks, GS25, and CU, but fail at many local Korean restaurants. Always carry a physical card as backup.
  • WOWPASS: The tourist's best friend. It's a prepaid debit card you load with foreign currency.

3. When Do You Need Cash?​

Don't go completely cashless. You still need physical Won (KRW) for:

  • Street Food: Many food stalls (Pojangmacha) are cash-only or bank-transfer only.
  • T-Money Reloads: Most subway ticket machines still require cash to reload your transport card.
  • Remote Markets: Traditional markets in rural areas prefer cash.

4. Dutch Pay (Splitting the Bill)​

Among friends, "Dutch Pay" (splitting the bill) is the norm.

  • How to ask: Tell the cashier "Ttar-o Ttar-o" (Separately). They are used to splitting transactions on multiple cards.
  • Business Culture: In a work setting, the superior (or whoever invited) usually pays for everyone.

5. Tax Refunds​

The 10% VAT is always included in the price tag.

  • Immediate Refund: At major stores like Olive Young or Department Stores, show your passport to get the tax deducted instantly from your bill (for purchases over 30,000 KRW).

Save your tips for your next trip to the US. In Korea, a "Thank You" (Kamsahamnida) is all the currency you need.