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TIPPING // ASIANot the custom — don't tip

Tipping in South Korea

Tipping is not customary and generally not expected.

The short answer

Tipping is not customary and generally not expected. Like Japan, great service is the baseline and doesn't require a tip.

What to tip, service by service

Restaurants
No tipping; service is included.
Bars & cafés
No tipping.
Taxis & rideshare
No tipping.
Hotels
No tipping.
Tour guides & drivers
Not expected, though high-end private guides may accept one.
Good to know

Like Japan, great service is the baseline and doesn't require a tip. Customs shift over time and by venue, and tourist areas often expect more than locals give. When in doubt, a small tip in the local currency and cash is rarely wrong.