Every country has its own dining etiquette, which reflects the country’s cultural values, and South Korea has its own set of dining etiquette. The first is solid eating etiquette, especially with elders. In South Korea, we must wait for the oldest person to touch the cutlery or start the first bite before starting a meal. This shows respect and reflects that the younger ones respect and honor their elders. If the eldest person has not started, the younger ones usually do not begin the meal. Only once the oldest person takes the first bite can the younger start eating. This tradition is also followed by “잘 먹겠습니다” which means “I’ll enjoy the meal” as a sign that everyone can start eating together. This difference can be compared to the way of eating in Indonesia, where eating together is more relaxed, with everyone eating their food without waiting for a particular order.

Furthermore, there are important rules to follow when eating chopsticks and spoons. When holding a spoon, it is important not to grip it like a knife but to hold it similarly to writing or holding a pencil, it shows good table manners. Meanwhile, when using chopsticks, it is essential to hold them straight and not cross them when picking up food, as this is considered unethical and greedy. This can be seen in many Korean dramas with royal settings, where royalty will hold their chopsticks perfectly, showing how important this rule is in their culture. On the other hand, the question of “is it okay to eat with bare hands?”, actually in Korea eating with your bare hands is also done, although it is only common when eating fried chicken or chicken with sauce, but if eating rice you still have to use a spoon. In addition, eating alternately with chopsticks, then changing spoons, then changing chopsticks again, especially with one hand is not recommended, even if you are proficient with both tools, because this is considered impolite. 

When drinking alcohol there is also some etiquette to observe, especially when drinking with older or higher-ranking people. Firstly, it is important to pour each other’s drinks, not to let the other person pour their own. Also, when drinking, you should turn your body slightly to the right or left side rather than facing the elder or superior directly. If there are older people in front and the right or left, it is best to turn back or find space to not face them directly, this showing politeness when with older people.

Dining etiquette in South Korea is not just about manners, but also has a deeper cultural meaning. This can be seen from some customs that need to be avoided, such as putting the soup to the left of the rice, sticking chopsticks on top the rice, and pouring your own alcohol. These customs are usually practiced during funerals, where the soup is positioned on the left and you can pouring alcohol by yourself. In addition, sticking chopsticks in the rice is also considered to be like sticking incense

Also, remember that it is important to pay attention to the eating speed, so as not to keep others waiting. For example, when eating with friends or parents, try not to finish your meal too quickly if your friends or parents are still eating, this makes others feel uncomfortable because you are waiting for them. Otherwise, avoid eating too slowly and making others wait. Furthermore, after finishing your meal, don’t forget to say “잘먹었습니다” which means thank you for the meal and shows your appreciation for the dishes that have been served. By abiding by these rules, everyone shows politeness and respect. It also aims to create a comfortable and harmonious atmosphere when eating together.