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Tipping in South Korea

KRWLast reviewed · Mar 2026

Tipping is not expected in South Korea. Pay the bill as shown; additional tipping may cause confusion.

No tipping culture

Most common situations

Restaurant
Standard:No tipping
Bar
Standard:No tipping
Taxi
Standard:No tipping
How to tip in South Korea
•Do not tip in restaurants or bars
•Tipping may be refused or cause confusion
•Small rounding may occur in taxis when paying cash
Quick tips
Tipping is not expected in South Korea
Luxury hotels may include a service charge
Other situations
DeliveryNo tipping
Hairdresser / BarberNo tipping
Spa & MassageNo tipping
Hotel StaffNo tipping
Tour guidesNo tipping
Valet ParkingNo tipping
Airport ServicesNo tipping
Car Services / UberNo tipping

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Tipping Terms Glossary

Service charge
A mandatory fee added to the bill by the establishment, separate from optional tips.
Round up
To increase the total bill amount to the nearest convenient whole number or denomination.
Exceptional service
Service that exceeds standard expectations, often warranting a higher tip percentage or amount.
Cash preferred
A preference for cash tips over card tips, often because card tips may not reach staff directly.