Do's in Korea
1. Do learn about Korean, its people, its culture and its history as much as you can, before you actually go there. This way you will not be a total stranger to the people and the land, and what you see or hear will not shock you anymore, because you have had an early knowledge of those things, anyway.
2. Try to learn some Korean language, especially those things that you will need in your first meetings, like the "Basic greetings, polite words, how to ask something, etc."
3. In every occasion, especially in the gatherings, parties, or even during the office works, try to observe what others are doing and follow; in order to lessen your misunderstanding with the local people, and not to offend their culture or customs.
4. Try to accept the fact that their cultural practices are unique, and try to understand them as who they are. Remember that if you were born in Korea, you would also learn to do, as they have learned to do, for thousands of years - so, understanding is the best way of accepting the reality.
5. Try to adopt their culture and their way of life (living, food, shelter, etc.) in order to avoid the "clash of cultures" or the "culture shock". Remember that you are the visitor to their land and it's you who is a foreigner, not them, and you should accept their culture, and their way of life, and not the other way around!
6. Although they say there is no tipping in Korea, but in practice it is very much customary to tip. But, it is better to observe what the Koreans are doing and to follow their example, in order to be safe (than sorry!)
7. When you take a taxi, make it sure that the taxi meter is on, and if it is not, remind the driver, to use the taxi meter, to avoid later the problems of misunderstanding or being overcharged, unnecessarily.
8. If you plan to go somewhere and you have to take a taxi, it is much better to ask a Korean friend or the hotel workers to write the address in Korean language for you, and to help you get the right taxi, to avoid problems and confusions, later.
9. Try to buy a good radio set. It will be good companion at the room or even on the job site. It will also help you to learn about the news (both local and international) and it is an excellent teacher of the language and the culture of the people-in any part of the word.
10. When you go shopping, don't forget to bargain, because like all the Asian people, the Koreans are also fond of bargaining. Therefore, the business people, give a higher price, expecting that you will ask for some discounts, later.
11. Don't forget to learn how to use the chopsticks. Remember the saying: Once you are in Rome, do as the Romans do!
12. Try native food and culture, you may found them to be very interesting, contrary to your first "negative" impressions of them (we all have had such strange experiences, isn't it?)
13. Be honest in your dealing with the people, especially with your employer (even if some of them may not be very honest) because as a foreigner you are more vulnerable if you do or say something which is not honest. Remember the saying: Honesty is the best policy.
14. Work hard and be serious in your job. Don't take it easy and carelessly. Remember that you are there to work, and if your boss is hard working, he expects you also to work very hard; Otherwise, there will be many problems in the employer-employee relationship.
15. Be considerate and respectful of the country's laws, customs, traditions, and their Buddhist religion.
16. Bring some warm clothes, because Korea is a four seasons country, but most of the time it is more cold than warm, especially if you are coming from a tropical country.
17. Remember, in every place and every situation, moderation, sensitivity to others, understanding and acceptance of who they are, patience and the common sense, go a long, long way.
Don'ts in Korea
1. Don't break their laws. Never involve in any illegal activities, especially the prohibited drugs and the similar stuff.
2. Don't criticize Korean way of life, culture, food (like the habit of eating dog meat, etc.) because the Koreans are very sensitive and nationalistic people (there may be some political and cultural insecurities also as their reason for this extreme sensitivity to the criticism, unlike in Western Europe or in the U.S.)
3. Don't ever make fun of anything Korean, even if it looks very strange and funny to you. (e.g. the alphabet or some words, some customs or traditions, superstitious beliefs, etc.) Even if they themselves do so, you as a foreigner should never do.
4. Don't bring out of the country a big amount of money or even ginseng (the limit for the Korean ginseng per passenger is 1,200 grams, only). Some other commercial products also have limitations for passengers to carry a big quantities (please ask the hotel information, travel agency or the tour guide, before buying those items).
5. Don't bring out animal (live or stuffed) from Korea, without first getting permission from the Forestry Office of Korea.
6. Don't engage in any side line business, aside from what your visa indicates; it is illegal; and the authorities in Korea implement the laws very strictly, (especially against the foreigners).
7. Don't get involved in quarrels or harsh exchange of words with the locals or any other foreign workers based there. The best way to be safe, especially in a foreign land, is to always try the peaceful way out, and a polite attitude and understanding.
8. When you want to exchange money, always try to deal with the legal money changers to avoid legal problems, as well as cheating which are usual in the black market, almost in all countries of the world.
9. When talking to other person, don't point your finger or hand towards him or her; it is considered impolite - again especially for a foreigner.
10. At the airport or the hotel, don't accept the offers by some unknown and unofficial persons, who may try to take you to hotel or to carry your baggage, etc.
11. Don't call people's attention by shouting "hey" or "Passat" as it is practiced in some country, or may be even in your own country. That's rude. Try to call their attentions by a polite, gentle and respectful manners, like: "Sir!", "Ma'am!" etc.
12. Don't forget that in foreign land, there may come many sad and bad experiences -most especially the loneliness, the homesick and others; yet, also remember that millions of people around the world are wishing, rather dying, just to be where you are, and to do what you are doing.