The food cooked in Korea has its own way of being spiced and marinated for proper blending with people’s taste.
Politeness is very important in Korean culture and sharing meals and drinks is emphasised. Korean table manners include proper and strict etiquette which are still followed today. Table manners speak avidly about a person’s upbringing, character and personality.
Elders First:
In Korea, usually it is a long standing tradition to wait for the eldest person or the honoured guest to take a seat on the table. No one sits to have a meal unless the eldest member commences it. It is more important to wait for the eldest person to lift their spoon or chopsticks first before you start eating.
Patience:
It is a habit to eat food at the same speed as everyone, not to hurry up while having the meal. It is a prime and generalised practise to pour the drinks for others first and then pour it into your glass. Patience is of utmost important while having Korean meal.
Humbleness:
When someone offers a drink, one must always accept it with humbleness, which shows no disrespect. When someone senior pours a drink for you, accept the glass with both the hands. This also holds true for someone passing you a side dish or something else at the table.
Placement:
Don’t stick your chopsticks straight up into your bowl because it resembles traditional Korean ancestor ceremonies. It’s not only disrespectful but it’s considered to be a sign of bad luck. When you’re done, cutlery goes back on the table.
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