(Image source: Independent.co.uk)

(Image source: Petergreenberg.com)

#1 Seating Matters

Sorry, you can’t just sit wherever you want. Seating is arranged in social ranking based on job ranking or age. The lowest ranking individual sits nearest to the door and it’s also common for these people to wait for the elders to take their seats first before sitting themselves.

#2 Give Thanks

Say “jal meokkessumnida” (I’ll enjoy the meal/ I’ll eat well) before every meal. Say “jal meokkeoseumnida” (Thank you for the meal/ I ate well) after every meal. This is necessary especially when eating at someone else’s house.

#3 Wait

Always wait for the elders to pick up their utensils first and start eating before you can do the same.

#4 Nose Blowing Is A No-no

Is a definite no to blow your nose at the table, excuse yourself to do that in the restroom. If you need to cough or sneeze, make sure you turn your head away from everyone else at the table. 

#5 Take It Slow

Again, if there’s an elder at the table, it’s advisable to not rush mealtime or eat too quickly no matter how hungry you are. It’s said to eat at the same pace as the elders so you will finish around the same time as them or better, finish after they are done with their meal.

#6 Take What’s Around You

It’s not advisable to stretch your arms across the table. Just go for the dishes closest to you.

#7 Bowl Stays On The Table 

In China and Japan, people lift their bowls to eat rice but in Korea, the bowl stays on the table. Spoon is used for rice and soup and chopsticks are for side dishes. Btw, you don’t hold both chopsticks and spoon at the same time.

#8 Fill Their Cups First

This is rather common, always fill the elders cup first before filling your own.

#9 Accept From The Elders

Should any elders offer you any drinks, accept it and drink humbly because it’s a sign of respect. Remember to use two hands to hold the cup and look away from the elders when drinking.

Editor JQ Lee talks and writes for a living. That's because she loves sharing interesting things to the world. With a Degree in Communication and Media Management, this petite Gen-Y will not stop chasing her passion in writing and broadcasting. She dreams to host a travel show and be a radio announcer someday, hopefully soon. Stalk this wacky fair Asian girl at www.jqtalks.com, Instagram and Twitter (@jqleejq)