Korea's emphasis on courtesy and decorum extends to dining. The local dining etiquette is more relaxed and simpler compared with many Western cultures. Good table manners require little more than observing a few basic rules.
1. Wait until the oldest or most senior person at the table has begun eating before starting to eat.
2. Do not hold your spoon and chopsticks in one hand. When using chopsticks, place your spoon on the table.
3. Use your spoon to eat soup and other watery dishes before eating rice or other dishes.
4. Eat as quietly as possible and do not make excessive sounds with your utensils.
5. Refrain from excessive stirring of soup or rice at the table and do not pick out ingredients or seasonings you dislike.
6. For shared dishes, transfer food to individual plates. It is also good manners to transfer dipping sauces to individual plates before use.
7. Discreetly throw away meat and fish bones by wrapping them in tissue or paper napkin.
8. If you have to cough or sneeze, turn your face to the side and cover your mouth with your hand or a handkerchief out of courtesy to other people at the table.