Greetings Etiquette in South Korea

A polite bow is the standard greeting in South Korea, often paired with a brief handshake in business or more formal settings, and you should use both hands or support your right forearm with your left hand when shaking hands with someone older or higher in status. Among friends and younger people, a simple verbal greeting is common, but showing respect through a slight bow and careful use of titles matters more than being overly familiar right away.