🇻🇳 5 Common Misconceptions Koreans Often Have About Vietnamese People

Hello 😊 Vietnam is close to Korea and has a lot in common with it, so it's easy to think "It's probably just like back home, right?" and act accordingly.

But did you know that one small habit might actually come across as rude to the locals? 😅

Today, I've put together some differences in everyday culture and etiquette that are good for travelers to know!

1️⃣ "Carelessly beckoning someone with a hand gesture can lead to misunderstandings." 🙋

In Korea, people sometimes beckon someone by turning their palm up and curling and uncurling their fingers.

❗ In Vietnam, this hand gesture is used to call animals, so it can come across as rude.

✔️ When calling a staff member, gently beckon with your palm facing down, or

✔️ Just call out "Em oi (Em ơi)!" and it'll sound natural 😊

2️⃣ "If a child is cute, it should be fine to pat their head, right?" 👶

❗ In Vietnam, the head is considered a precious part of the body, so it's best to be careful about touching someone's head, even a child's.

✔️ If you find it cute, express your feelings with a smile or a wave 👋

✔️ When taking photos, it's polite to ask the parents for permission first 📸

3️⃣ "When you're frustrated, should you raise your voice and argue to get it resolved?" 😤

It can be frustrating when your order comes out wrong or things get mixed up.

❗ In Vietnam, people place great importance on saving face, so raising your voice in front of others can actually shut down the conversation.

✔️ Talking calmly and with a smile gets things resolved much faster.

✔️ When someone smiles while they're flustered, it's often not mockery but a way of getting past the awkwardness.

4️⃣ "It's a hot country, so dress comfortably even at temples" 🛕

❗ At religious sites such as temples and cathedrals, it's best to avoid sleeveless tops and short shorts.

✔️ Please bring clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, or a light scarf.

✔️ Some places require you to take off your shoes when entering the Dharma hall.

✔️ For places like the Marble Mountains and Linh Ung Pagoda, joining a VietSpot 'Travel Products' tour is convenient because you'll have a guide showing you around 🚐

5️⃣ "You don't have to tip? / Haggling is an absolute must?" 💸

✔️ Tipping isn't mandatory, but at massage shops people sometimes leave a tip as a token of appreciation, so it's good to check in advance.

✔️ Haggling is natural at markets, but people don't do it at shops or supermarkets where prices are marked.

✔️ Even when bargaining, keep a smile on your face, and it's good manners to avoid haggling the price down too much 🙏

✔️ If you're worried about prices, check them in advance in VietSpot's 'Massage'·'Shopping' sections and make a reservation 💆‍♀️

✅ Summary at a Glance

🙋 When calling someone over, keep your palm facing down 👶 Don't pat children on the head 😌 If a problem comes up, stay calm

🛕 Cover your shoulders and knees at temples 💸 Tips are a way to say thanks, and haggling is only for markets

Even within Asia, cultures differ a little from place to place. If you respect the local culture, Vietnamese people will welcome you much more warmly 💛

Get ready for your Da Nang trip with VietSpots! ✈️😊

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