What Color Not to Wear For Tourists in Korea

People in Seoul tend to dress up.

South Korea is a modern country and there are no taboos on certain colors to wear. However, people do tend to dress up more than in Western countries, even when running daily errands.

Women

In business situations, women should follow common sense guidelines: modest cuts and muted colors. A tourist may wear what she pleases, but generally, low-cut or midriff-baring tops and spaghetti-strap tank tops meet with disapproval. Younger women, especially in Seoul, often wear short skirts and shorts.

North Korea

U.S. citizens can only visit North Korea in designated tour groups. These groups often advise members to dress conservatively, with no T-shirts depicting U.S. or South Korean imagery. Dressing neatly and slightly formally will ensure that a tourist does not feel out of place.

Gifts

Diplomats and businesspeople are advised not to give green headgear as gifts. This may come from a Chinese saying that the wearer of a green hat has a spouse who is cheating on him or her. Gifts with red writing also denote death and are not advised.

References

• South Korea - Cultural Etiquette: eDiplomat