In Korea, etiquette is very important whether it be in the social life or at the dining table. Unlike other Asian countries, Korea has its own unique set of etiquette that anyone can learn and use. Here are some great tips on Korean table manners brought to you by Naomi Imatome-Yun of about.com
1. Wait to be seated Wait for the oldest person/people to sit down first before you take a seat at the table.
2. Before you begin Before you eat, especially at someone's home, it's polite to say that you are looking forward to the meal. In Korean, people say Jalmukesumneda (I will eat well).
3. Beginning the meal Wait for the oldest person/people to lift their spoon or chopsticks first before you start eating.
4. During the meal Don't blow your nose at the table. Ever.
5. Don't rush or linger Try to eat at the same pace as everyone else, especially the elders.
6. Soup and rice bowls During the meal, don't hold the bowl of soup or rice (as you might do in other Asian countries like China or Japan).
7. Double dipping Korean meals have many communal side dishes, so don't dig into the bowls and touch a lot of the other food while you're taking your own.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
In Korea, respect is very important, as it is one of the main engine that the society runs on. Most of this respect is given to the seniority, or the elders. Koreans in the younger generation surprisingly even give seniority and respect to others that are even just a year old!
Here are some more facts about Korea's unspoken rules of society, courtesy of zKorean.com
Out of respect for the elderly, young people usually give up their seats for an aged person on a crowded bus or subway train. Nowadays some young people do not but most still do. Most Koreans wouldn't expect a foreigner to do this, but if you do it will make you look like a well-mannered guest in their country.
Koreans shake hands and bow at the same time. The depth of the bow depends on the relative seniority of the two people.
When you receive something (a present, a cup, a pen, etc.) from an older person, you should use two hands when receiving it, with a bow. If it's small enough for one hand, use one hand to receive it and the other under your forearm or your lower chest (for support). When you are shaking hands with an older person, use two hands. If the person receiving the gift is younger or lower in stature, passing with one hand is acceptable.
Relationships with friends are the one area where Koreans can view each other as equals. Friends, however, really means those born the same year who are, therefore, the same age and capable of being equal.