South Korea · Social gathering

Is kissing on the cheek when greeting polite in South Korea?

Avoid in formal settingsHigh confidence

Explanation

In South Korea, cheek kissing is not a traditional greeting and is generally reserved for very close friends or family in private settings; in social gatherings, it can be seen as overly familiar or uncomfortable, especially among older generations or in formal contexts. The standard greeting is a bow or a handshake, with physical distance respected.

Varies locally: Younger, urban South Koreans who have lived abroad may occasionally use cheek kisses among close friends, but it remains uncommon and context-dependent.

Local Tip

When meeting new people in a social gathering, offer a slight bow or a handshake with both hands (or one hand supporting the other) instead of a cheek kiss.

How it compares elsewhere

France

Cheek kissing (la bise) is a standard greeting among friends and acquaintances, with the number of kisses varying by region.

Japan

Physical contact like cheek kissing is avoided in greetings; bowing is the norm, and even handshakes are less common.

United Arab Emirates

Cheek kissing between same-gender friends is common, but between opposite genders it is strictly avoided unless family.

AI-generated guidance — customs evolve and vary between people. Treat as a helpful starting point, not absolute rules.

Frequently asked

Is kissing on the cheek when greeting polite in South Korea?

Avoid in formal settings. In South Korea, cheek kissing is not a traditional greeting and is generally reserved for very close friends or family in private settings; in social gatherings, it can be seen as overly familiar or uncomfortable, especially among older generations or in formal contexts. The standard greeting is a bow or a handshake, with physical distance respected.

What should I do instead in South Korea?

When meeting new people in a social gathering, offer a slight bow or a handshake with both hands (or one hand supporting the other) instead of a cheek kiss.

Does cheek-kiss greeting mean the same everywhere in South Korea?

Younger, urban South Koreans who have lived abroad may occasionally use cheek kisses among close friends, but it remains uncommon and context-dependent.

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More etiquette in South Korea

Tipping in South KoreaThumbs up in South KoreaShowing soles of feet in South KoreaEating with the left hand in South KoreaPatting someone's head in South KoreaDirect eye contact in South Korea

“Cheek-kiss greeting” in other countries

Cheek-kiss greeting in JapanCheek-kiss greeting in ChinaCheek-kiss greeting in ThailandCheek-kiss greeting in IndiaCheek-kiss greeting in FranceCheek-kiss greeting in Germany

See the full South Korea etiquette guide →