Here’s a detailed Korea Hotel Tip Guide presented in table format, covering everything you need to know about tipping in hotels in South Korea. Tipping is not a common practice in Korea, and most services do not require tips. However, in rare cases, you might want to offer a small gratuity for exceptional service.
Korea Hotel Tip Guide
Service
Suggested Tip Amount
Example Tip Calculation
Notes on Tipping
Housekeeping
No tip expected
3-day stay → No tip
Tipping is generally not expected, but you can leave a small tip for exceptional service.
Bellhop
No tip expected, but ₩1,000 – ₩5,000 for heavy bags
2 bags → No tip, or ₩2,000 – ₩10,000
Tipping bellhops is rare, but appreciated for large or heavy luggage.
Valet/Parking Attendant
No tip expected
No tip required
Valet services usually do not expect tips in Korea.
Concierge
No tip expected, but ₩5,000 – ₩10,000 for exceptional service
Hard-to-get reservation → ₩5,000 – ₩10,000
Tip only for exceptional or extra services beyond basic help.
Room Service
No tip expected, but check for service charges
No tip required
Room service typically has a service charge included; tipping is not necessary.
Doorman
No tip expected
No tip required
Opening doors or hailing a taxi does not require a tip.
Spa Services
No tip expected, but 5-10% for exceptional service
₩100,000 massage → No tip or ₩5,000 – ₩10,000
Check if a service charge is included before tipping.
Example Tip Calculations:
Service
Tip Percentage
Example Amount
Example Tip
Total Cost (Including Tip)
Bellhop (2 Bags)
₩1,000 – ₩5,000/bag
₩0 (Free Service)
₩2,000 – ₩10,000
₩2,000 – ₩10,000
Housekeeping (3 Days)
Not expected
₩0 (Included in hotel stay)
₩0
₩0
Concierge (Complex Request)
₩5,000 – ₩10,000
₩0
₩5,000 – ₩10,000
₩5,000 – ₩10,000
Spa Services
5-10% for exceptional service
₩100,000
₩5,000 – ₩10,000
₩105,000 – ₩110,000
Tipping Etiquette for Hotels in Korea:
Housekeeping: Tipping is not expected in South Korean hotels. If you feel inclined to tip for outstanding service, you can leave a small tip (₩1,000 – ₩5,000), but this is rare.
Bellhop: Tipping is not common, but if the bellhop helps with large or heavy bags, a small gratuity (₩1,000 – ₩5,000 per bag) is appreciated.
Valet: No tip is expected for valet services. Valet parking attendants in South Korea do not typically expect tips.
Concierge: For simple requests (e.g., directions or making reservations), tipping is not necessary. However, if the concierge goes out of their way to provide exceptional service, such as securing hard-to-get tickets, you can offer a tip of ₩5,000 – ₩10,000.
Room Service: A service charge is usually included in the bill for room service, so tipping is not required. Always check your bill for any service charges before deciding to tip.
Doorman: Tipping the doorman is not expected, even if they assist you with luggage or hail a taxi. A simple thank you is sufficient.
Spa Services: Tipping is not common, but if you receive exceptional service, you can tip 5-10% of the service cost. Check if a service charge is already included in the bill.
Additional Considerations:
Cultural Norms: Tipping is not part of Korean culture, and offering tips may sometimes cause confusion. Be discreet when tipping to avoid any awkwardness.
Cash Tips: If you decide to tip, cash is the preferred method. Hand the tip directly to the staff member in an envelope if possible, as this is considered more respectful.
Service Charges: Many hotels and restaurants in Korea automatically include a service charge in the bill. Always check before tipping to avoid double-tipping.
Quick Tip Summary for Korea Hotels:
Housekeeping: No tip expected (₩1,000 – ₩5,000 for exceptional service)
Bellhop: No tip expected (₩1,000 – ₩5,000 per bag for heavy luggage)
Valet: No tip expected
Concierge: No tip expected (₩5,000 – ₩10,000 for exceptional service)
Room Service: No tip expected (check for service charges)
Doorman: No tip expected
Spa Services: No tip expected (5-10% for exceptional service)