Controversy Over "300 Won Staff Dinner Tip" Option
Owner Explains, "We Never Required It"
Consumers Worry, "Will Tipping Culture Take Hold?"
A cold noodle restaurant in Seoul has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that a "300 won tip" menu item was inserted into the kiosk payment screen under the pretext of "staff dinner expenses." While tipping has been uncommon in South Korea, the practice has recently begun to appear in certain cafes and restaurants in the service industry. This has sparked concerns that a mandatory "American-style tipping culture" could become established in the country.
At a cold noodle restaurant in Seoul, controversy has arisen after a "tip 300 won menu" was added to the kiosk under the pretext of "staff dinner expenses." Online community
On July 21, photos of a kiosk order screen at a cold noodle restaurant began circulating online, under the title "A Cold Noodle Restaurant Trying to Introduce Tipping Culture." The screen showed an option labeled "300 won for hardworking staff dinner expenses" next to the mul-naengmyeon menu. The original poster, identified as A, commented, "It's only 300 won, but I don't like it. It shows that tipping culture is slowly creeping in."
Many netizens also responded negatively. Comments included, "Why are staff welfare costs being passed on to customers?" "Even if it's optional now, it will eventually become mandatory," "Even in the US, there is a movement to abolish tipping, so why are we going backwards?" "This kind of culture should be nipped in the bud," and "I'm worried tipping will become established here."
As the controversy spread, the restaurant owner directly responded in the original post’s comments to clarify the situation. The owner said, "We have never required anyone to pay a tip. The food prices are clearly posted outside as well," and explained, "As I said, it's an optional item, but the name of the option could be misunderstood." It was confirmed that the "300 won tip" menu had not been added recently, but had been available as an option for at least a year before the controversy surfaced.
As tipping has become more common in South Korea, debates have intensified. In 2023, a bakery in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, removed its "tip box" after it became a source of controversy. At an eel restaurant in Sejong, a sign reading "If a serving staff member provided friendly service, we kindly ask for a tip of around 5,000 won per table" sparked debate. One pizza place was criticized for requiring customers to pay a 2,000 won tip to place an order, while a gukbap restaurant was accused of effectively forcing tips by offering a 900 won delivery option for those who did not want side dishes.
Related public opinion surveys have shown overwhelmingly negative responses. People are concerned that tipping could become a de facto mandatory charge. In 2023, SK Communications surveyed 12,106 people about the introduction of tipping culture in South Korea, and 73% expressed strong opposition, saying they "could never accept it." Only 5% said they would "actively accept it if it meant better service."
Experts warn that if tipping is repeatedly suggested, there is a risk that tipping culture could become entrenched in South Korea. While tipping is originally a voluntary and goodwill-based act, frequent exposure can make consumers perceive it as an actual additional cost. There is particular concern that if tip options are naturally included in kiosk or app payment processes, consumers may come to see tipping not as a choice, but as a kind of obligation.
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