Hugging in Korea is generally not as common as in some Western cultures. It is generally considered inappropriate to hug someone unless you are close friends or family members.
Here are some key points to remember:
- Hugging between strangers or acquaintances is uncommon. It's best to avoid physical contact with people you don't know well.
- Hugging between close friends and family is more acceptable. However, even among close friends, hugging may not be as frequent as in other cultures.
- Public displays of affection (PDA) are generally discouraged in Korean culture. Hugging in public, especially between romantic partners, is considered inappropriate.
- The social norms around hugging can vary depending on the age, gender, and relationship dynamics of the people involved. For example, it may be more acceptable for girls to hug each other in public than for men and women to hug.
It's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid hugging unless you are certain it is appropriate. If you are unsure, a simple bow or handshake is a safer greeting.