Why Do Koreans Put Tissues Under Their Spoons at Restaurants? A Peek into Korean Culture for Global Visitors
Why Do Koreans Put Tissues Under Their Spoons at Restaurants? A Peek into Korean Culture for Global Visitors
In this mega-hit, there's a scene where the Korean characters are eating gukbap (hot soup with rice) at a restaurant and place a tissue under their spoons and chopsticks. When viewers, both in Korea and abroad, saw this, they went wild! Comments like "It perfectly captures what it means to be Korean" and "The historical accuracy is insane" flooded in.
This tiny detail became a hot topic, hailed as a prime example of 'K-Detail.' This practice is so common for Koreans, but why exactly do we do it? Let's dive in!
Why Did This Unique Korean Dining Habit Emerge?
This unique custom began to take root after the 1970s, as new ideas about hygiene spread. There was a growing feeling that restaurant tables, used by countless people, might not be perfectly clean. So, placing a white tissue under your spoon and chopsticks made things feel more sanitary—a kind of 'psychological hygiene.'
This idea was further boosted by the rise of the petrochemical industry at the time. As tissues and toilet paper began to be mass-produced, the notion that chemically processed products were cleaner and safer for use on the dining table helped this custom flourish.
Practicality Meets Custom: How Korean Dining Culture Evolved
Beyond new hygiene perceptions, economic reasons also played a key role. For restaurant owners, it was much cheaper and more practical to provide tissue dispensers on each table than to buy, wash, and manage expensive ceramic or metal utensil rests. This saved not only initial investment costs but also ongoing operational expenses. It was a perfect match: customers' psychological need for cleanliness aligned with the owners' desire for economic efficiency.
These practical and psychological factors combined to make placing a tissue under utensils a common custom and a kind of dining etiquette. It reflects a desire to create a personal, clean space in an unfamiliar setting, essentially acting as "my own utensil rest." You'll often see Koreans instinctively reaching for tissues at restaurants, showing how deeply ingrained this habit has become. Of course, recent debates about the hygiene of tissues themselves (concerns about fluorescent whitening agents or paper dust) have led to a slight decline in this practice.
Experience This Unique Korean Dining Culture Yourself!
So, placing a tissue under utensils in Korea is more than just about cleanliness. It's a fascinating cultural practice shaped by historical context, psychological factors, and practical considerations. If you're a global visitor coming to Korea, why not try this custom for yourself at a local restaurant? Or at least, being aware of it before your trip can lessen any culture shock and help you appreciate the rich tapestry of Korean culture even more!
