{"id":2202182,"date":"2023-09-08T16:51:05","date_gmt":"2023-09-08T07:51:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202182"},"modified":"2023-11-20T17:16:34","modified_gmt":"2023-11-20T08:16:34","slug":"tipping-the-debate-the-growing-controversy-over-south-koreas-gratuity-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/09\/tipping-the-debate-the-growing-controversy-over-south-koreas-gratuity-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Tipping the debate: The growing controversy over South Korea\u2019s gratuity culture"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korea has long steered clear of the tipping culture. However, a recent uproar emerged when a <\/span>photograph of a tip jar<\/span><\/a> started trending on Twitter. Many South Korean social media users expressed reluctance to adopt a tipping culture primarily seen in countries like the U.S. and Canada. The debate intensified when <\/span>Kakao T Mobility<\/span><\/a>, the country\u2019s most popular taxi-hailing app, introduced its gratitude tips feature shortly thereafter, allowing passengers to express their appreciation to drivers monetarily.<\/span><\/p>\n This debate dives deep into South Korea\u2019s attitude toward service workers, its minimum wage policies and broader socioeconomic norms.<\/span><\/p>\n Kakao T Mobility\u2019s new feature enables passengers to tip taxi drivers between an additional $0.78 to $1.57 (1,000 to 2,000 won) to show appreciation for their service. Notably, the company confirmed it would not profit from these tips or impose credit card fees on customers who choose to tip.<\/span><\/p>\n In a statement, Kakao T Mobility said, \u201cWhile tipping isn\u2019t a widespread practice in Korea, users of Kakao T Taxi now have the option to extend special gratitude to their drivers over and above the regular fare.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Proponents hail this initiative as both an acknowledgment of commendable service and a potential financial boost for drivers. This support becomes even more relevant against the backdrop of criticism directed at South Korea\u2019s <\/span>perceived insufficient<\/span><\/a> minimum wage<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n