The Money You Left Behind — Why Does It Always Come Back to You? Have you ever finished your meal at a restaurant, paid by card, but still felt uneasy, so you quietly left a 10,000-won bill on the table on your way out? You open the door and take a few steps, and from behind you hear, "Excuse me, excuse me!" and an employee comes running out. In their hand is that very 10,000-won bill. It might feel like you're being chased like a thief, but really, the employee just ran out because they honestly believe that's what they're supposed to do. ## Why Tipping Isn't Necessary In Korea, restaurant and café prices already include the cost of service. If the menu says 8,000 won, you really only pay 8,000 won—there's no need to add tax or a service charge on top. Staff wages are also fixed, regardless of how much customers leave behind on a given day. So to the staff, money left on the table doesn't look like "money I'm owed," but like "money the customer forgot." That's why they quickly chase after you to give it back, so they don't look like a thief. ## Here's how to show your gratitude A word of thanks is enough — no money needed. When you leave, saying "that was delicious" will bring a smile to the staff's face. If you really want to express it, leaving a good review on Naver or Google Maps is also a great way to do it. In some professions, like hotel valet parking staff, a culture of handing over a small amount of money is gradually emerging, but that's a different story from restaurants and cafés, so don't get them mixed up.