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Is it offensive to say Xie Xie (Mandarin form of thank you) when in Seoul?
A brief backstory to my question. I was in Myeongdong shopping with my daughter at a litt… Let me start of by saying that I totally get this is NOT a Mandarin speaking country. Korean is the language.
A brief backstory to my question. I was in Myeongdong shopping with my daughter at a little eating/hair accessory store. We just got done with three weeks in Taiwan and after we made our purchase and were leaving my daughter said "Xie Xie" to the sales lady and after a beat realized she made a mistake because she wasn't in Taiwan anymore. At first I thought the worker was just gonna brush it off but then she said, "Excuse me???" And I couldn't really tell if she was playing or not. She got my daughter to turn back around and face her and said something to the effect of, "This is Korea and we say gamsahabnida." I still couldn't tell if she was feigning offense or truly offended at my daughter saying that. My current thinking is that she was really offended.
It definitely wasn't my daughter's intention to offend. Just curious if there's some kind of back story on Korea's part at being offended by that. Thanks for any insights.
Also to add, the worker said "thank you" and my wife and I said "thank you" and nobody was offended...I assume because it was my native language and the worker was happy to do that. Mandarin and English are both native languages for my daughter so just want to give another "excuse" for her saying Xie Xie.
honestly i think that worker was just having a bad day or being super territorial about it. most koreans i've met in myeongdong are used to tourists mixing up languages, they usually just smile and move on. i've said "arigato" on accident at a cafe in hongdae and the barista just laughed it off.
if anything, the fact that she made your daughter turn back around feels a bit extra. like yeah technically we say gamsahamnida here but everyone knows xie xie is mandarin not some insult. myeongdong especially gets tons of chinese tourists so she's definitely heard it before.
you're fine, your daughter didn't do anything wrong. just a weird interaction with someone who prob wanted to feel important for a second.
That worker's reaction was unusual. Myeongdong is full of Chinese tourists and most shop staff hear "xie xie" multiple times a day without batting an eye. I've also heard Korean shopkeepers say "xie xie" back to Chinese customers themselves.
There's no historical or cultural reason Koreans would be offended by Mandarin specifically. It's just a different language, not a loaded term. The worker either had a personal issue or was joking in a way that didn't land. Either way, your daughter has nothing to apologize for.
If anything, the worker's "excuse me" and making her turn back around was ruder than accidentally saying the wrong thank you. Most Koreans I know would just smile and maybe teach you the Korean word if they felt like being helpful.
Nah, you're overthinking it. That worker was just being a bit of a stickler, probably had a long day dealing with tourists. Most people in Seoul wouldn't even blink at hearing xie xie, they know it's just a common Chinese phrase from travelers. Your daughter's fine.
Seoul Airport to City Center (2026)
The AREX Express is the fastest way from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station, taking 43 minutes nonstop. Tickets cost 9,500 won for adults, and you can buy them at the airport k… 🚆 AREX Express Train
The AREX Express is the fastest way from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station, taking 43 minutes nonstop. Tickets cost 9,500 won for adults, and you can buy them at the airport kiosks or online in advance. Trains run every 30 minutes from 5:20 AM to 11:40 PM.
🚇 AREX All-Stop Train
For a cheaper option, the AREX All-Stop train makes local stops and costs 4,150 won with a T-money card. It takes about 66 minutes to reach Seoul Station, but it's convenient if your destination is near a stop like Hongdae or Digital Media City. Trains run every 6-10 minutes from around 5:30 AM to midnight.
🚌 Airport Limousine Buses
Airport limousine buses serve many hotels and districts, with fares between 10,000 and 18,000 won. Routes like 6015 to Myeongdong or 6002 to Hongdae run every 10-20 minutes from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM. You can buy tickets at the airport bus stops or from the driver with cash or T-money.
🚕 Taxi Options and Scams
Regular taxis from Incheon to central Seoul cost around 50,000-70,000 won, while deluxe taxis are about 80,000-100,000 won. Avoid unlicensed drivers at the arrivals hall; always use the official taxi queue. Some drivers may refuse the meter, so insist on the meter or choose a different cab.
🚗 Ride-Hailing Apps
Apps like Kakao T and Uber are available in Seoul, offering fixed prices for airport trips. A ride from Incheon to Gangnam costs roughly 60,000-80,000 won. Book through the app to avoid language barriers and ensure transparent pricing.
🚐 Private Transfer Services
Pre-booked private transfers cost around 70,000-120,000 won depending on vehicle size and destination. Companies like KTravelBus or Seoul Airport Transfer offer door-to-door service with English-speaking drivers. This is ideal for groups or those with heavy luggage.
💳 T-Money Card Tips
Buy a T-money card at the airport convenience store for 2,500 won and load it with cash. It works on AREX trains, city buses, and subways, and you can get a refund for remaining balance at the airport. To save time, load at least 20,000 won for your first few days.
⏰ Late-Night Travel
After midnight, the AREX and most buses stop running, so your options are taxis or ride-hailing apps. The N6001 night bus runs from Incheon to Seoul Station from 11:30 PM to 4:30 AM, costing 9,000 won. Taxis at night may have surcharges, so check the meter carefully.
The guide is solid, but one thing I'd add is that if you're landing at Terminal 2, the AREX Express actually starts there and stops at Terminal 1 before heading to Seoul Station. A lot of people don't realize that and end up waiting for the wrong train. Also, for the limousine bus, the 6015 to Myeongdong is great but traffic on the way in can turn that 60-minute ride into 90 minutes easily, especially on Friday afternoons.
yeah the guide covers it well but one thing i'd mention is that if you're traveling with a group of 3 or 4, a regular taxi from the airport to central seoul can actually be cheaper per person than the express train and way more convenient. split 60k won four ways and it's only 15k each, plus no hauling luggage through the station. just make sure they use the meter or you'll get ripped off
Nice write-up. One thing I'd add is that Kakao T has a "call taxi" option where you just put in your destination and it shows the fare upfront, which is perfect for avoiding the language barrier with drivers who don't speak English. I've used it a few times from the airport and it always worked smoothly, even late at night.