A tip box has appeared in Yeouido, Seoul, and it is controversial.
On the 28th, several posts expressing that a tip box placed in a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul, was inappropriate were shared on an online community. The posts included photos of a red box labeled 'tip box.' The box also had the message: 'Did you enjoy your meal? We strive to provide top-notch service and cuisine. Thank you.'
The author of the post that shared the photo said, 'This is Korea. Don't bring in the tip culture,' and added, 'Don't muddy the waters.'
The controversy over tip culture is not new. Two years ago, a tip box also appeared at a bakery, but was removed amidst criticism. At that time, several photos of a glass jar with 'Tips!' written in front of the checkout were shared on social media. At an eel specialty restaurant in Sejong City, a message requesting a tip of about 5,000 won per table if the server was friendly also sparked controversy.
Current food sanitation law requires that the final price displayed on the menu includes both value-added tax and service charges. However, it is not illegal if there is no compulsion to require tips. However, forcibly demanding a separate service charge from customers is illegal.
According to data released by the U.S. financial information provider Bankrate, one in three Americans feels pressured to give tips against their will. The survey found that two out of three Americans have a negative view of the tip culture itself.