FOOTBALL supporters will be chanting on unknown territory when they travel to Japan and Korea for this year's World Cup.

Dean Kirby gives some advice on manners and etiquette to soccer fans travelling to East Asia.

WANDERERS fans heading to Japan and Korea for the World Cup should start training now -- by learning how to slurp their soup and take tea without sugar.

For fans will only get the most out of their trip, and stay on the right side of the law, if they take on board a few tips about etiquette and manners.

Biting your fingernails, blowing your nose or eating a snack in the street could just be considered rude.

But showing off your tattoos, getting drunk or taking off your shirt in public could get you into serious trouble.

The Foreign Office has been advising supporters on the best way to behave in East Asia and fans have been scouring the Internet to find out about everything from sushi to sayounara.

One website warns that gnawing pencils could be considered impolite and another says that rubbing your chopsticks together is the best way not to impress the chef.

Another adds: "Some people already have a negative image of Westerners after observing how they have acted.

"Whether you help dispel their preconceptions, or reinforce them by acting like you belong in a zoo is entirely up to you."

Some of the hidden pitfalls facing fans will be those personal habits they would not consider a problem at home.

Showing off tattoos in public could be considered offensive because they are associated with criminals, and it is wrong to put milk and sugar in Japanese tea.

It is okay to slurp your soup, but leaving your plate in a mess might not be taken too kindly. In a Japanese bar it is also common custom to pour each other's drinks rather than your own.

Law enforcement is also strict in both East Asian countries and supporters looking to cause real trouble will be closely watched by the Japanese and Korean police.

Fans who break the law in Japan may be arrested and detained for up to 27 days -- or longer in Korea -- while the case is investigated. Offenders may then face on-the-spot fines, deportation or even jail.

Buying tickets on the black market will also be a bad idea. They could cost hundreds of pounds and may be confiscated if fans are unable to prove they are the rightful owner.

Beer will not be allowed into the stadium and anyone seen trying to provoke rival fans will be ejected onto the street.

But despite strict crowd management at games, those fans looking to simply enjoy watching their beloved team will be in for a treat.

The grounds are some of the most modern in the world and the two host nations have much to offer visitors when each game finishes as well.

Accommodation costs vary depending on the standard of hotel, but a room in Japan can cost as little as 4,000 yen (£21) per night.

Good places to find reasonably priced food include the underground malls of railway stations and larger department stores -- which have restaurants spanning whole floors.

A beer could cost anything between 500 and 800 yen (£2.71 and £4.33), but those on a budget will be glad to hear there is no custom of tipping in Japan.

Transport between football grounds could be the biggest expense for fans. A seven day unlimited travel pass in Japan could cost about 28,300 yen (about £153).

Coach travel is much cheaper but, in a country spanning 3,000km from north to south, it could be much slower as well.

Travel is not as expensive in Korea and a flight between two towns on Korean Air could cost little more than 91,000 won (£50).

Fares on the white or silver Iiban taxis start at less than 1,820 won (£1) and the Korean rail service has created a travel pass that may be useful for World Cup visitors.

The Foreign Office is advising fans that they are sure to have a good time if they have a little respect for their hosts.

A spokesman said: "The vast majority of Japanese and Korean people are very excited about the World Cup and are keen to welcome all fans who visit for the tournament.

"If British visitors make the necessary preparations for their trip and behave respectfully the World Cup should be a fantastic experience for all who go."

So fans who behave and enjoy themselves could be in for an experience of a lifetime.

But before you say "sayounara" to Bolton there is just on last piece of advice. Remember to take your brolly because the rainy season starts in June. It could get very wet -- just like home.