In Korea at least, it's not an unknown practice for companies to pay interviewees for their time, although not all companies do it. Being American, I was taken

In Korea at least, it's not an unknown practice for companies to pay interviewees for their time, although not all companies do it. Being American, I was taken by surprise the first time it happened, but it was a pleasant surprise in that the company showed that they valued my time. I'd say its not mandatory, but it's a classy thing to do.