Comments on: 10 Korean Customs To Know Before You Visit Korea

By: Manish

Manish — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:07:31 +0000

I would agree with Koreans coming across very self absorbed and quick to be rude in even the most ordinary situations.

My personal experience spanned two trips that I made down there. The incidents involving Tourism guides, drivers and even front desk left me with the sense that Koreans in general are on the edge – not quite sure why?

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By: Jan

Jan — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:25:50 +0000

Wan,
I feel like you missed an opportunity. I found Koreans to be very kind, helpful, and I made many friends in Korea. The Ahjimas in the outdoor markets were delightful. Sometimes one needs to look beyond the stoicism to experpience the people.

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By: Jan

Jan — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:12:41 +0000

You left out one very serious “don’t”: don’t ever play “got your nose” with those smiling children. The thumb between the index and ring finger of a fisted hand is considered very vulger and very insulting. Also, there are a several public dont’s for women, such as smoking in public, you could get fined.
Whatever you do, don’t miss a chance to climb a mountain and visit a monostary; don’t shy away from trying as much of the food as you can. You’ll be suprised about what you might love! Bebembop was my favorite, absolutely. The food in the little restaurants you might be inclined to shy away from is fantastic.

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By: Elisse J Goldstein

Elisse J Goldstein — Tue, 26 May 2009 00:37:01 +0000

Enjoyed the article much. Spent part of a very belated & glorious honeymoon in Korea last spring, loved every single second of it & can’t WAIT to go back! Gimmie Summer Kimchi 3X day + Soju & Makgoli in those little wooden bowls!! I put on 25 lbs but it was worth it!

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By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:46:40 +0000

Kimchi flowers….ew! That’s exactly right!

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By: Shreya

Shreya — Sun, 17 May 2009 22:50:15 +0000

Good one Chris, thanks. Kim chi looks yum. I was in an international high school here in India and had many Korean classmates. I agree about the nationalism part, but I guess you can say that about most places, isn’t it?

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By: tharp42

tharp42 — Tue, 12 May 2009 04:04:04 +0000

I enjoy living in Korea, but I can understand why it isn’t among the favorites in Asia for a lot of people. The place does lack the charm that you can find in other countries – especially SE Asia. It’s crowded and developed with shockingly awful architecture. And the people can be brusk and even xenophobic at times, along with being incredibly naive about foreigners and foreign perceptions of Korea. A lot of Koreans think anything Korean is always the best, and they often harp on about this, which can be grating, needless to say.

That said, they’re generally a warm and welcoming people, but given their history of being shat on by stronger neighbors, they can be bristly, to say the least. There’s none of the laid back all smiles attitude that you find in Thailand. And while the Korean landscape can be beautiful, it lacks the jaw-dropping splendor to be found in other parts of Asia.

The best thing about Korea is the food and drinking culture, which is rich, delicious, and fun. There are more restaurants and drinking joints here than I’ve seen anywhere. The city I live in is stuffed with tens of thousands of restaurants. Everywere you look someones sitting and eating or drinking – or more likely doing both. Koreans are hearty eaters and love nothing more than to share in a meal or a bottle.

I chose to come to Korea because I was offered a decent job here. I came and immediately dug it and have established a nice life here. It’s worked well for here, but I know my share of people who’ve come here and hated it. It’s not the easiest place to live as a foreigner.

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By: tharp42

tharp42 — Tue, 12 May 2009 03:54:46 +0000

Pohang? I was recently up there on a motorcycle trip. There’s some serious industry going on up there.

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By: Aaron

Aaron — Tue, 12 May 2009 01:11:01 +0000

Chris,
I am in Incheon, South Korea right now. I’ve been here for 9 months. I always enjoy finding new tidbits of information on the country.

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By: Tim Patterson

Tim Patterson — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:51:41 +0000

I’m curious why Korea isn’t one of your favorites, Wan. It seems to me that Korea has a blend of extreme consumerism, technological modernity and patriotic, proud people. Interesting combo, but somewhat off-putting, perhaps.

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