Let me explain one thing about dogs... In Korea, dogs have been raised for the purpose of protecting their homes for a long time. So, Korean native dogs are very fierce and loyal. which means they are not that frendley to strangers as much as golden retriever does. Since the culture of treating dogs as their family has recently been introduced, Koreans do not know much about pet dog social training yet, so there have been many biting death accidents due to the low sociality of dogs. People collectively have fear of dog bites because dozens of dog bites have been reported on the news in the last 10 years in Korea.
I've been living in South Korea literally 9 years to the day and I can attest to everyone reading my comment that this woman is 100% correct about everything and she is not exaggerating even one bit.
I was an exchange student in Daejeon last year and the lack of individuality in clothing literally bothered me so much more than I expected. Everyone had the same haircut, the same type of clothing, they wore the same colors and so on. So much that sometimes I had a hard time recognizing the Korean people I was friendly with if I didn't pay attention (or even if I did). Many times I must have seemed to rude because I passed people I talked a lot with beforehand because I didn't recognize them. And then, one day, I finally found one Korean guy on campus with purple hair, blinding orange shorts, a very loud green shirt, funny shoes with little lights on them holding a colorful bag with a lot of pins hung on it and...he was like a breath of fresh air. I never talked to him but I was somehow always so happy to see him xD.
Omg the Korean surprise is completely true! I visited a friend in Seoul and she only told me we were travelling to her hometown 10min before we left. I couldn’t even pack clothes for the weekend. Then, she told me we were going to a wedding 1 hour before we left. In Brazilian culture, we plan things for days and let people know hahahaha like ‘Hey, next weekend we are going to my hometown ok?’ Or like ‘So, on Saturday we’ll go to a wedding at 10 am ok?’ Brazilian people HATE short notice 😂
I am Korean and this is my take on these 10 things. (I wrote this for fun but I hope you see it and enjoy reading it) 1. Irrational Fear of Dogs: Because Korea is small and most of the population lives in apartments, not many people raise dogs, esp. big dogs so there's the factor of most people not being used to it. Dogs who bite people to death still make national news, many still view dogs as no better than livestock (esp out in the countryside), so overall it instills this image that dogs are "feral" and not trainable due to lack of intelligence. Fluffy, cute white dogs (bischons, maltese, maltese poodle etc.) get better reactions because they're literally bred to be show dogs. (Chloe is super cute btw, i love) 2. lack of public hygiene: The public bathrooms are usually maintained by some cleaner who was hired by the building owner and usually ends up being a older individual who lives in the neighborhood, so they might do a rough job compared to western standards of what is hygienic because they grew up in a time when things like public hygiene wasn't a priority. Also, Korea is a bar soap culture (for example we all bring bar soap to public baths). Might seem icky to people used to liquid soap but there's nothing wrong with it, you're not likely to get sick via sharing bar soap. But carry your own tissue paper. THE SPITTING- hahaha old people in korea give 0 fucks. Korea is a smoking culture so those men are coughing up phlegm from the years they spent smoking. Again, they grew up in a time when public hygiene was not priority. Living in a patriarchal society means older MEN esp dont give a fuck- they do whatever the fuck they want. 3. Korea surprise: These things were prob decided in staff outings that tend to naturally happen informally via word of mouth, usually in overtime hours. Korean schools/work are pretty cliquey so if you're not "in" with the main group, you might end up being excluded on important news. The way to combat this is to kiss ass, make friends with somebody who's more senior and can make sure you're included, and be present at all the informal outings (optional but not actually optional if you know what I'm saying). I personally hate this part of Korean culture....it can be very toxic. 4. Homogenous culture: Basically a result of constant repression of individuality. Korea is becoming more progressive every day (esp with younger generation) but for the most part, it's still very conservative and standing out is not viewed favorably. This is why new trends take off like wildfire in Korea and when you ride the subway it feels like you're in the Matrix. 5. Bizarre couple culture: I too am confused. I personally think its how women claim their men and warn other women to stay away from their man (or vise versa but I think usually girls suggest this) and also you get more likes on social media if you post matching couple pics. I'm so happy you included the legendary 납득이 in your video, a true legend. 6. Lack of awareness of surroundings: Koreans are fast tempered so slow walkers are used to people trying to get past them. The expectation is that if somebody in front of you is moving slow, you go around them. Don't push them but its not weird to be slightly aggressive about it. I've had people blast past me many times while I was preoccupied with something else and walking slowly. 7. Lack of trash cans: trash companies won't take trash unless they are properly sorted and inside the bags that building/store owners actually have to pay for (same as individuals, like you covered in vid). Korea doesn't have a great public waste system basically, its privatized in a way, so thats why public trash cans are rare and usually the bags are only found near buildings/stores. Since the government doesn't want unsorted nasty trash just lying around because it didnt fit the expectation of trash companies, they don't offer public trash cans...not that it discourages people from throwing their trash into the street anyway 8. Photoshopping culture: Koreans have a fear of showing their bare face hahaha. There's no stigma in Korea for photoshop like the U.S (where people try their best to hide how much photoshop they used) so they would prefer people knew they used photoshop than actually showing their real face. Eastern Asia Beauty standards meets superior filter technology. 9. Korean Banks: Voice phishing and bank scams are VERY common in Korea and the scammers are pretty smart about it so the bank feels the need to put up 8 levels of defense for you to access your own stupid account. Also, please watch this video and cry in empathy. You're not alone in this. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2zlPMKc4BDs.html 10. Sexualization of shoulders but not thighs: I'm not 100% sure but I think its because in Korea, the beauty standard is still that women have thin thighs. Thighs aren't that embraced or sexualized, I don't think its been that long since butts became appreciated even, so short skirts are accepted. Also, historically, women wore hanbok, the traditional dress, and that shit covers your entire body. But the minute you need to give your soldier/king/scholar something to ogle you would slip off the top (the jeogori) that is over the dress, revealing your shoulders, bare arms, collarbones. So I believe this ancient practice of seduction made its way down into mainstream korean culture in the modern day but that's just my theory. Either way its outdated and stupid...Korea hasn't really caught up with the whole "don't teach women to cover up, teach all sexes and genders the meaning of consent" thing.
I currently live in Korea and I am constantly getting pushed out of the way by older people. I mean they literally push you! When walking in large crowds it is socially acceptable to bump into people and not wait to go around. I was SHOCKED at first but now I am used to it.
I’m surprised that nobody brings up the homophobia, sexism, and racism in Korea in these kinds of videos. I used to idolize the country when I was young but when I found out minorities don’t have equal rights/ fair treatment, I was immediately turned off from the country. This isn’t me bashing Korea either, I know they are conservative but I’d rather be safe in my own country where I have equal rights :)
I just want to explain some stuff from a local's perspective that might help understand the culture a bit more. I lived half of my life in Korea and half of my life in North America so I believe I understand both Korean and Western POV. I definitely agree with some of your reasons like hygiene, lack of style, trash, photoshop, banking, and sexualization. 1. Dogs: unlike the western culture, having dogs as pets is a fairly new trend (i mean as in like the past 10 to 15ish years). Koreans used to have them more as guard dogs to protect their house. Please understand most people are not too familiar with dogs yet. A lot more people are starting to love and treat them properly, especially after shows like "There is no such thing as a bad dog 세상에 나쁜 개는 없다", but in the past there has been a lot of dog accidents due to bad training. 2. Korea is a homogenous culture. And to add to that, smaller families and/or living alone in apartments is fairly new (in like past few decades). Koreans used to share everything with their neighbors in a small town like having parties or 잔치 and helping each other out like making kimchi all together in a neighborhood. So Koreans are still getting use to individuality and the fact that other person does not equal me. Koreans overall assume the other person think or act similar to themselves. Koreans just assume you would know holidays or other "surprises" because they are used to everyone else knowing the same. And hygiene too because Koreans are still used to "we are all one big family" concept, they are not as aware of the importance of hygiene; why would you think your family is not hygienic?. Younger generation is definitely changing this though. But to the lady who stopped in the middle of a busy stairway. Most normal Koreans would think she's weird and rude as well. 3. Random car fact: a lot of the older generation get grey or black cars because they do not want to wash their cars that often. Because Korean air quality is quite polluted, cars can get easily dirty with the pollution in the air; very dusty and yucky. And dust does not show on grey or black cars compared to other bright colors.
1. Irrational fear of dogs 2. Lack of personal hygiene (public hygiene in restrooms, no liquid soap in public toilets, snorting and spitting in public, ) 3. Korean surprise (random information about work tasks) 4. Lack of individuality (people blend in with each other, no creative outfits, uniformity) 5. Bizarre couple culture (couples like to match their clothes - exactly the same, celebrating wired anniversaries, holding their women while walking) 6. Lack of surroundings (not considering others in public places) 7. Limited trash cans in public spaces 8. Photoshop culture (excessive photoshopping to look like a completely different person) 9. RU-vid adds happened and I got lazy to do the rest...
A family member (I’m Korean American) told me that the reason why older people don’t really stand in lines, get out of the way, or follow societal rules, is because we usually learn all that in school, but the older generation was too poor for schooling.
The lack of trash cans is quite simple. In Korean culture, it is not well accepted to eat and walk. Or eat in the streets or bus and Subways. Therefore, they don’t see the need of public trash cans. People eat at the convenience store or restaurant where there are bins. There are also a lot or public maintenance workers who clean the streets regularly unlike here in Canada or in the States. It’s purely a cultural thing.
Their passports are also super photoshopped!! One time a korean guest lost her passport and our hotel staff found it, when she came to claim it we were doubting if it was her because the photo looked so different 😂😂😂😂
I can't stand the beauty filter culture here either. Had engagement pics taken at a studio. I asked that they just get rid of my dark circles. Nothing else. They ended up making me look like an alien in these pictures that I should cherish the rest of my life. I was so disappointed when i got the album that I wanted to cry. Of course all my korean friends said it looked good...but I value authenticity over beauty
Hi, just a random Korean passing by. lol I agree with most of your comments. I lived both in the States and Korea. As of spitting, taking up the whole space on the road and fixing make up or blocking the way in the middle of the stairs I can agree with you. I’m not sure why people got scared of your dogs or acted dramatically🤔 Many Korean i know at least, they loved dogs. However, it seems like (from my perspective) Koreans are not familiar with bigger dogs. In the west, it is common. It was one of the things i also had to get used to. I’m only 4’11 and dogs almost bigger than me? That was scary. I love dogs so i eventually got used to it. For people who open their way up and wait for you to pass, it is somewhat of korean culture and some do that bc we think its polite or ‘right thing to do.’ I realize that that could be irritating and annoying so i stopped doing that. Oh and the skin showing part🤔 I also dont get😂😂 I’m now so used to ppl wearing tank tops and more skin showing tops. It is just not how it is in Korea yet. If you go to places like Hongdae and stuff ppl are more generous bc where younger generations gather. And also, i feel bad for you that ppl stare at you. I hated that when i first when to the states. People just stared at me like i was a monkey in a zoo. I know how it feels like. I just wanted to let you know that even though I’m Korean, so many things just don’t make sense to me. And i was born here lol.
When I go to Korea to see my family, my sister always will comment on my looks, my figure, my fashion, etc. In the US, looking in the mirror too much is seen as being vain. Many Christians here see vanity as a sin! Growing up, I was taught not to focus on these things. However, in Korea, looks are super important in public. I hate this struggle!
This dog thing is way serious. An old friend of mine used to meet me with his dog a lot(labrador retriever) He got him as a puppy, kept him inside all day during that period, never hired a trainer, never held the dog back from strangers even though many strangers almost got bit, eventually the owner was bitten because he never bothered to hire a trainer, and then just put the dog down. A lot of people in korea don't understand what they're doing when they buy a cute large dog breed puppy and don't take responsibility for their socialization. And then lots of people end up getting bitten by dogs on the street. Well, no wonder ㅡㅡ
Omg the photoshop part is true, I worked at the airport as check-in agent in New York and this woman gave her Korean passport and was shocked to see how beautiful they took the photo, than look at her actual face I was like “wait did she photoshop her passport photo?” Lol but agree with that
GIRL when I moved to Korea, they were so terrified of my German Shepherd, they used a forklift to lift the kennel from the airport terminal because no one would get near her. I feel you!! And you're so right about the trash bags. One time, I put my used ice cream cup in the trash bag and an older woman literally took it out of the trash bag and chased me down the street to force it back into my hand.
I have spent 10 years studying in the states as an international student from Korea, and I can relate to your complaints. People here are almost pathologically obsessed with others' salary, looks, car they own, where they live etc. It seems to be getting better among younger generations, but as a Korean citizen who was educated in the states, these unwanted attention from people can get very annoying.
I was also surprised when my coworker from South Korea would stand on a table when a small poodle walked in the room. I later found out she was chased by a pack of wild dogs as a child and I realized I simply had not grown up in the same circumstances. I had grown up with dogs bigger than me and would even fall asleep cuddling my big dogs. As an adult I witnessed my friend get attacked by a dog and I have better respect for dogs I don’t know now and empathy for those who are afraid.
that same style culture is so relatable 😂😂 i visited korea, winter, everyone was wearing that long black padded jacket but i had this red coat and girll i was the onlyyy one wearing that, i felt so intimidated bc people are starting to stare at me
There's a weird social theory about trash cans in public spaces. One theory is that the prevalence of trash cans means that people will dump their trash in the cans, which can't be emptied fast enough, which leads to the cans being over filled and people eventually littering on the street. The same theory claims that having no/few cans forces people to be more mindful of their trash and to dispose of it where they consume or to take it home and dispose of it there. This is even more common in Japan than Korea, but it's definitely something that's occupying city planner thoughts.
I live in America and worked at a gym where there are large numbers of Koreans and Chinese. I know they are Korean and Chinese because I’m one of the people that register them. We have a big problem with a number of the senior and middle-aged East Asians spitting in the bathroom sinks and water fountains. The younger Koreans and Chinese don’t really do it. Many of our non-Korean/non-Chinese patrons have complained to us staff and the corporate office about it. But we are not allowed to post signs saying “no spitting” because the signs can be construed as racist. We as staff are allowed to tell them to stop when we see it (not fun!) or get a manager, but no signs. But you are so right about the spitting issue. I don’t understand it, either.
I'm Indian and surprisingly I can relate to almost all of these except the photoshopping culture. I think there's a lot of things in common between asian countries. Here it's more about just skin whitening instead of photoshopping.
The fear of dogs thing is more of a cultural thing, I'm not Korean but if you look it up I read that they don't think of dogs as really friendly but more of a potential danger.
So my mom was born and raised in Korea. So the dog thing is more that they didn't keep animals as pets and certainly not in the house so when my mom came to the states and saw dogs in the house she freaked out. Not anymore but culturally they didn't have pets like in the west. Animals were food or used for farming and such.
As a korean guy, I also agree with some of your opinion. You can understand us easier if you know here is very homogeneous society and there is lack of space among people
Little bit of a geeky comment here, but the lack of individuality within fashion etc is much to do with the fact that Korea has a collectivist culture where adhering to the same ideals and social norms is seen as the right thing to do! It’s actually a super interesting topic especially if you’re into sociology, I recently wrote an essay about it for uni and how the collectivist values affect consumer behaviour in South Korea
This is interesting... There collectivity can be an annoyance or a strength.. Seems like they were all on board when jt came to beating the coronavirus
As a Korean who left Korea 30 years ago, I agree with most of the things you talked about. It was really funny and entertaining. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Dog situation: I think there was a celebrity who got in a controversy because his dog attacked someone. Also, I grew up in a country where dogs aren’t really “pets” they were more used for guarding reason and I remember being chased by them. If I ever go back to my country I’ll be more careful around dogs. I’m sure the young people are probably not scared of your dog maybe just the older people who didn’t grow up having dogs as pets?
Fear of dog exist in india too. Because street dogs in earlier times would bite people and we didn't have medicines for that so even nowadays some people get scared of dogs. I think its similar in korea too.
I read that dogs were mainly used as security in SK and that’s why their afraid of them. Only recently are dogs being used as pets; and I want to say idols started this trend but I’m not 100% sure.
I did a study abroad in Korea. One thing I noticed is people are super impatient on elevators. In the US people just wait for the door to close on its own. In Korea, someone is immediately pressing the button to close the door
The most noticeable thing is I can collide easily with people on the street, since Koreans tend to change their courses, turn around, cut you off, etc A LOT, and they don't say sorry or excuse me or such things. It sometimes drives me nuts but I'm pretty used to it now.
the sewage system ?!?!?! NO ONE TOLD ME THAT IF I GO TO SEOUL I WILL SMELL SHIT AND PISS EVERY 5 MINS OR SO walking down the street. Nothing else bothered me, its a nice place to visit but damn that shit smell was so strong idk how not one person remembered to warn me about it... another thing that i noticed was, seoul has a drinking/smoking problem and no one can convince me otherwise. Everywhere you look theres a shit load of young and old people just drinking and smoking. I wasnt bothered by this sight but it was definitely a culture shock.
I visited South Korea for about two weeks and your comment is the most honest comment out of all the comments, there are a large number of guys and girls who drink and smoke like crazy. I don't drink, especially after I saw that drunk girl yelling at me for no reason. I will not think of alcohol again in my life.
girl.. i live in tokyo and i relate to so many of these lmao the spitting, the banking, the lack of individuality, the weird sexualization, THE TRASH CANS.
I don't really like how men and women have an extraordinary thin body shape standard... It's too much, everyone is always on a diet even if they look skinny already
I think the lack of individuality thing is common in a lot of Asian countries. Individuality is definitely more of a "western" culture than Asian. Collectivism is more of the norm in Asia.
Regarding that dog issue.. i once watched a video of a korean youtuber, she said she was carrying her dog with the chest carrier on the subway. The dog literally did nothing and suddenly an old woman passed by and said "더러워! 멀어지다!" (It's dirty, get away) i was legit speechless... Lmao
Another thing I struggle is with Korean social circles. It's really hard to make friends that are a different age group or different gender. Especially older Koreans don't make a lot of friendships with the opposite sex, and they automatically make you sit with people your own age and other age groups will think it's weird if you try to sit with them. It's so hard!
People in most Asian countries don't live with a dog in their homes, they are usually kept in their kennels or outside [these days the trends are changing with urbanization]. And dogs are usually kept as guard dogs, not as kids. So dogs are considered territorial and aggressive, hence the fear!
I'm Korean, but having grown up most of my life in the US, when I go to Korea to visit family, the thing I struggle with the most are the social obligations. Individuality is very frowned upon because it's a interdependent society. One could also seem super rude for insisting you want to do something for yourself or at least something different than everyone else. Also, they obligate you without asking you. You might not even know you have some social obligation to pay for something or host something or at least expected to contribute when you didn't even know what it is you're supposed to do or contribute. Usually in the US, you sign up for things for social events, but in Korea, you're automatically put in a group, sometimes without your knowledge. If you're not used to this, it's super awkward, and it seems super rude as an American. However, it's rude if you ask not to be a part of the group, so sometimes you're just put in a group even if you decide not to participate. You can just thank them, and not say anything to offend them. Just don't attend, or make up an excuse not to go. Apparently this is preferable to asking not to be a part of something. In the US, this could be considered rude, and you should just straight up say you don't want to be a part of it. In Korea, that could be taken a little offensive and rude, especially if the person is your elder, then it's really too blunt. They won't like it. I don't miss this struggle at all!!!
I live in malaysia and i can totally relate with the spitting part. I really don’t understand why a LARGE population of asian men like to spit on the streets???? Like whY????!!???
No.1 is actually because these days dogs have been very aggressive in Korea and it has gotten to the point where I see new cases about dogs biting people a few times a week.
I don't live in SK but I kind of understand the people's lack of individuality. SK has a very collectivist culture and it does play a part in it. When you're deemed as different and unique from others, the public may shy away from you because they uphold values and tendencies that are in line with or the same as the rest of the society. (This is a generalization, obviously not every South Korean is like this)
I went to a funeral in the states with casual clothes -- dark cardigan, dark blouse, dark blue jeans. I got a lot of flak the day after. Nobody told me you should come in dark business clothes in a funeral. In the Philippines, only the immediate family of the dead dresses up formally. You don't have to understand things. You just have to accept different cultures and traditions.
My least favourite thing is that if you are not Korean, no matter how much language you learn or time you spend, you will never be treated 'normally'. This is the hardest thing to accept, and ultimately I think it's what makes it impossible to live in Asia long term. Within these nations like Korea that have so few immigrants, they have never learned that people are people everywhere, we all have a lot in common and your race is just one thing, it's not your whole story. There are Koreans that have been to school abroad and have spent time with foreigners... that's the best chance of finding friends and fitting in.
It’s not about living in Asia. I’m from Uk and lived in Hong Kong 26 years. You get used to stuff if you’re adaptable and you like other cultures. Others don’t live there!!😊
SOLUTION: Korea is not the only Asian country where ppl are afraid of dogs esp. large dogs. I saw a vet solve this by putting a costume on a large dog. Suddenly people crowded around and wanted selfies and dared to pet the dog. This provided opportunities to meet people and also the dog didn't feel rejected by everyone they saw.
Amen on lack of spatial awareness! I can’t tell you how many people I knocked over. I would see them like 20 yards away and try to avoid them and they’d still end up walking into me some how. Then they would look at me like where did you come from?
I'm a Korean, but there's really no trash can on the street. When I go abroad, there are many trash cans on the street, but there aren't many in Korea. I don't know why. Is it the danger of a bomb?
Just wanted to add a bit of my perspective on reason #1 (people being 'dramatic' by fearing your small dog). Growing up, I would visit my grandma in Korea every summer. I remember that on the day of our arrival, my aunt would remind us that we can't just go up to other people's dogs in Korea and pet them. She explained that it was because in Korea, dogs were more for security and were not accustomed to strangers. My aunt even had a dog (RIP Cookie) who was super friendly and loving to our family but would feel uncomfortable and defensive around strangers, even if they were little kids. Maybe things are changing now since Korea is evolving, but I would imagine that it is still difficult to teach a dog to welcome strangers when many Korean people (from my experience) do not feel comfortable going into someone's space and asking to pet the dog. I don't think you're being disrespectful and I wouldn't have understood it either if my aunt didn't explain it to me. However, I do not think that the Korean people are being dramatic/irrational. They grew up in Korea, they know how dogs in Korea should be expected to be. Also, smaller dogs are sometimes the scariest. It's amazing how much attitude can sometimes fit in a small body. I didn't watch the rest of the video since I happened to click on this but just wanted to share. :) It's so cool that you're living in Korea! Best of luck and stay safe :)
One of my professor back in college told us there is the right etiquette when walk up and down stairs, always walk on the right side. I just want to share that guys. ✌️
maybe its the type of dog you have? From what I've seen in other people's content, a lot of people in Korea (at least in metropolitan areas) seem to have the same breeds of dog (just like clothing, it could be a trend) and they tend to be fluffy, light coloured with big eyes, typical cute teddy bear dogs or Pomeranians. Idk but maybe people aren't used to a doberman's appearance, even if she is small?
Lois Morton yes I was about to comment this as well. I normally see that Koreans have the same/ similar breeds of white fluffy small dog. But I agree with Adrienne, their reactions is a bit dramatic esp if Cleo is just minding her own business, not barking, and not showing signs of aggression.
There was an accident in Korea. A celebrity's frenchdog had bited a kid and that kid was died by the hurt. It became a big issue and every korean was angry about that. Besides some similar accidents have happened after that. So the rule which is all dog's owners have to use dog lead when they go outside was made. I think korean is more continuous about dogs after that.
김명수 thank you for sharing! I agree all dogs should be on a leash for the safety of the people and the dog’s. It’s the owner’s responsibility to properly train their dog and it’s important to understand their behavior and “quirks”. Some dogs don’t like small children, other dogs, or even people. It is also very important to closely monitor dog interactions with babies and kids.
I agree with all of these. I've lived in Korea for 4 years. To add some of my least favorite things: 1. The entitlement (rude behavior) of the older people. 2. The working culture (long hours and incredibly inefficient) 3. Public hygiene (cigarette butts, trash in parks, spitting, vomit etc.) 4. The lack of financial options for foreigners.
Keeping dogs as pets and treating them like part of the family is kind of a modern and Western thing. Most of the other cultures in the world think of dogs as no different from dingos, coyotes or even wolves - pretty much dangerous feral animals that could bite you and give you rabies at any time. Even when people in Asian countries keep dogs in their homes, it's usually as guard dogs which are trained to be aggressive. Even if you dog is small and harmless there is just a cultural association of dogs being dangerous animals that is too strong for a lot of people to overcome.
The one thing that i got sick of very quickly is how sweet everything is. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth so the amount of sugar even in savory foods like pizza and snacks irked me.
I lived in Seoul for six weeks taking courses at Korea University, and I would go out wearing sleeveless tops ALL OF THE TIME because it was so hot (this was in the summer). I am not the type of person to wear short shorts, but I can 100% agree that you will never see a local wearing a sleeveless top - only super short pants! But that is something that totally varies between cultures. I know in some places, cleavage and sleeveless tops are accepted, but wearing short shorts is 100% not.
OMG number 6 is my biggest pet peeve! And when you bump into them they look at you and gasp as if you did something wrong. Yesterday I was biking and a lady suddenly hopped onto a bicycle road and I stopped immediately, did not hit her, but as she saw me she GASPED and was like "oh my god". oh my god what? you are the one who almost caused an accident. lol
One thing I love about this is that when you mention these things every Korean in this comment section is so polite and seems to listen and acknowledge your points. That doesn't happen everywhere with all people. If you did this on a Chinese situation boy oh boy! You'd be attacked. Koreans seem very interested in your position even if they may disagree with it and are being SO polite about it.
Yo, Korean-American from Los Angeles here. Agree with most of your complaints. I had the same thoughts. Been living in Korea for more than 7 years now. About the dogs, it bugs the hell out of me when I see owners walking their dogs without a leash so I'm sure there have been a lot of cases of people or kids getting attacked or their pets mauled by other irresponsible owners. I've noticed things seem to be getting better little by little. I couldn't see myself living in Korea long term but now I love it here. Except for the air pollution. My #1 complaint.
The photoshop/plastic surgery culture of South Korea really bothered me when I was there. Every time I went to the bathroom the girls would be packed in there fixing their makeup and blocking the sinks. It was a bit concerning, and as a foreigner (who was backpacking during my stay) I felt like a slob compared to them lol. I also found some older women to be incredibly rude and entitled. Immediately after getting off our plane we went to get bus tickets and while talking to a rep some old lady cut in front of us to ask the rep a bunch of questions. I was actually glad the rep told her she was busy helping us first and to go wait in line.
About being scared of dogs....I swear Koreans are just scared of all animals lmao. Dogs, birds, mice, squirrels, you name it, they will probably scream or run for their lives. I think they're just not used to animals in daily life anymore.
I guess the spitting is an Asian thing... I lived in China and BOY!!!!!! The soundddddddd! I went to Beijing in winter and there was frozen spit on the sidewalk EVERYWHERE!
I love Korea with all my heart, so I hate to say anything negative. The one thing I couldn’t get used to back in 2002 was how mopeds and even full-size motorcycles operated on sidewalks alongside pedestrians. I didn’t notice it in 2017 when I visited, so maybe it has changed (but that was only a brief visit for vacation). Back in ‘02 when I was a student in Seoul, mopeds frequently competed for space on sidewalks and it used to annoy the crap out of me. It was as if they didn’t think of a moped or motorcycle as a vehicle that belonged on the road; they just seemed to regard them as a sort of mechanized pedestrian that was perfectly at home on a sidewalk. Weird.
When she was talking about the grad photos at her job thing I realized I had learned that people in Korea care a TON about looks and they usually dress nicely for just everyday life even for work they don’t go In just sweats and stuff
When I visited I had no idea that there would be soooo many steps / stairs.There were even tiny random one steps for no reason. I feel like it's not very accessible, at least in Seoul. I fell so much during that trip lol
This comments section is a hotspot for people to diss on Korea. Ive lived in Korea for over 7 years now, and it really depends on what you do and where you go in korea.
Interesting. I've lived in S Korea for over 20 years and I can understand everything you stated here. I don't understand it, but my second boy has an irrational fear of dogs although I showed him that they are harmless and friendly, he still fears them. I had 9 cats and 4 dogs when I lived in the states, so....I don't get it either. It could be apartment life without all the pets and animals we have in the West. Likewise, I have several bank accounts and the ordeal to have online access to your account is supposed to be for your own security, but it is just tedious just to set it up. However, the security card is really simple once you learn how to use it. Plus, Seoul definitely can be quite dirty with garbage in parking lots and streets. It is difficult to find a garbage can because long ago they told citizens to bring a plastic bag with them to dispose their garbage.....no one did this. Last, Koreans, particularly the older generation, are quite conservative when it comes to tank tops or not wearing a t-shirt. I remember when I first came here, I was playing basketball without my shirt on because it was really hot. It was really early in the morning and an older gentleman came up to me and told me to put my shirt on. I asked him why. He said it was not proper. I was the only person in that area except him. I just put my shirt back on thinking.....what? Yet....with all that was said here....I like Korea because it is really technologically advanced with its subways, high-speed rail, internet access, and niffty devices. Also, coming from the States, healthcare is awesome and quite affordable. I've been able to pay off all my school debt and invest more and get ahead. I could not do that in the States. The schools are well-managed and both my boys love going to their schools. It's easy to get whatever you need since everything is in your neighborhood (I've lived in 8 places since living here). There are pros and cons to any place you live in the world, and I would say that if you are open to the journey and accept it for what it is.....then you'll be ok.
Hi Adrienne! First of all, I wanted to say that I found this video very interesting. I lived in Korea (Seoul) for a bit over 2 years and I had different experiences so I was surprised about some of the things you said. I have never noticed the fear of dogs you talked about, I actually saw many Korean people walking their dogs around in public parks or in the city.. Then, in regard to the soap bar.. I saw those in many places too, but I would say that for the most part I always found liquid soap in the restrooms of restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, etc. (I totally agree about the spitting though 😅) Lastly, I am not sure about this, but a Korean teacher once told me that the lack of trash bins in Korea is due to the fact that in the past people used to though away their huge bags of trash in the public bins so they removed them. PS: I actually LOOOVE the cringing Korean couple culture!!! 😍😍😍 😆😆😆
I went to Seoul a few years ago and it seemed that over there the shoulder thing was not as taboo. Even lots of idols that are doing "cute concept" are wearing shoulderless tops, but I think Busan and Seoul have huge differences in general.
Hi! They don't have trash bins because they recycle everything. If they had trash bins in the streets everybody would throw everything in there without separating things. I love your video btw! :) P.S. I'm dying to know the name of the app haha!
Older people are so entitled in Korea. So much so that when you are first introduced, you have to say your age. When they find our that you're younger, they feel it's justified to be rude or for you to do them favours. They also force you to drink.
this is REALLY specific and sort of ties in with number 6 but i don't understand why the old ladies RUN so fast as soon as the subway doors open to get a seat in the designated seats for them! its so funny and definitely very amusing lol. also, i'm moving to korea in august so the 'korean surprise' is something that i definitely will keep in mind!
Because South Korea is a "ppalli ppalli - 빨리 빨리" (Everything needs to be done fast). Please be aware that South Korea was the poorest Nation during the 1960's and now has become a wealthy country in such a very short time. Things will change greatly when the old generation dies out. More foreigners are living in South Korea and is help shaping the cultural climate. Korea is or was called the "Hermit Kingdom" for a reason.
I knew you were going to mention the spitting before you even said it. its prevalent in most asian countries, it's gross. No awareness of surroundings is also an asian thing. I'm half filipino and whenever i'm in the philippines, people just stop in the middle of the walkway to check their phone or whatever and everyone behind them has to manoeuvre around them. My mom is guilty of doing this all the time and ive tried to teach her not to do that because it frustrates people
i’m surprised at the #1 i thought korean were friendly to dogs bcs i swear every single korean shows that i watched there is always at least one pet.. wow
