just arrived in seoul, s korea - so far i've found koreans to be not v friendly - is it me?

Question

most don't speak english so communication is difficult

i've come from england, being british but chinese, don't know if they're just being funny with me!

i'm here on my own, my boyfriend is joining me in 7 days time.

Answer 1

All countries are NOTgoing to welcome you with open arms and bring out a parade just bc you are from a different country.. especially developed, rich countries like South Korea.. more especially a busy city like seoul. They are busy people, working day to day. You are on vacation so in a relaxed friendly mood. Plus, they've seen foreigners before.. especially their neighbor- chinese people.. it's nothing new or fascinating to them. However it doesn't mean you can't make friends there. They are very friendly once you meet them at the right time, right place (such as when they aren't in a rush to get to work), and how YOU act towards them counts too. Just like any country that you are in. Young Korean people do speak a limited amount of english to varying degrees. Many people I know who are native Korean speak almost fluent english. But you are in East Asia where most of the population doesn't speak English. It's the same in Japan too. That should NOT come as a surprise. (other than very mixed places like Philipines, Singapore or Hong Kong) actually it's now the season where lots of college students, grad students are visiting Korea from the U.S., Europe and all other parts of the world. You'll meet a lot of English speaking (and various other languages) Korean people eventually if you are in the right places. But it's essential to do a lot of research on the place and culture before taking a trip anywhere. All countries are not that friendly to people who are ignorant of their culture. Plus you are Asian. Many may mistake you for a foreign country raised Korean. Therefore it is more essential to study up on Korean culture when traveling. That is the same thing to do when going to Japan or China. But Koreans are much more friendlier, open, direct and honest than the Japanese - that coming from many Japanese people themselves. They are conservative people, so no public display of affection in public areas. They ARE affectionate people to people they are close with.. it's just they don't go overboard and do it in public. Yes it's harder as an Asian to travel in an Asian country in many ways. I felt that way when I was in China and in Japan. There are many cultural differences and ignorances that would have been overlooked as a Non-Asian..but not as overlooked as a same skin tone, Asian. That is why you should be studying up on the culture.. and EVEN IF you make mistakes.. if you show you have respect, eagerness to learn, and interest in the culture - almost all will regard you with the same interest with eagerness to help and try their best to accomodate you. In fact Koreans are quite known to go overboard somewhat in wanting to help or make things comfortable or enjoyable to people they like. Most of all.. when traveling.. it is important to SMILE and be pleasant even if the person you meet is not smiling themselves. First impressions are important. Plus, it's good to make a good reputation for other Chinese or British foreigners on a visit.

Answer 2

I'm English and have a Korean partner. His friends have always been very accommodating and hospitable towards me. The ones I've met (mostly) can communicate in English which has admittedly helped me.
I think you might just have a bit of cultural alienation which is normal when to you first move to a foreign country. (I've lived in 10 countries myself and lived in the Far East for five years,

Answer 3

It all depends on your situation.
I live here and do not speak any Korean at all but I find that everyone is so helpful and kind. I think it is harder if you look Asian. Especially if they think you are Korean and can not apeak Korean.. that is a big no-no here. Chinese and JApanese are not welcomed the way a western-looking person is and Filipinos are treated very poorly because theya re thought of as a lower class here. (they are working heavily in maid services)
I have a 6 year old, blond and blue-eyed daughter adn we cannot go 2 blocks without someone stopping to talk to her or giver her candy or a small gift. Today, on Buddah's birthday, they took her in and taught her all the rituals of the temple.
So, I guess you could say that it is a little prejudiced.. but what country isn't?

Answer 4

The U.S. is technically still at war with Korea, it never ended.
Alot of South Koreans believe they do not need american assistance or any other country assistance, any one looking like a foreigner they still have animosity against. They just have to live with it and mainly the college students are the ones that makes the most problems. I wouldn't worry much about it though, I lived there for 4 years, I am back in the U.S. now, but I wouldn't go checking out any back alley stores and restaurants by yourself. Riots in korea are notorius, they get started by the college students, especially in Yongsan near the military base. Yongsan has a place called Itaewon that alot of military people go to for shopping to partying, that would be a safe place to go.

Answer 5

To me they are the nicest, friendliest people. I'm English and have a Korean partner. His friends have always been very accommodating and hospitable towards me. The ones I've met (mostly) can communicate in English which has admittedly helped me.
I think you might just have a bit of cultural alienation which is normal when to you first move to a foreign country. (I've lived in 10 countries myself and lived in the Far East for five years, and found this to be true wherever I was.) Once you settle down, orientate yourself a little, and get to know people, you should be fine, especially once your boyfriend has arrived.
Good luck!!

Answer 6

Generally true. Koreans are quite stern, serious folks and not particularly friendly to foreigners. Kind of a historical hangover I feel. Been attacked, invaded and brutally occupied for centuries past - hordes of Chinese, Japanese imperialistic roaders!

I've had pleasant moments with Koreans in Seoul - they speak a little english.

Answer 7

i've been to korea twice, I find that older people are not very friendly to foreigners, younger folks are generally quite nice. I believe they are still having the historical hangover from all the bad experiences, therefore they tend to not trust foreigners as much. I find the Koreans are the most united compared to other countries in Asia. I have a Korean gf, even she admits that Koreans aren't that nice to foreigners.

Answer 8

I first went to Korea in 1967. I am an ex-pat in China, but I travel to Korea often. Koreans are not openly friendly at first, but, once they get to know and trust you, they are among the kindest of people. Of course, most Koreans don't speak English - they are in Korea! Learn a little Korean, it will help.

Answer 9

They're not really that friendly. They're not the types who will start a coversation, but they are nice people (I think). It's just that they are not that open to foreigners. However, if you get the chance to be with them in a longer time, you will get to appreciate the goodness in them. In time, you will learn to like them and they will learn to like you, too (lol, I hope)

One thing more, they have terrible english (my apologies to the Koreans, I'm just telling the truth). So, to talk to them and to understand them would pretty much drain your energy. Try to learn a few basic korean words so they will be a little comfortable with you. (annyong-haseyo - hello/good morning/good afternoon/good evening ; gamsahamnida - thank you; ipuda - pretty ; annyong-hekaseyo - good-bye ; mian-he - i'm sorry)

I wish you all the luck.

Answer 10

You might try here first. Also, everyone there probably know about the movie WINTER SONATA. Many tourist go to where the shooting of the movie took place...ask someone to tell you where it is. Here is one link, I hope is helpful http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=seoul%2C+korea&btnG=Search
HERE YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT THEIR MOVIE STARS AND GREAT MOVIES. IE. "JEWEL IN THE PALACE," "EMPEROR OF THE SEA," " JUMONG" THERE ARE SO MANY...KOREANS ARE FAMOUS FOR GOOD MOVIES...TRY www.azntv.com. YOU might even try to find a KOREAN CHAT ROOM to learn someof their ways. If you could learn a few words in their language. Most people warm up to someone who tries to learn their language. Koreans seem to be tremely polite but not real affectionate, especially in public.
I hope your trip end up HAPPY and fun.

take care