20 Korean Cultural Traits That Might Make Foreigners Go “Hmm…or What the fxxx

20 Korean Cultural Traits That Might Make Foreigners Go “Hmm…”

1. Loud phone calls or conversations in public
   Koreans often speak loudly on phones or with friends in cafes and public transit, which can feel noisy to foreigners .
2. Close personal space
   It’s common to stand or sit very close in crowds, and accidental bumps often go unacknowledged.
3. “Meddling” friendliness
   Koreans frequently ask personal questions—age, marital status, salary—out of genuine interest, not prying.
4. Sharing food from communal dishes
   Everyone uses their own chopsticks or spoons to pick from shared plates, which can feel unhygienic to unaccustomed foreigners.
5. Smoking in public spaces
   Street smoking is normal and can be bothersome to non‑smokers.
6. Loud eating sounds (slurping, smacking)
   Noises like slurping noodles are culturally acceptable—even encouraged—but can seem rude to Westerners.

   

7. Competitive “ppalli-ppalli” (fast‑fast) culture
   Life in Korea is fast‑paced and goal-driven, sometimes creating social fatigue .
8. Direct personal comments
   Remarks about appearance, weight, or income may be blunt—intended to be helpful, though they can be jarring.
9. Heavy drinking culture and peer pressure
   Social gatherings often demand heavy drinking, with rituals like the “one-shot,” and may include visible intoxication .
10. Intense staring at foreigners
    In less diverse areas, curious looks and even questions or photos are common.

    

11. Frequent honking and aggressive driving
    Horn use and pushing through traffic are common—seen as efficiency rather than aggression.
12. Service that may seem curt or abrupt
    Fast-paced service in shops or restaurants can feel abrupt to those expecting more pleasantries .
13. Emotional restraint in public
    Silence or calmness is a sign of respect—not coldness.
14. Occasional lack of orderly queuing
    While lines are typical, in busy spots like bus stops people may not strictly wait their turn .
15. Open spitting or nose‑blowing in public
    Though frowned upon in many cultures, this behavior still occurs in Korea.

    

    
    
16. Late-night activity and noise
    Restaurants, bars, and cafes often stay open late, so nightlife noise is common.
17. Fatigue from constant “fast-fast” tempo
    The high-pressure lifestyle and perpetual rushing can be exhausting for visitors.
18. Stereotyping foreigners
    People often assume all Westerners speak English or are from the same country.
19. Strong focus on appearance
    Emphasis on grooming and cosmetics is widespread, and comments on looks are socially acceptable.
20. Conflict avoidance and indirect expression
    Koreans often avoid saying “no” directly and use silence or subtle hints instead.

    

    
    These points are mostly about differences stemming from cultural backgrounds, so it's more about "different" than "bad." Just as foreigners try to adapt to Korean culture, it's good for us to understand their perspectives too, right?