Ten Things You Notice When You Visit Korea

Have you been dreaming about visiting South Korea and wondering what to expect when you travel to Korea? As one of my favorite countries to travel in, The Land of the Morning Calm offers a plethora of things to do and see. One of the fun parts of traveling is how much different another culture can be from your own. After all, what is normal to you may be strange to someone else and then some. Here are ten things you notice when you visit Korea.

Table of Contents

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1. You Will Get Hangul Drunk

So you know that feeling after you’ve had a few shots of soju? You feel really good, but you’re not exactly sure about what’s going on. That’s exactly what Hangul drunk feels like. Maybe you studied up on some Korean before you came to Korea and you can read everything… The kicker? You don’t understand everything.

2. You’ll Get Weird Compliments

One of the very first strange compliments I’ve ever received while living in Korea is how small my face is. Which I found completely bizarre seeing as the average circumference of women’s heads around the world is about 55cm or 21 3/4 inches.

3. Manners are super different

No one covers their mouth when they cough or sneeze. Of course, this is different now seeing as what’s going on around the world because of the new pandemic. But legit, when I first moved here, I was sick ALL the time because people’s germs would be floating around. Also, if they’re courteous to others and not trying to infect them with sickness, you’ll see people wear masks to work. Masks are also worn if pollution levels are too high.

Also, practice remaining calm because you’ll get pushed and people won’t say sorry. I’ve been clotheslined time and time again and people just keep walking like nothing happened. One of the most uncomfortable experiences I ever had in Korea was an old woman coming up from behind me, grabbing my waist and moving me to the side. I just about died a thousand deaths.

In addition, be aware no one will hold the door for you so keep your hands out in order not to get a face full of door. People will always have an umbrella for two reasons—rain and sun protection.

Here’s a fair warning you should never pick up any of the bowls or plates on the table unless you want to be looked upon as a heathen barbarian. Never drink in front of an elder. If you want to drink, turn your face away.

4. 우리 Culture is a Thing

This seems to be a theme in many Asian cultures because of the Confucianist and group mentality. If you’re alone, it is looked at as one of the saddest things in the world.

People will give you the pitiful, “Why are you eating alone?” look. To which I high encourage giving the death stare back of, “Simple, fool. Because I don’t care and I’m dating myself.”

While the concept of doing things alone and being alone may be lost on many people in South Korea, that will make it 10x harder for you to find a restaurant that serves just for one. Alternatively, many Instagram museums are made for groups and couples.

5. Guys Showing Affection… To Each Other

This is going to throw you the very first time you see it. Because many people believe homosexuality isn’t a thing in Korea and everyone is “heteronormative” the concept of men holding hands phases no one.

So if you see men holding hands, it’s because no one would bat an eyelid and call them nasty names.

The first time I saw my students do this in Japan, I just about fell off my chair (and had to question why I was doing so). Alternatively, when I saw men holding hands in public in Korea, it was an interesting moment to say the least. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, but because I’d never seen anything so open in my own country.

6. Small Businesses are Everywhere

Small Businesses are heavily supported. In America, it’s all about the big chains and well known brands. In Korea, you’ll see new cafes, restaurants, and entertainment popping up all the time. But all the same, Koreans get just as bored of the newest fad. Blink and that business will be in and out.

7. Censorship is Weird…

On Korean TV, they sensor knives, guns, cigarettes and guns. Why do you think Kdrama kisses are so effing weird? It’s censorship. The older generation wants something PG and more “conservative”. But Like LEGIT. Have you seen anyone ever kiss like that? Korean dramas tend to follow a formula which makes for boring TV (in my opinion). In any case, now you know why kissing is so damn weird here.

8. Seoul Subway Blue Line One is An… Experience…

While public transport is really efficient, Line 1 (aka the blue line) is the older and smellier line. You will smell that infamous ajhussi smell (kimchi, cigarettes, and soju). It makes sense Line 1 would be the most ratchet since it was the first of the subways in Korea… After all, you’ll get vendors come on the train and start yelling at everyone about the things they’re selling. In all fairness, even line 1 in Korea is much better than NYC. P.S. It’s my LEAST favorite city on the entire planet.

9. Koreans are OBSESSED with coffee

This is why you will see 20 bazillion coffee shops and cafes everywhere. Which I’m not complaining about because I like dessert and aesthetically pleasing cafes. Coffee should just be considered the other national drink of Korea after soju. If you’re interested in visiting super cute cafes in Korea, check out my favorite Seoul cafe list here.

10. Appearance is EVERYTHING

Women will usually wear makeup and even guys will wear bb cream. Everyone is always dressed up so you better up your game here because you will get judged… HARD. I have never once seen anyone in sweat pants go grocery shopping. And even if they are, their hair and makeup is still put together very well.

Bonus

Because I thought of this off the top of my head while I was writing it, I also wanted to give another warning to my traveling female ladies. While Koreans are generally pretty nice, if you’re wandering solo or traveling solo… You need to look out for super creepy guys.

If a man comes up to you and starts talking to you and asking questions like, “Where are you from?” or “Do you need help?” RUN.

Of course, I implore you to use your better judgement. If he seems genuine and wants to help, by all means. But most men that do it are being CREEPY. Horse riders can sniff out fresh meat from over five kilometers away. Don’t fall for it.

What were some of the things you noticed when you first came to Korea? Do you have any to add to the list are you looking forward to experiencing some of these unique aspects?

ten things you notice when you visit Korea

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