Being a (Black) Foreigner in Korea

[@Lawgiver777]

Hi, I am African American myself living in a small city. It's about and hour and 30 minutes away from Seoul. I loved your video. A lot of what you said is exactly what I have experienced. I love living here. I feel comfortable here. And as far as Korean males marrying black women there is one...my husband. Yes, he is Korean. And by the grace of God, his parents love me a lot. We got married in America and had to move here because his mom is ill. Thanks for your video. I had a friend that was here for only 3 months and when she left, I was very sad. So just knowing that you are African American living here is somewhat of a comfort. Thank you again.---Karena

[@MikTheAsianMan]

Congrats on your marriage BTW. Do you remember me? I commented on your video about Korean and Bl

[@MikTheAsianMan]

ack relationships, I'm glad his parents accepted you.

[@Lawgiver777]

Of course I remember you!!! How have you been?? And thank you for the compliment!

[@MikTheAsianMan]

Lawgiver777 Good. How about you? and no, problem.

[@Lawgiver777]

I am doing great, thank you!!!

[@BlackLadyRockz]

first of all, SUPERJUNIORR! AAND your skin glows! so pretty! more on topic, the "you look mad" thing happens to me too but as you pointed out its kind of an advantage a times! I try to remember not to look "mad" but it doesnt work lol

[@BFPBFPBFPBFP]

You're beautiful! O_O Stay positive!

[@TorrieChristina]

I love all the positive comments from the native South Koreans. Thank you for representing Black American culture in such a respectful manner. We appreciate you!

[@thinktransnational]

i really liked your video. i have the same serious face problem. my coworker calls it resting b-face, which doesn't make me feel any better. oddly enough, people think it's the most amazing thing in the world when i smile (personally i don't like my smile), but i'm not the type to go around fake smiling all the time. smiles are best when genuine. plus i like to think a lot, which adds to the seriousness. oh and i absolutely love love love your Suju background!

You're so charming! Thanks for sharing your warm and enthusiastic personality with us.

[@BasedGymChad]

Glad you're having more of a positive experience there. I'm Asian-American and the thing that sucked for me being there was, all the Koreans wanted to take out the non-asian foreigners out and show them around, whereas I'd be left to kind of fend for myself. It wasn't such a big deal, but Koreans automatically assume I should speak Korean and I get the stink eye when they find out that I don't speak the language. You're not kidding about the shoe size though. It was so tough for me to find a pair of shoes my size. Even out in Itaewon, where you'd think they'd cater a little bit more to foreigners.

[@objectiveamerican3172]

Asia's a pretty big place the last time I checked.

[@niccolom4556]

John Yang Are you Korean though? They probably assumed you're Korean and had higher standards for you.

[@ipop8103]

you have a lovely personality. very positive and know how to turn things around to see the good in the bad. i really respect you for accepting and being tolerant. I understand korean can be seem rude (and some actually are rude) but I think its because they are not exposed to other cultures. when more good people like you live in korea and they understand more about other cultures and eventually become like other opened up countries around the world. korea is changing and you are at the very top. you are bringing positive sensation, love and humanity. thanks for making this world better place to live in. i respect you, lovely girl

[@ksb9469]

Thanks for sharing your positive story and your beautiful personality. You appear to be an awesome person who tries to make a difference Many blessings to you in everything you do and Fighting!

[@jackwootton3226]

As a current language student in St Andrews, this video has really inspired me to teach in Korea. You come across as a bright positive person, great video!

[@power823]

you don't look scary. just really cute.

[@harrisjea]

Congrats to this young woman for going out of her element to visit/work in a foreign country. Such bravery and wishing you the very best.

[@aubriannamoore9253]

I really liked this video I also want to say that your background makes me incredibly happy lol.

[@ChristinePhamtastik]

I love how light hearted and level headed you are! Your.open mind is refreshing!

[@suadmohamed8736]

Thank you so much for the video!! It was so useful. Your face is not scary at all LOL you look really bubbly and friendly. I hope your time in Korea remains fun and happy :)

[@kungfutay1]

Thank you so much for posting this video it really helped me out a lot. I hope to move to Korea after college, so I'm glad to know that they are accepting to our race (^_^) and don't pay attention to those negative comments. You are beautiful and I'm sure you know it too ;)

[@1adamvega]

A very thoughtful/insightful post. Keep up the good work!

[@wolfehifyu]

I like your posters ^ ^

[@GivelleB]

GIRRRLLLL YOUR WALL

[@hurstfriend1]

YOU ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL! AND SUCH A KIND FRIENDLY YOUNG LADY! YOU COULD BE A TOP MODEL. I WOULD BE SO PROUD AND PRIVIEGED TO BE YOUR FRIEND. YOU ARE AMERICA! YOU REPRESENTED YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR NATIVE BORN LAND AND HOME SO PERFECTLY. YOU MAKE US (U.S.) AMERICAN'S PROUD OF YOU. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@Toocrunk187]

LOL at foreigner....We all live on Earth. So much man made separation these days.

[@hyunjaee]

I really enjoyed watching your video and hearing your comments! :)

[@Eldritchforge]

Keep at it girl. I just finished wrapping up two years all over China. I had a a few schools who hired me on that basis, mainly because they had so many white teachers bail out on contracts and or create problems. You gotta put on that big smile or they are scared of you. I spent a while in China forgetting that while I walk around my neutral face is kinda "angry". Keep at it girl you rock.

[@SuperMustang82]

Nice vid. I've been to Seoul and parts of Southwestern S. Korea. I encountered the stares,but most of the people were really hospitable.

[@grace.stewartt4224]

Thank you uploading this video this helped a lot!!

[@kimjuhyun1089]

You look really kind and familiar person. As I'm korean if you felt some korean didn't want to talk to you or afraid of you , I can say It's not true.. I'm sure they felt shy or don't have comfidence of speaking english. Thank you for talking and thinking as a positive way~ I hope you to have fun and enjoy life in korea and thank you for choosing korea for teaching english. We need a teacher like you have a open mind . And I 'm sorry some people touched your hair they might be think of you friendly but I think it's rude.. Instead of them I want to say " sorry" if you meet some rude guy please think about there are also good koreans here. Thank you:)

[@quEroNie]

Was watching video on how to work in korea and stumbling in to videos and then I saw your thumbnail and I just got to click and watch! Hi fellow ELF! 💙

[@FutureKebab]

Awh you're so pretty and have such a beautiful voice! Your video helped so much!

[@Morganonthemove90]

I am so ecstatic that you did this video! you addressed most of my biggest questions! thank you for being honest and open about it. I will be traveling to Korea in August 2014 to teach over there and Im not natural and I cnt do hair (I know im a failure LOL) but at least I know i have some support once I go. Thanks again *goes to look at more of your videos) :)

[@MsViva710]

I enjoyed listening to you. I appreciate you sharing your experience.

[@junghwanseo9876]

You are awesooooome !! Thanks so much for coming to my country!!

[@PhillipWayneButts]

One of the best videos I've watched on ESL in Korea ... a bit repetitive, but your point was so well made...and I have to say, you clarified issues and made points on race, which in so many ways relate especially to America, that I had never considered, in a way that was so eye opening...Thank you. I really enjoyed this and I will look for more of your videos as I consider my own journey. THANK you again.

[@DrReginaldFinleySr]

Face is hard? You're beautiful and warm looking to me. I'm considering teaching there as well. Currently conducting research. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@CarynDPrescott]

+MrShirye Are you saying that you don't find this woman attractive? I personally think it's great when a black man/dude compliments us for our looks :)

[@calderone5559]

+MrShirye and I m sure that she still more attractive than you....

[@calderone5559]

+MrShirye and I m sure that she still more attractive than you....

[@DrReginaldFinleySr]

How do you know I'm black?

[@DrReginaldFinleySr]

***** I'm not a nigga. You may wish to identify as such. I don't. I'm too old , educated, and too grown for such idiocy. Your limited perceptions of race shines a huge light of ignorance on you.

[@droptumus357]

Thank you so much for posting this, I am a black foreigner in Japan and I feel many of the same sentiments you do. Many blessings, much respect and love!

[@KOTHFanRantsandVidsisawesome]

Blacks are looked at like a celebrity, but in America in those Asian countries, while America doesn't seem to.

[@mafelemus04]

You have an awesome personality! :)

[@harlemw651]

Great vid! Thanks for the positive stories!

[@nasebear]

OMG! The mean mug. Yes! I teach in a small town in Japan and I feel so bad sometimes that my resting face is apparently terrifying to people until they get to know me. I think my kids didn't know what to make of me when we first met but now of course, we get along really well. This vid is awesome. Living in a small town here, I think small towns are better than the bigger cities because you are seen more as a resident and not a tourist.

[@leimomilani6829]

Thanks for sharing! I enjoyed your video.

[@miyashita291]

Girl you are very pretty and brave! I enjoyed watching this you are very honest. I see you really like Korea. I know asians are not really racist but more curious.. and ofcourse because Korea has not alot of foreigners. You are very pretty hope you will have a good time and you enjoy your time there.. good thing that you dont take it too personal!! Lucky some people are really warm towards foreigners ;)

[@KiraLiyah]

I am soo loving all the videos of black people in Korea! I'm so so so involved in kpop and kdramas which made me very interested in Korean Culture. I currently live in smalltown USA and NO ONE I know shares my interest. I'm teaching myself Korean, thanks to the wonderful world of apps! I know hangul. Working now on words and sentences. I really enjoyed this video. It was really funny!!

[@kimizo966]

super junior @ the background.. :D

[@mini26kim]

You seem very understanding and acceptable. I hope you enjoyed korea :)! I love seeing foreigners in korea because im usually itching to speak english when i stay inkorea for too long

[@BabiiVpvStar]

lol! We got the stares when we were in China too! I enjoyed the "Celebrity" attention haha great vid!

[@yuhoseok47]

Hope you have good memories in Korea ! my middle school foreign teacher's race was black too. He was awesome

[@elainebmack]

Greetings! I am a Black female who lived in Korea for 3 years, and my experiences were much like yours. I first lived in Gwangju, then Jingyo, a small rice farming town. I used to pass through Suncheon to get back to my to my, so I know the area. Korea is a good country overall. I had no problems at all.

[@srnelso]

I would love to visit Korea. I was already aware of maybe being confused for another race. I am just interested in different cultures. Your video was nice and non offensive. Thanks for doing it.

[@hanabarekzai6415]

looooooooooved your video! thank you so much!

[@violinfire24]

Thanks for the great advice- it really helped!!

[@ShantiSyndrome]

LMAO I'M DYING. My normal face looks mean as heck too. I need to fix that before I go to Korea. DDD;

[@festusamaning4383]

***** you are right.my best friends are from Korea and China

[@MikTheAsianMan]

Yeah, I would have more Black friends if I was living and grew up in a different city.

[@hmwong88]

Awesome video!!!!

[@NinoNlkkl]

Good video. You were spot on. Most importantly, learn to speak korean asap. A lot of koreans are a bit on the shy side but if you speak korean, talk to them first. You will see many of them talk back to you with a smile.

[@kadagayajoan]

Thanks for this.... I am planing a trip to Korea. this calms me down.

[@NinaHProductions1]

Your video is very funny :) Korea sounds like fun!

[@patrickrobinson5017]

You are very charming! I am thinking of teaching English in South Korea and you make it seem like a pleasant enough experience. I currently teach 5th,6th and 7th grade science so I have some pedagogy under my belt. Thanks for making this video. I am excited about the experience.

[@juguire]

i really liked ur video. Very informative. I hope u are doing well there :)

[@aathompson19]

I found this video on 9korea.com and popped right over to KZbin to leave a comment; when you said you may sometimes come across as the angry black person, to the contrary you are actually quite beautiful and your lovely personality shines right through! I do hope that you'll start posting again, so we'll know how you're doing now!

[@verrrr1]

i love your video, you seem like such a nice person

[@saimavideos9347]

u have such beautiful skin

[@monkeymajix]

Very informative and humorous video :D

[@Imaginone]

I am a Korean- Have lived in USA for over 30 years. Thanks for being objective and kind with your assessment of Korea and its people. Koreans are homogenious race. Therefore, perhaps they can be "more" prejudice as nation, but since we now live in a Global Villege, things are improving. On general though people are reactionay toward something they are not used to....

[@ARshooterMR556]

That's really interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@KharlyKiYomi]

I was in Itaewon a few months ago && the cab driver gave me a hand shake while telling me his name and a compliment.. while tucking his index finger into my hand scratching my palm... Watching your video just told me what the heck he was trying to say... Wow.

[@user-yh8jr8tk9z]

Your boss requesting that the teacher be a Middle Eastern or Black female because of past experiences... isn't that a little racist? And wow, I think the staring on a bus or on the sidewalk would drive me insane. At least on the inside. But I'm glad to hear you were very comfortable! And I don't think your normal face looks scary! xD That's horrible. You seem bubbly and very pretty. And really funny. Everyone always asks me why I'm sad because that's my normal face. It's kinda funny. You're really smart and shared so many new things I've never heard of before (like what scratching your palm means) and I learned a lot watching this, so thank you very much for making this! It was very fun watching the video and I wish you the best. :-)

[@kimyoungmi]

you're so cute. our experience really comes from the inside, it's all over youtube. if we're pissy and inflexible, Korea sucks, if we're nice, it's warm and beautiful

[@jennamarcus4283]

i don't think you look mean at all! in fact i think you're very pretty! :)

[@mazyellow28]

I too suffer from Bitchy Resting Face so I hear you lol. But you seem like a really lovely, down to earth chick and you have a great smile. Keep up the great work :)

[@cj222100]

You're so pretty & friendly looking, I can't imagine people thinking you look angry. But my grandfather taught in Japan, & he had something similar happen as far as people touching him. He wasn't black, he was of German descent, but didn't have light hair/eyes, he had very dark olive skin & black hair. However, he was over 6ft tall so that made him stand out even more. Plus, he had alot of hair on his arms. Apparently, that was at the time anyway like kind of a novelty to women anyway-he said that women would touch his arm & the hair on it & giggle about it.

[@trillionbtamillion]

You're gorgeous.

[@trillionbtamillion]

Funny we can't see how you look.With your stupid-ass name.

[@WupeViasco]

Im just pointing out the fact that you are attracted to what you look like or what youre simmilar to. by most peoples standards and by societys general standards she is not attracitve. Notice the correlation between between both of your features, head shape, eye shape, and ofcourse skin tone. Youre like a male version of her. Its the case with most people, merry christmas nigga

[@trillionbtamillion]

Fuck you and society's opinion. Black women unquestionably look the best. I'm convinced.

[@IlikepurpleXP]

WupeViasco YOUR opinion isn't universal. Just because YOU don't find her attractive, doesn't mean others don't or shouldn't. And "you only like her because you guys look alike" sounds like a backwards ass 1950s statement. Not everyones attracted to those that look like them, absolutely nothing wrong with that.

[@WupeViasco]

Wutsma Naim If we asked the world to rate this girls attractiveness she would range fairly low because she doesnt meet up to most of societys percetion of beauty, and for that matter she is not that much pleasing to the eye for the least individual perpetuated by mainstream beauty standards, she is average. ANd as a black male am I entitled to my opinoun about the way she looks as are you, my opinion is important, u know why? Because im awesome. I was simply mentionting the correlation between that guys features and that girl he found attractive

[@dhdlfzla]

As a Korean, it was fun to see your video and learn about your thoughts about my country. By the way the underwear issue was quite funny because I had a same problem when I come to the U.S. Now I am living in the U.S. as a foreigner and I feel like I have stage fright every time when I am in public although nobody knows that I am from different county. Have you ever had this kind of fear in Korea as a foreigner?

[@alwaysonurfeet]

the young korean children. i would say their reaction is innocent curiosity. the older korean generation are either open minded and curious OR absolutely naive to the point of "What is wrong with you!!" You have a beautiful smile and I hope your experience here in Korea has been of good memories. I would have to say that the younger generations of koreans are more open minded to new things and cultures. Being a korean kyopo with tattoos,,,i've had my fare share of negetive stares from mainly the older generations that are complete strangers. enjoyed this upload enough to subscribe. look forward to your adventure here.

[@sandflea9025]

Very nice to hear that u are treated with respect. With regards to being hired because u are Black.... Is it because the Korean people want their kids etc to meet and get to know people from other nationalities , races, or religion etc ....so that when they grow up and work in a cosmopolitan city they have a competitive edge or are equivalent to the city kids. Its a extremely competitive environment for students over there. Like 99% of Asia.

[@hannah60000]

No she said why she was hired.

[@itsepileal]

i am and i study in russia, so i really just indentified myself with all youve said!! and you sound really cool, we should be friends.

[@qinisozungu2763]

This is really helpful :) :)

[@강다혜-z4s]

I feel glad that you think like that..anyway feel amazed or surprised to see foreigner in the street is almost fade away these days it's common thing in subway and also in other places.

[@krnthugsta]

Im korean btw and damn girl your a cutie!!

[@drmayesmt]

We come in such a variety of shades, shapes and sizes that it will always be unique in a homogeneous population. It's the same here in the US if you visit a new place. We visited Minnesota and the same thing happened to us.

[@iliashuvalov4682]

I also couldn't help but notice you're charming nature, warm smile, and excellent pronunciation. You're a babe. And I enjoyed your vid. Thanks for sharing.

[@MsTigerseye77]

Excellent video!

[@anthonytomassi6561]

You are very beautiful and have a warm and positive face. I think that Koreans really respond to a beautiful smile and warm demeanor. That's why you've had such a positive experience.

[@efflorescence1671]

Youre such a sweet soul! I want to go to korea as well. Ive heard from megan bowen that the staring is a cultural thing. When they like you they usually stare really hard😂

[@paulettepatricia]

LOL I know what you mean. Half the time I look like I got a stank ass look on my face when really I don't. I HATE it when people tell me "smile." I'm like really? I smile all the time, I dont need to smile every moment I'm walking down the street!

[@AL-ALady]

Great vid! ♥

[@rebekah628]

Question: Do you like Super Junior?

[@SakanProject]

I doubt it xD

[@rebekah628]

Right? Me too. Sakan Cheri

[@sarangbae3126]

I’m assuming no...

[@Marrow9000]

i've been in korea for 6 years working as a white ESL teacher. I think this is a good video for people thinking about coming over to work and worried about being non-white. well done.

[@garbagemannutinbutpickup614]

- I'm Black & Korean..and gotten the same experience. The countrymen really never see or experience foreigners, especially (Black people). I wouldn't let it bother you. Great country.

[@tatikagnassy8726]

This video is so reassuring to me i so want to go to Korea

[@YTnew2012]

Excellent video! Thank you! I'm not black but I'm mexican, so I think a lot of this also applies to me. Thanks again.

[@sleeplessmax]

Even thou him not black I'm a foreigner and this video really helped. Thank you!!!

[@musicfan1107]

I was studying abroad in Spain and I got asked about my hair all the time. They also liked to touch. Sometimes they asked, other times I would just feel a hand in my hair!

[@cocoabean889]

sometimes it's really sad... :( also check out "hello counselor" with Henry, eunhyuk and ryeowook... they talk about the same Problem..

[@TheGodlyFeminine]

Aww, I completely understand. My normal face looks angry and sad, too. Though I'm happy most of the time.

[@blueberrylies]

I actually was able to stop traffic in Suncheon. A bus driver stoped to look at me in Suncheon andI know a look of taxi drivers, so they always stop to say hi. I think it really depends on what neighborhoods you are in or who is around you.

[@ParamoreWeirdo]

Lol, I also have similar experiences with the way my face falls, lol. When I'm not concentrating on my expression people say I look angry or annoyed. And then when people get to know me they realise how bubbly and open I am.

[@sifaomary1490]

ur english is good i liked it, thanks and you are beautiful. ahsante kwa kuupload video hii pia.

[@beautifulnightmare33]

Excellent Video interesting, amusing and Informative.

[@nezerac]

Way around the "angry" deal is to smile and wave on a regular. But it's normal. My ex first started talking to me and she said I "always looked sad". But I smile a lot. Even here in the states.

[@rachelng4107]

Super Junior!! Love 'em

[@soilsminor4715]

nice vid!

[@kittenforbunny]

i'm not heading to Korea at any point soon, and i'm not black but for some reason i watched almost the whole thing! hahaha... it was just interesting and she seems like a chill cool girl.

[@crazylj108]

This is exactly my experience being Black in Turkey! Haha. Everyone's super super nice always. I really feel like racism is only an issue in the western world. Curiosity seemed to be the cause of most stares, and everyone loved us! In a smaller town (3rd largest city, but still small), Cannakale, everyone would stare and ask questions, in Istanbul I was just there, since lots of foreigners study in Istanbul, i only got stares from people in Istanbul from people who were from smaller towns..