Things Foreigners Should NEVER Do In Korea

[@debbie6526]

The smoking thing was a bit weird to me. I’ve noticed while living in Korea atm that Koreans tend to smoke a lot, even in places where there are signs to not smoke. I’ve also seen a lot of older koreans smoke while walking.

[@ango3185]

I know right???

[@erykahlim]

Same lol

[@ango3185]

@@lovejones2179 but we mean how can they dare to say to foreigners to not do that we themselves smokes everywhere and even spit on the floor

[@BrianHSC]

I'm Korean and many of these answers are wrong. Probably because he approached them suddenly and they can't think quickly. Because this is not something Koreans keep a list in their head. Even I had to think about it for couple minutes.

[@ango3185]

@@BrianHSC if I had this question asked to me being foreigner I would go as : respect olders even more than in your own country ,like treat them as you wish your grand pa would be treated, don't get loud and party in the street like if it was your damn house ( seen american guy being loud and trying to "get physical" just because I look alike physically) really hated that. Get to learn the culture and some basics polite action or unpolite action ( accepting thing with both hands /crossing legs in front of olders (that one is still difficult for me tho)

[@madisonmarie0613]

I thought it was very interesting that younger koreans seemed to have a lot to say about how foreigners should act in Korea, but older koreans seemed to be a lot more lax. As a foreigner who lived in Korea, I noticed a lot that people tend to be very lenient with foreigners due to cultural differences (though this is sometimes frustrating for expats who have lived in Korea long term) but it made me curious when the younger interviewees were speaking. things like smoking and fighting seemed a lot like stereotypes for foreigners. I wonder if they thought of those things because they've personally seen foreigners do those things or if it's based on perceptions. Personally living in Korea most foreigners (not speaking for everyone ofc) are terrified of getting into altercations because we are worried about our visa, and we are aware that people are more likely to believe the korean person over a foreigner. Also it's interesting because Koreans smoke a lot, they even have designated smoking areas around Seoul (like other countries but it's cooler because it's like a special room that keeps the smoke from lingering out). The informal language though, I agree, is a big issue. A lot of foreigners don't learn to differentiate between formalities, which can be very disrespectful. I'm not saying there aren't rude foreigners in Korea (because ofc there are) but I'm curious as to why koreans immediately thought of things like fighting and smoking. (no shade to anyone in the interview I just think it would be a good learning opportunity for everyone)

[@infj1601]

they probably just thought of how in other countries smoking weed is legal and how many people there do it

[@nwalden5744]

Maybe because the older ones are on their asses about being perfect

[@gabrielleonardovilche4396]

The ironic is that despite of all the formalities koreans disrespect foreigners and they though their kids to be disrespectfull again elders if they are foreigners.

[@MsMrReason]

@@nwalden5744 I find Korean teens are just like teenagers everywhere. They have youthful piousness when being spoken to formally in a interview setting and completely different when out and about and I have taught in high schools for 6 years. When I first went to Korea they teens were noticeably different to western teens and now they are just the same. No dfference at all

[@nwalden5744]

@@MsMrReason I live in Korea boo. When did I say they were different than any other teen? I didn’t ?

[@ElinaGl]

Korean is really hard, and I myself get confused with polite and impolite versions of words all the time... I'm pretty sure foreigners in Korea don't mean to be disrespectful on purpose

[@ElinaGl]

honorifics*

[@ExtoNov]

All korean know that, we know that you are foreigner no problem at all. Please do not say less, say more is the best way to get improve your language

[@la381]

Just bow a lot. Seriously. As a Korean, I'll tell you that body language is really important.

[@ExtoNov]

@@la381 true

[@bigbob5103]

Slip ups happen but it’s not that hard to add “요” at the end of your words/sentences. And to use a proper formal greeting, like in English you don’t just go up to a random old person and say “yo whatsup!”

[@BearingMySeoul]

Honey, "photo rights" (0:44) is new to me because NUMEROUS Koreans took photos of me without my consent! One was brought to my attention by a student since it was her friend's boyfriend who took the photo AND posted it on his social media account. I feel like other than taking off your shoes indoors, everybody was just stating their own pet peeves. 😂

[@Sweet_Wild_Life_Art]

What did he say in his caption about you?

[@BearingMySeoul]

@@Sweet_Wild_Life_Art It was years ago so I don't recall. I think it was in the (defunct) social network Me2Day.

[@nwalden5744]

I is you serious did he take it down

[@nwalden5744]

@@BearingMySeoul so they’re hypocrites then

[@BearingMySeoul]

@@nwalden5744 That's a silly thing to say. THIS girl doesn't like people taking photos without consent. Maybe she saw herself on someone's Instagram page but Seoul is just like NYC. People are taking photos, videos, plus there's CCT cameras EVERYWHERE. I found her comment weird based on that.

[@julianasilva6946]

the "don't pick fights" guy made me think. I've heard stories of foreigners who were mistreated and even physically harmed, like pushed or punched and were afraid to confront the person for fear of scalating the situation and they get in trouble with the police. so they just take it because they know that as foreigners they don't have many rights. this is a problem because some people take advantage.

[@김준영-g1r]

Hey, don't believe the stupid rumors. As Korean culture explodes and interest in Korea grows, other Asian countries are randomly creating and distributing videos out of jealousy of Korea.

[@puffgod3]

@@김준영-g1r No, she's 100% right. One of my friends who's a foreigner had an encounter where a korean tried to pick a fight with him because he was a foreigner, and the korean guy got his shit rocked. they aren't "stupid rumours". And I doubt many people are jealous of Korea, a country with one of the highest alcoholism and suicide rates in the world.

[@foranyawithlove8326]

@@김준영-g1r she is right. The police will always with Korean citizen

[@toyinrosea9154]

Yes I have heard of this. Koreans know the law better than us foreigners so they will take advantage. Even with the growing amount of SA cases the jury will let the Korean guy free even if there is a lot of evidence against him

[@defexter]

@@김준영-g1r you probably one of those guys

[@lisamwong]

The older gentleman with glasses who is concerned about young Koreans using bad language..... overall he's just so endearing to me.

[@JinShinRed]

apart from when hes legit being racist to the South East Asians right? 😭😭

[@suniestkiss]

@@JinShinRed frrrr my jaw dropped😭

[@lisamwong]

@@JinShinRed I watched it again and realize I had not caught his distinction (I'd like us to be multicultural with specific cultures only). Ugh! I don't find him endearing anymore.

[@JinShinRed]

@@lisamwong yea it’s genuinely really sad :(

[@amesora1553]

​@JinShinRed I'm kinda sad too when the elder gentleman spoke his thoughts as I'm one from SE countries. However, I thankful to him for upbringing the using of bad language. It happened in my country too, the slangs & slurs 😌 Anyhow, from my personal views, South Korea is a country that I appreciate it histories, cultures & dynamic. Conducting an indepth interview with more vary individual backgrounds would make this topic to be comprehending. I believes, any subject to discuss need a formal research for us to understand others more. While a spontaneous interview like this brought out someone's current thought at the moment that might be genuine(?) Idk 😅

[@mary-soldelcampo2072]

Learning korean is definitely tough for most foreigners. Trying to communicate in this language, even with poor grammar, should be appreciated by locals. I don't think foreigners are disrespectful, they are just struggling with Korean.

[@MsMrReason]

Koreans can be helpful when they like you - if the dont they well let you suffer. Thats my experience. There is never an issue with language - just foreigners talking too loud on trains. But they get mad when Koreans do this as well

[@officialnonij]

Sometimes I think South Koreans don’t realize that in the states at least I can’t speak for any other country, there is a vast amount of cultures and ethnicities with different values (I know they know that the states is very culturally and ethnically diverse, but really understanding what that means). Which is understandable because they aren’t from the US, but I know for black and brown people whether you are African, African American, Caribbean, Latino, indigenous, Asian, etc. respect to elders is a huge thing. We would never call them by their first name or have a lax tone when speaking to them. There is a formal or informal way of speaking to authority figures. So in that sense I think we understand respect to elder although it is different in Korean because their are specific words used when addressing elders (this does not speak for all or the individual, but just the cultures as a whole). Great video! It was very informative keep it up!!

[@jxgyu]

Not only in korea, almost every country dont truly know different culture's values haha. US population is only 3.75% of the world bro. There's world out of US ! u gotta understand that most ppl out of US cant truly understand except some countries

[@orleneown3107]

@@jxgyu Noni Johnson - Her statement not only includes but clearly defines what she meant when she said this in her statement ‘I can’t speak for other countries’ which suggests that she was speaking only from her experience in the States..

[@hyacinthmcdonald8595]

That okay but there 2 ways not just One way otherwise elderly will say say what they like to curse you and disrespect you wrongly, there must be both ways to respect each other’s D Ed Ben you walk a way they can say curse word to stab you in the back , People pretending to be truest but the truth is people are fake behind your back look to their Eyes to see if the are Really honest to u

[@nwalden5744]

I’m black and don’t agree

[@MsMrReason]

I can say as someone whose parents came from the Caribbean - respecting your elders used to be a thing but it is not anymore. And as someone who has been to Korea 4 times Koreans young and old just call me ' sista'. What people say in conversations is different to how they behave. I thin politeness world wide to eldersis mostly left to family members and not strangers. Young people who work in convenience stores in Korea can also be generally sullen like any teenager in the world

[@spyingonchanyeol7605]

I wonder if some Koreans realize that the reason a foreigner might not be talking in polite form is because they just don’t know. In English polite form isn’t really a thing besides maybe addressing someone. And learning the different forms in a language that isn’t your native language is really hard, so I wish they would be more understanding and happy that people are trying to speak their language..

[@권용국-t1m]

We know. That is why we generally don’t take it as much if Non-Koreans make those mistakes

[@jxgyu]

lol we completely understand

[@la381]

Wheres your brain??? Then, you should learn honorifics. That's what the foreigners who want to demonstrate good manners do. It's not rocket science. Quit making excuses.

[@abigailinkorea]

I think too that if someone is using a translator, the translator app often spits out informal language instead of polite language. People who haven't learned Korean formally don't know the different levels and might show the translation to a shopkeeper or say the sentence to someone without realizing it's impolite.

[@spyingonchanyeol7605]

@@abigailinkorea yeah that probably happens to and I honestly can’t blame people for doing that because learning languages can be really hard and actually saying what you’ve learned can be scary

[@Shotbyblevho]

Some of the interviewees talk like they've never lived in Korea🤦‍♂.. 1. YOU CAN WATCH YOUR PHONE WHEN YOU EAT. 2. 99% KOREAN SMOKERS SMOKE IN THE STREET. 3. YOU CAN CROSS YOUR LEG OR ARMS. IT'S 100% UNDERSTANDABLE. 4. DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE WAY YOU TALK (whether it is informal speech or polite speech).

[@user-zs6xq5dl2f]

이게 맞다 ~~~~~~~~~

[@nalbinalbii888]

@@user-zs6xq5dl2f 진짜? 그럼 다른 사람들에게 반말을 쓰 도 돼요? 아니면 존댓말

[@user-zs6xq5dl2f]

@@nalbinalbii888 당연히 어른이나 높은 분께는 존댓말 쓰는게 맞고 친구나 후배한테 반말 써도 된다 이말이에요

[@nalbinalbii888]

@@user-zs6xq5dl2f아 당연하죠!! 감사해요

[@like_mate_stop_procrastinating]

I'm going to Seoul in the spring and I think that if I try to speak Korean and i will mix formal with informal, people will realize that I don't speak like that on purpose😄in my language it is much easier to speak formal, just speak to someone in plural, but korean words differ not just by ending but sometimes whole word of phrase and thats what make the problem for me

[@linnsensuppe7433]

It’s interesting how the guy said Koreans don’t look at their phone while eating or listening to music. I most certainly can say that at least on university campus this is the opposite. Everyone who is eating alone - which is a lot - is on their phone watching videos and listening to music. Oh your with friends well not being on your phone seems like common sense no? I don’t think that’s exclusively Korean :) Also not smoking: I have never been to a country where more people smoke on the street than in Korea. In every corner, behind bushes? Behind cars squatting down to hide from CCTV. It seems quite funny to point that out as something foreigners shouldn’t do as this is not a particular foreigner problem in Korea. The point about 반말 (informal language) made me a little sad. Luckily from my experience most people in Korea have a big understanding for foreigners trying to learn Korean. Especially for those who’s language does not use any form of honorifics or politeness levels Korean is challenging. When Koreans get offended by foreigners trying to communicate and making and honest mistake while doing so it seems problematic to me. I don’t have the expectation for someone who does not speak my native language fluently to follow all politeness levels. As I said most Koreans will be understanding so don’t be discouraged to go out and speak what you have studied. That’s the only way to improve.

[@herstorylives7405]

I agree with the middle-age man (7:10), as humans we should be respectful and show manners no matter where we are in the world. We should always be respectful of another country's customs and culture when we are in that country. We should not be disrespectful but we should also not be disrespected, no matter where we are.

[@nwalden5744]

But Asians are they always violating black women rights there

[@ns645]

Lots of people eating by themselves will just stare at their phones and watch KZbin while eating (in Korea). I see it everyday.

[@busysloth6592]

I am Korean and think he means it can be disrespectful to look at cell phone while eating in someone's company and I believe it is true cross cultures. Funny thing is I do it all the time at home eating with family, which is usually reprimanded by Korean parents. But nobody cares what you do when eating by yourself in Korea.😊

[@JuzzMe-xu4mu]

@@busysloth6592 Yeah, I would understand why they would see it as rude. It would come off as though you are not interested in talking to the people around you although that might not be the case. 😊

[@kamimoos]

great video! really insightful as to what behaviours koreans deem acceptable/unacceptable from foreigners. i've had plans to visit korea for a while and your content always teaches me new things 👍 have you ever thought that their responses might not be genuine because you are visually foreign by korean standards? would you ever consider doing a video with a korean friend where you ask the same questions about foreign visitors and compare responses to see how they differ? i always think koreans may not be saying what's truly on their minds because they don't want to make you uncomfortable with what they really think. maybe this could be an idea for a future video!

[@flexthetape7839]

My thoughts exactly!

[@andresdalessandro9664]

Hey Weaboo, that's Japanese. Koreans do not hide.

[@kamimoos]

@@andresdalessandro9664 i know you ain't talking to me 💀

[@FlavorofMind]

That is indeed a great idea for another video. As someone with friends and family in Korea, I think about this often!

[@px9ik]

Just because someone caters a response to the person speaking to them doesn't mean those thoughts are less genuine. Anyone speaks differently depending on who they are talking to especially with a camera in front. Anyway I see these kinds of comments all the time as if Koreans are uniquely shady or not explicit with their thoughts and feelings. It's frustrating to see people project their stereotypes of Asians or Koreans here and not take the response as less genuine and also talk as if there is one way of thinking of Koreans when K explorer shows the diversity of perceptions and thoughts through his work. Sometimes people say more things to foreigners that they wouldn't say to other Koreans for fear of judgment from skinfolks. I actually think K Explorer is such a genuine person that people would be more genuine talking to him rather than a random Korean person who does not have the gift of opening people up like that. Anyway I'm tired of comments that keep wanting to see Koreans in very limiting ways.

[@melo3269]

There was like 2 things from the younger ones that I understand(take your shoes off when entering a home and using formal language). I REALLY don’t understand these ones: The photo one Don’t start fights Be respectful to people you first meet Be respectful to elders Don’t cross your legs or arms Don’t smoke while walking The first and last one are weird because Koreans do it all the time. The other ones are making me question do they really think we don’t have manners??? And the legs and arms one… like what? The older ones are making more sense to me. If those are actually true then pls tell me cause they just sound like personal annoyances.

[@Eenea]

Yeah I see Koreans doing their tik tok dance videos out in public and they are not blurring faces out of the people in the background. I have also seen photos they have taken in public, and they do not blur out faces. So why are they saying foreigners need to?

[@gabyheon21]

I think the youngest are not that happy with visitors in their country they are not secure of them self .

[@xgfreedom]

She probably said do not cross your legs and arms because that is how she was raised? Last one is legit illegal and many people just do it.

[@petercdowney]

All Asian cultures value respect for elders. But Koreans take it to another level.

[@thedisneyfan0918]

that's probably because they asked for permission afterwards. i've seen videos and photos that foreigners put up definitely without permission and it's not ok. @@Eenea

[@malaikajones4633]

When they said foreigners shouldn't smoke cigarettes, I was confused because so many people (Koreans) smoke and spit and I see cigarette buds all over the place. Although, I do understand it better when someone else said to rather not walk and smoke because there are designated smoking areas in Korea.

[@travis1271]

yeah some koreans just don't care but it's good to try and follow the rules.

[@princecoffee2349]

담배를 피지 말라는게 아니라 걸으면서(when you walking, no smoking) 담배를 피지 말라는겁니다. 뒤에 있는 사람이 냄새 다 맡아요

[@BrianHSC]

I thought the question is what are some cultural mistakes they might make because they don't know. Most Koreans will understand language mistakes. 1. NEVER wear or display rising sun flag. It's same as displaying Nazi symbol in Israel. Koreans may understand all other mistakes but not this one. 2. Don't write someone else's name in red pen. 3. Don't put spoons with concave side down (this is done to deceased) 4. Don't stick chopsticks inside rice bowl (same reason as above) 5. Don't enter Korean's house with shoes on. etc... I think the interviewer approached them suddenly and they couldn't think quickly. This is not a typical list Koreans will keep in their head. Even I had to think for couple minutes.

[@sakitoby1581]

This is great info. I've heard some of these before too. Another one is to hand something or receive something with both hands, rather than with only one hand. I think Japanese culture is the same way. In America nobody cares if you use only one hand, but in parts of Asia it's a matter of courtesy to use both. As far as I know.

[@Bananerose999]

Why can't you write someone else's name in red ?😮

[@Malalalaika]

JYP after he got his groove back 😅

[@sarahpark4207]

1:51 I hate how language police have affected Korean culture. "Niga" is a Korean word and we shouldn't have any problem saying it WHEN WE ARE IN KOREA. Great vid, btw.

[@Vistacraft82]

Dont just say it to a black person though, you could get a black eye before you get the chance to explain the difference

[@hungrychat7304]

Not really. Ppl don't give a damn and most blk ppl don't go to countries like Korea without learning the language first. The problem is that Koreans actually do say the N-word, which makes black ppl put a guard up.

[@nvmholo]

@@Vistacraft82 if they speak korean, why not?

[@ItsMeKera23]

I get it they’re in Korea and that Koreans are going to speak their language but then there are some Koreans who like to be slick and change up how they say it but they’re really saying the word

[@bhongfpv]

I'm ethnically 100% korean, but born and raised in America. Going to visit Korea for the 1st time in 2 weeks! Tbh im a little worried about getting into a fight over there, especially at night clubs. A few years ago, I interned at a Korean company. All of my co-workers were from Korea and they were 2-4 years older than me. They told me that if I ever went to Korea, I'd probably get into a fight because I am "rude" and one of them said I was very cocky. Although one noona tried to reassure me it wouldn't happen since I have a larger build and a bunch of tattoos. It was not very reassuring. But I dont know why they thought I was rude or cocky - I only spoke to them in English, which doesn't require honorifics and I honestly felt I acted professionally and treated them with the same respect that I would give to any co-worker of any ethnicity.

[@ot7stan207]

There’s a hierarchy with age. You aren’t seen as equals when dealing with older folks and the maknae or youngest tends to get stuck doing stuff for the older ones. I’m Chinese but worked in Korea for two years and I’m American by nationality. I couldn’t stand seeing that kind of system. Americans are very individualistic. Koreans are more group mentality (you can’t just leave the lunch table you eat slowly and wait for everyone to finish etc ). Don’t quote me on this but I’m sure I did a lot of things in Korea that was seen as rude but I had the foreigner pass since they knew I was American.

[@moonlitsky9321]

It could also be the way you talk or ask questions. For example, when some older person say “I like this restaurant’s hamburgers” and then you may ask innocently out of curiosity “why do you think so?” Or “why is that your favorite place?” In English or the English style of asking questions, it’s no problem at all. However, to a Korean, that could sound rude. That gives a nuance that you are challenging or cancelling his preference, and so he feels attacked. Direct questions sound rude. Then how would you ask those questions? You can ask like this: “wow, I like hamburgers, too. I’ve heard so many people liking that place and I always thought maybe I should go try it.” Then the dude will go on for the next 10 minutes telling you why he likes it there. There’s a cultural cue in the way you make conversations and if you fail to catch that, you will make enemies when you don’t even notice. At least they were nice enough to tell you about it, but I bet they may not even have a good answer to why they felt that way. To my personal experience, having lived almost one-third of my life in the States, that’s what I’ve observed and felt. This may not be your case but I hope it helps in some way to broaden your thoughts.

[@bhongfpv]

Update: I didn't get into a fight

[@sakitoby1581]

@@bhongfpv Did you enjoy your visit? If you are young and male, I imagine it's more likely that fights could happen anywhere esp in clubs, as young men tend to be feisty (haha). I'm glad you had no trouble. I really like what I've learned of the Korean culture; the age hierarchy and respect for elders appeals to me (even if I were younger it would) and I like the emphasis placed on regard for others' rights and courtesy towards others. I'm a middle aged American female so if I were to visit Korea I'd not be concerned about fights happening but I'd definitely wish to speak to Koreans as respectfully as possible. Speaking French helps me a bit in the sense that it also has a distinction between informal and formal forms of address (although not nearly so complicated as the Korean language.)

[@sungokpark9251]

It is difficult to know the difference unless you experience the culture directly. It's like Koreans don't fully understand the humor code of Americans. It's hard to know why you heard that because you didn't mention specific examples. It is certain that tattoos make a bad impression on most Koreans. For Koreans, tattoos are words related to rebelliousness, disloyalty, and crime. Unless it is very small, it is recommended to cover the tattoo on the broadcast, and if inevitably exposed, it is blurred.

[@Kimmy234L]

That's strange to hear, as if you view the Night-time Walk Through videos, I see hundreds of Koreans doing exactly the opposite to what they're saying in this video 🤔 And not to forget Korean school children and teenagers bullying... I'm not saying that foreigners are 100% perfect, but I don't think they're being completely honest there...does that stem from refusing to be open minded...refusing to look inwards...🤔🤷🏻‍♀️ ....BUT, the OLDER generation *SEE IT*

[@권용국-t1m]

They are just giving honest answer of what is regarded “bad” regardless of what ppl do. Also although bullying is issue, it isn’t as bad as before due to many reforms that happened due to popular attention to the issue. At this point media kinda exaggerates it…

[@Kimmy234L]

@@권용국-t1m that's semantics ...they were asked questions about how foreigners behave, and what they should do, or cease to do. ....and the school bullies, according to numerous websites, as of 2022 there was a surge of bullying.

[@권용국-t1m]

@@Kimmy234L Yeah, and they are saying what ppl should or shouldn't do, which also include foreignors. Unless you think foreignors aren't the same being ofc. I checked datas from Korean educational statistics service and KOSIS as well as Ministry of Education but they all indicated dramatic drop since 2012,2013.

[@moakim4930]

Yeah sadly basic manners are a rare value these days

[@Kimmy234L]

@@권용국-t1m the video/questions is all about what Koreans think about Foreigners, and the do's and don'ts...that's the parameters.....and the statistics for the rapid increase (rose from 2017 onwards) of bullying is from South Korea The Ministry of Education. So it looks like we're going to have to Agree to Disagree on this one.

[@ballordie7477]

only older dudes were insightful, the kids didn’t make no sense

[@CPTCHRIS1]

Fr kids actually lame tbh

[@nathanmerritt1581]

Because they don't know s*** yet. They're not old enough to come for a proper perspective on things.

[@CPTCHRIS1]

@@nathanmerritt1581 crazy because I was insightful at a very young age but who knows everyone not the same

[@hyacinthmcdonald8595]

@@CPTCHRIS1 Exactly

[@Charles01343]

K kids are arrogant

[@TheMihig]

The first person looks like how JYP will look in 10-15 years :P

[@FlavorofMind]

🤣 I can't unsee that now...

[@isabellaakosuafraiku]

😂

[@TheACR10]

damn i know the eccentric old guy prefaced his statement but the way he excluded SEA countries was kinda hurtful as someone who is from SEA. hope other koreans dont share that sentiment

[@elangbam3115]

Me too very hurtful but there are still many other Koreans who are friends with people from our region

[@ot7stan207]

He’s probably specifying because of strengthening ties with those countries

[@이황가]

I love SEA. I often go on a trip SEA because I love the food there more than Korea.😂 I don't know which country you live in, but I like Thailand the most among the countries I have traveled to, and there are many people around me who agree with me. Not only Thailand, but most Koreans like to travel to SEA. Of course, travel and marriage are two different things, but please know that We don't hate SEA. I'm sorry you were hurt by his ignorant remarks.😢 I cannot say that there is no discrimination, but the younger generation will not agree with that opinion more and more in the future.

[@jamesm2441]

I'm Korean, and I love Southeast Asia. I think your region is very beautiful and diverse. Many Koreans enjoy going to your countries for tourism and travel. But I'd be lying if I said Koreans don't look down on SEA (except Singapore). Many do. They absolutely do. But there are also plenty of young and open-minded Koreans like me who don't. This pattern of people from richer, developed countries looking down on people from poorer, developing countries is nothing new. Westerners look down on anyone but themselves. They are just better at hiding it than say, Korean or Japanese people, because of political correctness. But if you talk to them, and listen to their opinion of the non-Western world, it's either they are completely ignorant and clueless, or have an inherent feeling of superiority. It's sad, but it is how it is. But don't let this reality detract you from liking Korea as a country because like I said there are also a lot of people like me who love you back. Likewise, I'm sure there are lots of people who dislike Korea and our culture in SEA, but that won't stop me from liking your region.

[@michaelrespicio5683]

Some of us make fun of the fact that so many Koreans hide behind plastic surgery just to comply with social pressure and be comfortable in their own skin. Then wonder why so many of them are (or will be) single, childless and depressed compared to, for instance, SEA countries

[@xamiraxx9181]

I feel like a lot of these views were hypocritical and one sided or biased. Idk I just feel like they assume since you’re foreign u lack basic manners, but me personally in the states I don’t wear my shoes inside (my house or others), I don’t call elders or other adults who are new to me by their first name I just thought it was basic manners. And from reading some comments from foreigners living in Korea and just some Koreans I came to see that the smoking thing happens often on the street there so? And the fighting thing I feel like they’re taking advantage of the fact that if you’re Korean you’ll have a better chance of getting way with something rather if you were a foreigner with a lack of knowledge on the laws if someone hits you hit em back LOL is how I was raised I guess my trip would end early.- and yes I’m African American🙂

[@Sarah.macleod]

i see so many people watching shows on their phone while eating

[@FlavorofMind]

Same - most definitely!

[@busysloth6592]

He means it's a no no in someone's company. It may come across as you don't care about his/her presence.

[@namisaito2406]

Almost all Korean people smoke cigarettes on the street and throw them away lol. I haven’t seen a lot of foreigners who do that, plus a lot of people always check what the person sit in next to him on tha subway, doing on his phone. They just literally look on the next persons phone 😒

[@busysloth6592]

Don't buy everything that is said on this video - especially advice of high schoolers. We are not that strict - especially with foreigners.

[@unka2007]

i have only seen them in small alleys.

[@princecoffee2349]

길거리가 아니라 걸으면서 담배 피지 말라는겁니다. 뒤에 있는 사람이 불쾌한 냄새를 다 맡습니다.

[@Anastasia.the.1st]

From an African POV, respect for our elders comes first. Something every African parent teaches thier children is, respect for elders is a must if you want to survive in an African home. if you know you know.

[@briankim2903]

Yes Africans(not African Americans) share a lot of the same values as Asians. Asians and African immigrants get along well in America.

[@Anastasia.the.1st]

@@briankim2903 Agreed.

[@anna-mariadavis5914]

@@briankim2903as an African American many African Americans are taught to respect our elders I really am tired of comments like these that disparage us it’s hurtful l. I am extremely respectful of elders as I was raised in church to black southern parents. We are not these evil disrespectful people that others paint us to be. You could have just talked about African people without singling us out and specifically say we are not respectful when many of us were raised to be respectful as well.

[@bastobasto4866]

@@anna-mariadavis5914 You're not African - you're an American with black skin. The term "Afro-American" really isn't that accurate. Not the same culture, not the same history, not the same struggles, not the same origins. Similarly, the original comment is wrong too; Africa isn't one monolithic entity - it's an extremely large & diverse continent. Making such a sweeping statement is ridiculous.

[@nalbinalbii888]

@@bastobasto4866 LMAO sure, just go and tell an entire race of people what they are. American isn't a race, nor is it an ethnicity.... if an African American got a DNA test, 80-90% is AFRICAN. you can't strip us from where we came from, our skin doesn't define race, and our people came from africa....there are similarities between African American and African culture, but it's obviously not the same, in America there are tons of different ethnicities and Africa is kind of homogeneous and rich in traditional culture. making something up like what you just said is honestly dumb

[@srey_p]

Funny how the Korean wave is huge in southeast Asia but SEA people are looked down upon visiting SK. That’s absurd to me. The young people are talking about being respectful yet SK blatantly shows their racism towards those of us that are SEA.

[@nandu8990]

The girls at 3:08 mentioned that its important in korea to value privacy of persons…then i would like to know why koreans itself dont follow this and invade their kpop idols’ and actors’ privacy….? Koreans really nead to understand this..becoz we international fans respect kpop idols a lot..and it hurts to see how korean fans can be soo disrespectful to them…..spread peace and love ❤

[@Grahamcracker6366]

Not smoke on the street? Lmfao. The two older men had the most sense.

[@reesemalo]

In certain areas in South Korea it's illegal to smoke on the main streets. You have to go to an alleyway to smoke

[@youngblood3907]

Where would the smoke go if you walked smoking on the street? The person walking behind will suffer damage. The cigarette smoke that stayed in your mouth touches my face and enters my nose. It's a very unpleasant thing. It's not much different from you spitting in my face. Therefore, smoking on the streets is a rude behavior in Korea. Smoking is also prohibited in restaurants and bars. If you want to smoke, you should smoke standing on one side of the street or a smoking area. We Koreans have been following the rules for decades.

[@puffgod3]

@@youngblood3907 yet korea has one of the highest smoking rates in the world. hmm, i wonder why that is. maybe we should let all the addicts hide in their alleyways and smoke their lungs out instead of giving a korean girl with a mask the scent of a cigarette

[@zerosity90]

not illegal but not wellcomed..

[@Vin.1904]

Most sense? First older guy is racist af, he prefer people from japan, US, europe over people from southeast asia, wtf dude??

[@bUtLUtu]

Also this video makes me wanna let korean people know what good manners are when they’re abroad

[@vamswolfmom4498]

It’s always great to know the culture of a country before visiting. It makes life a little easier for everyone.

[@chinthakadissanayaka9548]

I m from korea nice to know u

[@michaelrespicio5683]

It's interesting how they say politeness is a thing and yet many Korean people do not behave as such themselves as proven by the countless bad experiences people have had with them. Just a bunch of virtue signalling on their part. Also, I am a little confused with what the guy said at 4:30 when he says that he prefers Koreans becoming multicultural with people from Japan, North America and Europe. First, there's no mention of Africa or Latin America. Second, I'm Southeast Asian and those remarks feel a bit like discrimination, but then again, I suppose that's the only thing Korean people are good at. What a shame considering how many of them go to SEA for travel and learn English in the Philippines.

[@98765432123456789000]

theres a huge disparity between the ages, notice how all the young koreans said the same thing and the old people said the same thing? old koreans are generally louder and dont have similar regards for social norms as they grew up in a rougher environment. I see similarity in China too, between the people in the developed cities vs rural having this split mentality. Koreans generally want people who are robotic so to speak, single file lines, all abiding same manners and whatnot. Theres a few strict countries like that like Japan, Switzerland and germany to an extent and i fully understand what they mean. Its like a nation full of people with OCD, and generally in southern asia people are more lively, more fluid and almost seen chaotic perhaps? your right with the discrimination thing, korea had a caste system based on wealth, well it was only 2 tier society, and if this was filmed in the 70s, the old guys would've said we want people from south asia to come instead since they were seen as rich back in the days

[@greg1083]

Sounded racist to me. They feel the same way about Filipinos.

[@Unknown-un5pu]

Do you think Koreans are all bad people and not polite? There will be rude and bad people in your country too and nevertheless people will say that politeness is important in society. Korea is a Confucian society so formal etiquette is important. That's why they gave advice to foreigners. They didn't say that Koreans are all polite and foreigners are not. Western culture is different and there are other ways of politeness that some are not familiar with in Korea so they talk about it. And in Korea foreigners are 6~7% of the total population most of them are from Southeast Asia and about 1% of them are Westerners. Also 20% of foreigners in Korea are illegal immigrants and most of them are from Southeast Asia. The 1st and 2nd illegal immigrants are from Vietnam or Thailand. These days foreign crimes such as drug distribution and violence are also increasing. I mean there are already too many Southeast Asians in Korea so I think people might want foreigners from other countries. And honestly I think it's true that any country more prefers immigrants from developed countries. Doesn't your country also have preferred immigrants? You seem to hate Koreans so don't you prefer Japanese or Americans or Europeans to immigrate to your country? It's just that people don't speak but I think every country has its own preferred immigrants. And that man didn't say he didn't like Southeast Asians coming he just said he wanted more foreigners from developed countries to come.

[@greg1083]

@@Unknown-un5pu of course not. That would be a racist attitude.

[@greg1083]

@@Unknown-un5pu Don't hate Koreans. My country does not have preferred immigrants but rather people with certain skill sets. If there is a shortage of a skilled profession a company may be granted a certain number of special work permits for that profession to hire and live in our country. Currently there is a huge shortfall for accountants in our country. Know any Koreans with accounting degrees who need a well paying job in the USA ? We do have an illegal immigrant problem and when caught they are sent back to their country of origin. The companies who hire illegals are fined. The huge number of migrants currently trying to cross are borders are undocumented. Crossing makes them illegals and they are detained and sent back to their country of origin. Of course he didn't say he didn't like SE Asians. That would be a case of blatant racism. He just tried talk around the racism. As for the crime statistics, they can and maybe are manipulated .

[@michellemckinney4678]

Excellent point at the 1:50 mark the young lady made about “you” in Korean. I’m Black and when I first heard that word in Suga’s rap in BTS’ ‘Home’ I was like 🤨, but now I know. Another helpful and great post!

[@littlefishiesinthese]

Lmao the boys at 1:40.. those are just general don'ts. The smoking one surprised me because if you walk around Itaewon, hongdae, and Gangnam on the weekend there's Korean youth smoking EVERYWHERE. You can barely breathe. I was suprised by how many korean people my age smoked!

[@vatefairefoutre0]

lol I have literally never seen foreigners smoking in public/streets in Korea and I lived there for like 5 years though??? it was always young Korean dudes smoking and spitting everywhere, especially near PC Bangs and the like. so on that point... like uh... what? LOL. idk... I lived in Busan too. maybe Seoul people are more polite with smoking? dudes in Busan certainly weren't though. the amount of cig butts and spit disgusted me at times, I'd audibly go "EEEEEW" when I'd see dudes do that in front of me hahaha.

[@ilovepizza1787]

Va te faire foutre lmaoo I'm the only one who gets ur username😭

[@tesla3388]

This is right. As a Korean, admit!

[@권용국-t1m]

They are honestly just saying what not to do in Korean society regardless of whether or not you are Korean

[@jlee2383]

@@권용국-t1m that’s what I thought, but it seems strange. Is he unaware that so many Koreans do that? So.. why tell the foreigners not to do it?

[@권용국-t1m]

@@jlee2383 Because that was the question and purpose of the interview.

[@MC-ib5xc]

As a Korean American it’s interesting to read so many comments that are so angry at Koreans being racist and picking fights based on their experience there or someone they know. It’s not right to have that kind of experience sure. I or many other Korean Americans who go to other countries also experience unfair racism and have the authorities, police or government side with their “own” if they have to choose a side. As I got older I realized that I could avoid it for the most part by changing a few things. But.. Even as an American born and American citizen, Asian Americans experience racism in the only country they know. Their OWN country sides with people who are their own skin color - and don’t care that I am also a citizen just like them. I don’t hate America or any country for treating me or others that I know with racism. In my life I know to surround myself with good people. There is no country that is all bad or all good. I see a lot of hate for a whole country here based on someone’s one experience with one or a few people. You shouldn’t let an experienced define a whole country and all its people in it. There is no perfect country and we would all be hypocrites because you are now being racist based on your experience with that one or two people. It’s a vicious cycle of racism and hate that never ends. There are millions of people in a country.. you are bound to have good and bad people in any large group. I tend to now avoid clubs or busy drinking places as I noticed that is where trouble usually lies in foreign countries. Also on the same thought.. I see a lot of Koreans get in trouble in Korea all the time with police, people etc. obviously that is not racism because everyone is Korean involved. Sometimes it’s the people you choose around you and places you go. My foreigner friends have a great time with me with zero trouble every time we go to Korea.

[@skatingcanuck9837]

I just have to say your new hairstyle looks sleek and elegant!

[@like_mate_stop_procrastinating]

one girl said that we shouldn't talk informally when we meet someone for the first time. I'm a little sorry because for me, as a person whose native language has nothing in common with Korean, it's really hard to learn both versions, which sometimes differ not only by the ending of the word, but by the whole word or phrase. (and iam not even talking about the fact that iam slovak, learning korean in english)I hoped that with me, as a foreigner, they would appreciate that I can say at least something😅 like iam trying my best to learn both ways but when i need to talk, i often make mistakes even in english 😓

[@travis1271]

some korean people mention that most koreans can guess how you mean something with your actions or how you express it.

[@mooneeponds2369]

Those young people would hate it here in the U.S.A

[@puffgod3]

yep and they idolise it for being the 'land of dreams' wow im gonna go to yale and become a lawyer and come back to korea and be depressed and an alcoholic by the time im 50 . great life

[@knathanknathan]

I feel like they’re foreigners so you as Koreans should understand and don’t try to change people. Some people hate being corrected when you’re a stranger to them.

[@sl2861]

I don’t know how representative these perspectives are of most Koreans. E.g., the middle-aged Korean man thinking that all foreigners are polite and never rude or the younger Koreans getting upset if foreigners speak in informal language. This is actually the reverse of what I find. I cringed when the young woman equated saying “you” with the “N word” in the US. I don’t think she has any understanding of US history or the cultural & psychological depths of the “N word.” It’s more like being in the middle of a civil, even if disagreeable conversation, and suddenly saying, “Now look here, BUBB!” It’s impolite without actually using a terribly impolite word, but rather saying a regular word at an inappropriate time. In this case, Koreans intentionally call the other person “you” to make clear their intention to pick a fight. However, if you wrote the word by itself on a piece of paper, no Korean would read it and think it was a bad word. In fact, the specific word for you the Korean used in this interview, “dangshin,” is actually the word for “you” that close adults, like spouses, call each other. As for picking fights, I rarely, if ever, see foreign tourists picking fights in Korea, except the occasional drunk American GI, but I’ve certainly seen “unsavory” Korean men or cranky old Koreans pick fights with polite tourists over some obvious misunderstanding. However, this happens MUCH less commonly in Korea than 30 years ago, when I’d often see Korean men in auto accidents screaming and sometimes brawling on the side of the road. That never happens these days. But the thing that made me laugh the most was the young Korean fellow who said foreigners should not stare so much at others. This is one of the MOST common things that shock Western tourists visiting Korea - the way adult Koreans, even in Seoul, gawk with endless jaw-dropping stares at foreigners who look different in almost any obvious way. They don’t mean to be rude or to offend. It’s more a naive behavior that’s slowly - SLOWLY - getting better. In reality, Korean people are generally extremely polite, often bend over backwards to be helpful, and try to be very understanding with foreigners, who they know aren’t familiar with Korean customs or the very difficult Korean language. The interviewer’s EXCELLENT Korean language skills (3 thumbs up!) are rare, and a foreigner who has made the effort to learn Korean, even with huge mistakes in formality, will often hear tremendous praise from Koreans, who are thrilled that the foreigners care enough to try speaking such a difficult language. So potential visitors to Korea, please don’t worry too much about visiting or saying the wrong thing. The only way to learn and improve your Korean is to use it, mistakes and all. If your intentions are good and sincere, Koreans will almost always understand. If you’re trying your best to be polite and the rare Korean gets angry, just move on and don’t let them ruin your time here! (But DON’T wear shoes inside a Korean home! Koreans will understand that it was most likely an unintentional mistake, but think of it as similar to taking off your shoes and putting them on someone’s dining table. It’s putting dirt on someplace that’s meticulously kept as extremely clean.)

[@korrie7]

But I cross my arms when I'm stressed or anxious... and I am very polite. For example, if the moment of socializing is awkward I start to do something with my arms (involuntary) or playing with my fingers, or crossing my arms... I think before judging someone is better to try to understand why that person is acting in that way. It is ok to do a right judgment, yes, but it is not ok to judge hastily.

[@busysloth6592]

I am Korean and I do it all the time. Just be careful in formal situations or with elders.

[@elmidero]

I have to say I'm surprised to hear that. I live in Seoul. The Korean people smoke a lot and speak loudly.

[@busysloth6592]

As a Korean, Everyone in the video seems to be just talking about their personal pet peeve's. We are not that strict. 😂

[@travis1271]

in every country there is people who don't care but it's best to follow the rules

[@RandomShowerThoughts]

When I was in Korea, everyone was so damn nice. I miss it

[@youtubeluisteren3985]

nice video good to see you active again!! :D could you do a in depth interview with foreigners that started diffrent businesses in south korea? you would get a great CPM from youtube & i would find it super cool cause their is so little info to find about it !! or maybe someone that interviews you would also be cool!! good luck !

[@KExplorer]

I’m currently working on some projects regarding that. Look forward to it

[@axnyslie]

Good advice. I will be in Seoul in March so I will be mindful with my camera around people and only focus on the landmarks and buildings. In a sense good manners are universal so just be polite and respectful anywhere and you'll be fine. The worst thing you can do as a foreign visitor is have a sense of entitlement. You are a guest so behave like one.

[@myahn95]

I’m Korean. I totally agree.😊

[@lil.brietto]

A lot of Koreans do a lot of these things they were saying foreigners shouldn't do xD The only one I haven't seen a Korean do is wear their shoes on inside when they are supposed to take them off. All the rest.....I have def seen Koreans and foreigners alike doing all these no no's hahha....numerous times. Interesting video! Thanks for sharing!!

[@hyacinthmcdonald8595]

Seriously it fake saying oh you should Not it do this or that but they doing behind your back in their privacy

[@duff0120]

i would love to see u interviewing north koreans that have escaped the north and got a new life in south korea. how different their life etc is now

[@jh-nl8yf]

1:06 i guess what he said only applies to when ur eating with sb else

[@williamseymour2509]

I am currently living in Danyang South Korea. The culture has really change since my last visit. That was more than 30 years ago. I am keeping my promise to my wife of spending some time living in her place of birth, after she spent 30 years with me in the states. I heard some of the young people giving their Do's and Don'ts. I am puzzle about one. We like to eat out at times and when we do, I see a lot of young and old Korean on their phones talking or viewing KZbin. I attempt to follow the culture norms as much as possible. Being black I do get a few stares, but have never experience any negativity or disrespect. The politeness and kindness of the people that we have come in contact with need to be mentioned. We will be relocating from this location soon. I am going to miss it. Danyang is a lovely region.

[@areumiika]

This video got me all types of confused? Korean's smoke on the street all day long. Even at my apartment complex, people just walk downstairs and smoke outside, even with signs posted to not smoke in that area. The thing about 반말 also stunned me... Korean people will say all day long how hard English is and that they can't speak English (even though they learn it for years, starting from 3rd grade), but then expect foreigners to use 존댓말? I can't speak for every foreigner... but we don't use 반말 to be rude, and as most comments have said... English doesn't have that system of formality in our language... now I'm not saying we shouldn't try or just get an easy free pass for it... but if English is hard to learn, have the same sympathy for people who are trying to learn Korean. So random but I had an experience on the subway with an older man watching my phone and laughing at my TikToks... I glance at a phone if it's placed in front of me, but I don't care what y'all be doing on your phones XD Also interesting she brought up the point of private things being valuable, but at the same time your every single move is tracked in Korea, CCTV, QR Codes (previously), needing ID card/phone number to do literally anything, etc. Found it so interesting that the older gentlemen here had more compassion towards foreigners and gave good general life advice. I think this video shows how much societal pressure the younger Korean generation faces... seems like they fail to realize that as a foreigner, we may live in the same country but our societies are different. A lot of foreigners living in Korea don't have a lot of opportunities to live within the society, as most of us tend to make friends with other foreigners. So we don't have that pressure to conform to the standards that other Korean people place on themselves and each other. We (foreigners), I believe, try our best to respect and live within the culture as best as we can.

[@a.l.5653]

Sounds like a hell of a place for me. Sorry, don't want to be rude, why did you go live there?

[@clbert7460]

I find it interesting that the younger people refer to historically socially acceptable behavior which they learned from their elders and the elders complain about their own young people’s behavior. But elders complain about the younger folks in every country! 😂 And I’m sorry..I will be using a translator on my phone when I visit. No matter, it is is alway important to learn about culture and acceptable behavior when visiting any country.

[@m_sr406]

I get some of these pieces of advice, BUT i'm a Black woman and when I went to to visit my older sister in Korea I literally lost track of the amount of people who would take photos with me, whether they asked or not.

[@aayushizain7271]

1.18 His comment regarding food is so apt. No one should do that. Its respectful to food and good for health too

[@crcifix]

a lot of these behaviours are really just like in general disrespectful so im kind of curious on the outlook that koreans have on foreigners? esp with things such as dont stare at someones phone, use formal language with new people, dont use your phone when having meals with others, etc..

[@1xxr1919]

I feel like most of these points generally apply in every country

[@mjspyt7777]

I watch a lot of Kdramas and I remember the first time someone said that word and I was like, "What did you just say??" lol My Korean friend had to explain that they aren't being rude/racist.

[@ot7stan207]

Chinese has the same word that sounds like the n word that means yours etc too. A lot of languages have ni ga as a phrase.

[@ashtonhashbrown6155]

I never understood the shoe thing here in the US. I've never worn shoes in the house except when coming inside, I'd hate to have dirt and gunk all over my floors. I would suppose some people don't care about the sanitation when it comes to their living space.

[@ns645]

Korean elders really dislike SE Asians :(. In my experience younger people are a little better about it but damn, that mentality seems really common. It's hard. SE Asians are so friendly and kind.

[@jhyuu19]

His sentiment is quite concerning. I'm SE Asian & about to travel to S.Korea sometime this year. I can speak/understand Korean & I'm worried that I'll hear S.Koreans say something racist/condescending about me in Korean just because I'm SE Asian & I'll understand it.

[@ns645]

@@jhyuu19 possible about you, but never directly to you.

[@nwalden5744]

“Don’t pick fights “ meanwhile ALL their shows they fighting lol

[@TheRukuta]

Everyone who is younger than 40, who eats alone in Korea, does it while looking at their phone xD xD Like not having a phone and eating without it is even more weird xD And in University cafeterias even friends will literally sit together and still look at their phones while eating.

[@beltrangarrote1982]

I get Koreans. Spanish has a polite and casual form and foreigners get confused and frustrated with it. Well…that’s how our language works so…buckle up and learn it. And same thing with elders. They complain the youth is loosing the proper way and don’t know how to talk.

[@michaelcorbett4236]

The funny thing is that English doesn't have an informal form. Not anymore. I only found this out studying Asian languages. For some reason when you are learning other languages as an English speaker, the informal form of you in another language is often associated with English "you" which is the polite form. But you are told that they are the same. So in English the way you speak if often a determinant of politeness rather than using different verbs and honorifics. My wife is originally from the Philippines and speaks English since birth, yet she still does the "What?" when asking what someone said. In the UK and Ireland ( and I believe in other places ) that can be really rude. "I didn't hear you. What did you just say there?" "Sorry. What was that?" would be considered more polite as long as you weren't raising your voice too loud. So if you didn't know Korean that well but were trying to convey this type of meaning it would be confusing for an English-speaking foreigner. You'd think you were being polite.

[@Maison_Tae]

why does no one talk about receiving things with one hand?? I'm pretty sure giving and receiving things with two hands is the norm here in Korea but it doesn't seem to come up much

[@blue3374]

Yes!! I think that is a far bigger problem than any of the "problems" mentioned in this video lmao

[@gg025]

Surprised at the smoking comment. When I was in Seoul ~10 years ago smoking was very prevalent and casual. Have times changed that much?

[@Shotbyblevho]

That's what I'm saying.. lol

[@puffgod3]

no everyone in korea still smokes a shit ton

[@Sophiaaasophiaaa]

I mean there actually is a way to blend into every society, as a foreigner at least. I've never been to Korea, but I've moved countries, and overall I can say that if you don't know the rules and language 100%, take what you know and do it almost better then the locals themselves. I personally moved from Germany to Russia, and I have both nationalities, but I basically knew Russian on the a2 level when I moved. It made me very anxious and stuff to be viewed as 'that foreigner not blending in', but then I realized we're all different anyways. In russia people aren't particularly nice, they never smile, often don't say hello and goodbye even as cashiers, they're very direct and have no filter. They like when things are easy and fast. So what I started doing is just being incredibly nice, and smiling, always greeting people, saying thank you, making no fuzz, basically I now can completely be stress free in almost every situation to the point where people think I was born and raised here and am just over the top nice. That being said: it's completely understandable that some things are acceptable for koreans, but not for foreigners. It's a very Grey and dangerous line, ik. But it's their country after all. Ofc no korean should be entitled to pick up a fight with a foreigner. Or be disrespectful in general. But the thing is, they don't have to assimilate, the foreigners have to to a certain extend. So basically: if someone's being a complete dick, give them shit for it. Don't risk your visa, or at least try to. But if it's about stuff like honorifics, if you know them, use them correctly. If you're not that save with them, bow a lot. Smile. Be kind. If someone asks you to put out your cigarette, put out your cigarette and go somewhere else to smoke. Be very attentive and open. Just never be negative in any way. It's hard, but it is what it is. With that, most people will like you and accept you.

[@1Skorpia]

American culture is "me " based. Korean culture is about thinking of other people. Almost opposites. Also honorifics is huge over there. How you talk to elders. For example waiting to eat so that elder takes first bite, drinking turned away from elder. Being loud is a huge no no. Littering ( carry your garbage). Being polite at all times , considerate and well mannered is very important in Korea.

[@roshi8955]

Lol, JYP looking real sassy here

[@dize.nozaki]

Ohhhh the reporter has a wonderful Korean pronunciation and a beautiful voice! With all the respect, he's very handsome and shows a beautiful politeness.

[@emiliakahenge]

Can you try asking , WHAT FOREIGN CAN DO TO START A CONVERSATION WITH SOMEONE THEY LIKE…. I noticed their shy to talk to someone they like, how can one show interest without overdoing it.

[@RiceCake404]

U sure these people are Korean living in Korea ?? These people don’t seem to know about Korea much, everything that they mentioned were done by Korean themselves, many time I have seen Korean slurping their noodle while holding their phone on the other hand, smoking on the street, and videos and selfies everywhere just go look at their TikTok they don't even blur anybody's face out but yes yes keeps talking The elders are surprisingly more open mind and right. 😂😂

[@francescaluciagreco]

존댓말과 반말 잘 쓰기 중요한건 맞긴한데 외국인 시선에는 한국어 아직 부족한다면 헷갈릴수도 있어요. 저희 외국인분들 일부러 하는 행동 아니지만, 아직 배우고 있어서 그런거 같아요 :)

[@bbee5325]

젊은이들이 더 문제라면서 바로 동남아 사람들에게 쌍욕에 가까운 멸시를 보여주는 어르신

[@PP-yv7cv]

The 1st guy looks like Jyp but older

[@NicoNMY]

All these comments in the video are very hypocritical because Koreans do all these things waaay more than foreigners. The only comments that made sense are the ones given by the elderly gentlemen.

[@joshhale9355]

So the people that have way more life experience, it boils down to “just don’t be rude and obnoxious” which should be the case for anywhere you visit.

[@tijldeclerck7772]

"When you're smoking on the street, you're harming a lot of people" lol

[@hungrychat7304]

@@Startrise1 Koreans on videos like this always say shit like that to foreigners bc they're foreigners. It's xenophobia bc they don't care when their ppl do it

[@julianasilva6946]

what is so funny? People don't smoke around others where I'm from because this is considered rude, even if you are on the street you should distance yourself from others, so I get what she is saying.

[@TheDavisEmpire]

@@julianasilva6946 but notice how most of them said that, kinda like they had a preconceived notion that if not all, MOST foreigners smoke weed.

[@julianasilva6946]

@@TheDavisEmpire oh I forgot they are talking about weed lol I was talking about regular cigarrettes

[@TheDavisEmpire]

@@julianasilva6946 ohhh, I see!

[@homiekeen23]

Probably the phone while eating thing is about when you're eating with someone/a group

[@c6lmiyu]

Living in Korea for few years now and speaking a nearly perfect Korean, I do not count anymore the amount of Korean people using 반말 (younger people most often) to me because they assume that all foreigners are from English speaking country ... so that we do not use 높임말 😅😂.. In my opinion, at least a lot of foreigner even when they first come to Korea try to speak the basics. Could we say the same of Korean people visiting another country?

[@RachaelUjunwa]

They should also tell this to themselves cos everybody needs to be polite, not just foreigners.

[@michaelrespicio5683]

One can be on their best behavior and still experience discrimination. It has happened numerous times and many people have bad experiences with Korean people. On the other hand, Korean people go to other countries and walk around like they own the place, believing they are entitled to respect just because they exist as well as having K-pop and K-dramas that people worship so much. For example, they expect foreigners to know some Korean, but when Korean people themselves go abroad, they don't have to know the language and can barely speak English

[@권용국-t1m]

Never in my life I met any Korean who expect ppl know Korean outside of Korea lmao what are you selling. End of the day, you are more likely to see ppl only speak English even though they lived in Korea for years. But I guess this is generally quite common in Asia, where alot or expats don’t really learn the local language

[@michaelrespicio5683]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIGroJh5d9RpnNE This is a street interview with Koreans people trying to speak English. It's clear they struggle and they agreed to be in the video. Halfway though, they are asked what they think about foreigners in Korea knowing Korean. They basically say they appreciate it and believe it is fair that foreigners try, in other words, they expect it. And yet when Korean people go abroad and post travel vlogs online, very rarely do they even try to speak the local language, instead opting for broken English. Also coming from a Korean, I find you hard to believe. It's always virtue signalling with you people

[@권용국-t1m]

@@michaelrespicio5683 Yeah, and you are doing exactly the same by having prejudice and typical SEA behavior of hypocracy and insecurity. Always crying about racism and discrimination while doing the same stuff back home. Do I think Koreans should also learn foreign language? Yes and I try to promote that. Do I think it is wrong if they expect ppl in non-English speaking country to understand their broken English? Absolutely! But at the same time you are just crying and complaining about it as if it is 'Korean' thing, when this is very common everywhere ppl wishing ppl living in their country to know their language and relying heavily on English which generally regarded as lingua franca around the globe. Honestly why are you crying about it here if you are already making judgements and prejudice lmao. What makes you better than those racist Koreans who thinks Pinoys are illegal immigrants and criminals because of few crime cases

[@vampiremommysmilk6655]

Koreans go outside of Korea and do anything whatever they want and act like entitled?? Just admit you hate all Koreans. And when Koreans go abraod and expect foreigners to speak Korean? 🤣 You are the one judging all Koreans but acting like woke 🤣

[@vampiremommysmilk6655]

You are saying all Koreans are rude but you are also acting like Koreans you hate 🤣

[@faeriiluvr7780]

i’m not korean but even i think it’s disrespectful to be on your phone too much while eating and i also think it’s bad.

[@JH-jb6yo]

Well we all have different values and cultural differences. What maybe disrespectful to you, may not be seen as disrespectful somewhere else or to other ppl.

[@veroqawsed]

when I was scrolling through the videos, I thought the guy in the thumbnail (3:15) was JYP for a second LOL. don't really agree with his opinions tho 😬 Great video as always! Thank you! You have great content and I love your style of interviewing.

[@Vin.1904]

Dude is racist af

[@yummyjennyy]

As a South East Asian (I am Malaysian), I must say I was very disappointed by the older gentleman’s (with the ear muffs)reply about multiculturalism; his preference being for Japanese, Americans and Europeans but not South East Asians. Is this a prevailing discriminatory attitude towards South East Asians in Korean society? I must say I’m most surprised because South East Asians are huge fan bases for k-dramas, k-pop, k-food etc. I’m visiting Korea for the first time in a few weeks and this has dampened down my initial excitement! I sincerely hope he is in a minority rather than a majority! 😂

[@Vin.1904]

Unfortunately thats the majority opinion, they're really racist to SEA country

[@yongan7228]

저분들은 어릴때 굶어서 매우 보수적입니다. 그분은 기간이 지난 불법체류자들때문에 사회가 어지러워진다고 생각해요. 일반화의 오류죠. 소수 나이많은분들의 편견이에요. 걱정하지마세요.

[@youngblood3907]

02:12.....대체 "저희나라"라고 하는 인간들은 언제쯤 사라질런지....그렇게 댓글로 다들 알려줘도 고쳐지지가 않네!!~~~

[@shaniasorbit]

The smoking one I understand but I’ve seen Koreans do exactly the same and what about Koreans smoking inside? What about then? Where the smoke is actually trapped due to insufficient ventilating. Or they blow it right in your face. I experienced this a lot

[@travis1271]

the ones smoking inside or on the street don't care about the rules this is just about thins to avoid doing

[@mursel2234]

dude, thanks to you, we learn more about the thoughts of korean people, thanks to you, we love koreans more :)

[@ZuLiAnO_FaRhAn]

Korea racist country

[@FlavorofMind]

Yep - hard agree. Love the simple approach and very useful aim of this channel!

[@elizabeth3230]

The younger people had me very confused with some of the things they had to say. They had A LOT of things foreigners shouldn’t do because their actions would be considered impolite. Yet, this is the same group of people that has no problem telling their peers that they are fat, the car that they drive isn’t good enough, they MUST wear makeup to work or they are considered ugly and offensive, the clothes they wear are not the “right” designer. The list goes on and on. And I cannot leave out the treatment of idols/entertainers and how they should ABSOLUTELY FORGET ABOUT BEING HUMAN! Because, you know, to behave as a human being would just be so damn rude!! Hilarious😅

[@travis1271]

just because you see people do these things doesn't mean you should do them

[@Prince_Of_NYC]

Amazing vid Keep it up🔥👏🏾

[@SalvationinCHRISTalone888]

🌴🌺Aloha from Hawaii. Well, I will NEVER have a problem with any of it bcz I have no desire to visit S K.

[@tkdgamerdavid]

haha they are right but the funny thing is that usually thats the common behavior for koreans. Watching what other people does on their phones while riding the subway,smoking while walking without caring about other people etc etc

[@busysloth6592]

I am Korean and I wouldn't take advice from those high schoolers. They are trying so hard on the interview 😂 They seem to list their personal pet peeve's.

[@travis1271]

the one about the phone was to not look at your phone in other peoples company and the smokin one was about not smoking on the streets

[@MsRRACHELL]

Agradecería tanto que activarán los subtitulos en todos los idiomas por favor🙏🏻🙏🏻,gracias de antemano

[@knathanknathan]

Dude’s Korean is so good

[@soilabelle]

0:44 Agree. Especially vloggers, take note. Not everyone wants to flaunt their beautiful and handsome face in your vids. 👀

[@tonybro2772]

First when in Foreign country learn the customs and social norms Especially if you're from a country that Everything is Centured around individual Rights Because Korea/ Asia culture is Collective Society where everyone sacrifice littlebits of their individual right to keeping the peace and social order and Also Becarful not to Judge other culture Habits Based on you're own culture Norms like sluping noise

[@loucoles1342]

I thought the man on the tumbnail was JYP😭

[@blu9371]

1:13 It s not that it s disrespectful, but from my experience, you can t even really concentrate on eating. You eat that food mindlessly and don t feel its true taste. I am a romanian , not a korean and i can relate to this so much.

[@busysloth6592]

He means while eating in someone's company. He ends with 'They just talk...'

[@mairiconnell6282]

How many of those interviewed have met foreigners??