Why I Love Traveling To Almaty Kazakhstan More than Seoul South Korea.

[@francoismarc3]

We've been covering heavy topics lately, so I thought to give you an easy-going video where you can see some differences between Seoul and one of my new favorite places to visit, Almaty, Kazakhstan. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!:)

[@Trisonss]

World should know more about the central asian countries ~ it has so much history the rest of the world don't know about ~

[@francoismarc3]

This is true. When I'm in Central Asia, just talking to random people uncovers a world of new information for me...there is so much to learn about the people migrations and other customs from this part of the world. I don't know why people don't visit Central Asia more often.

[@excshtorm7159]

Kazakh people are the most nices I've meet, but the Kazakh dudes are tough inside, I'm Bulgarian boxer, our team constantly went met them on sport camps

[@francoismarc3]

I've heard stories of Kazakh men's martial prowess hahaah

[@carlossantiago9657]

Ggg from Kazakhstan ​@@francoismarc3

[@misarabage1359]

I mysef lived abroad and met a lot of foregners here in almaty There is a distinct vibe in this city, and its very unique. It takes a certain type of person to match the vibe and if they do my God they love it. The city has A LOT to offer especially in terms of human relationships and experience, so if you saty longer you will that almaty local people are the best!

[@francoismarc3]

The next time I go to Almaty, I'll be there for one month!! I hope I can get the true vibe of the city!

[@DonnaJartin]

I recommend you go there in late September-early October. All the green trees turn yellow and city looks amazing ❤

[@francoismarc3]

@@DonnaJartin I wish I could!!! I heard it's magical!!!

[@magzhantursunbayev8534]

I love Almaty, climate is mild and surrounding nature is amazing!

[@francoismarc3]

You speak the truth!

[@aizhanmanapova4298]

Thank you for this video. Miss Almaty a lot. I couldn’t get used to the smells in Korea 😬 It was unbearable for me that i had to stay at home most of the time. Btw Almaty smells amazing in spring, coz all the green blooms 🥰

[@francoismarc3]

I'm missing Almaty more and more every day... Almaty always smells good to me for some reason!! There are many places in Seoul that do not smell pleasant during the summer, lol. I agree haha

[@blackbelt2000]

Kazakhstan is not as humid because they are not surrounded by ocean on 3 sides like Korea is. The Kazak air seems much more cleaner.

[@francoismarc3]

Agreed. I can immediately feel the difference in air pressure and humidity as soon as I land in Kazakhstan from Korea. The air being cleaner is why I think the green looks much more lush there! At least in comparison with Seoul's greenery.

[@aee0320]

Actually the air in Almaty is the most polluted in the country😅 Maybe cleaner compared to Seoul

[@saratulendi3706]

in Almaty living a lot of native koreans , they immigrated during USSR

[@francoismarc3]

Great info!!@

[@УрунбасарИставлетов]

Депортированных русскими с дальнего востока

[@Trisonss]

I m Korean and I would rather spend my summer in dry weather too, which is California but maybe I should spend them in Almaty which I am sure is much cheaper than LA lol~

[@francoismarc3]

Lol Almaty is definitely cheaper and probably more enjoyable! There are many things to do and you won't see see any drugs are anything around...

[@yernarmyngtay3523]

Fact sheet: There are around 22 Starbucks in Almaty

[@francoismarc3]

That's quite a lot, I think. But considering the population, maybe not so many?

[@Omarsayan]

Starbucks is much more expensive compared to independent coffee shops and other local coffee chains, hence not so many of them

[@ubushaevagulsagi8374]

@@Omarsayanalso Starbucks suck. Zebra coffee is much better

[@ashimov1970]

@@ubushaevagulsagi8374 🎯🎯

[@Justin-my2lz]

​@@ubushaevagulsagi8374 agreed 😂

[@Yerbolat-yx8im]

I am kazakh, but I have visited Almaty only once in my entire life. After such an amazing videos, I am so encouraged to visit it again! Really appreciate your effort and enthusiasm!

[@francoismarc3]

Hey, my pleasure! I love that city so much! Where in Kazakhstan do you live? Astana? You should go visit Amaty again soon!:)

[@BillNogami]

I love my City ❤😊 Almaty

[@francoismarc3]

You are lucky to live there!!::)

[@anzeiyahikari6418]

Thank you for visiting Kazakhstan again. I hope you will come to the capital Astana someday. Astana has beautiful mosques and the most beautiful sunset. K-pop and Korean dramas are very popular in Kazakhstan, so it is not surprising that CU has opened, but so far only in Almaty. But in other cities you can find many Korean products.

[@francoismarc3]

I wanted to go to Astana this time, but I was so busy! I'll make time to visit the capital next time, I'm sure!!

[@9099-w4n]

Astana is boring city, Almaty is better

[@9099-w4n]

Amazing, that you haven't find entrances to Green Bazar! You was only in a few meters in font of entrance

[@The-soup]

@@9099-w4n every city has own charm and something unique, don’t say that, Astana become a capital city and was made from nothing in such a short time, don’t be such a bore man

[@ashimov1970]

@@The-soup 🎯🎯

[@afiyakemarafa1997]

Hi my family and I ENJOY your Kazakhstan vlogs. I'm a newbie since I've been here maybe 5 days. Your enthusiasm is infectious! I'm fawning over Almaty now, especially this here tranquil part that you're traversing. Tysm

[@francoismarc3]

Sup, fam! Are you in Almaty now?? Almaty has a unique vibe that if you mesh with it, you'll be intoxicated by even the small obscure things of the city. If I understood you correctly and you are there, I hope you enjoy your time! Thanks for watching:)

[@afiyakemarafa1997]

@@francoismarc3 Hiya, I'm sorry, it's the way I worded my sentence. I meant you sold me on visiting Almaty, so planning a trip as we speak 🙂‍↔️ Your descriptive language is so evocative! 🥹 Pretty sure I'll enjoy 💯 You're welcome & have a good day!

[@francoismarc3]

@@afiyakemarafa1997 I got ya!! You'll definitely enjoy it. I'm jealous of you!!!:)

[@afiyakemarafa1997]

@@francoismarc3 The irony of the last part 😆😆 But thanks ✨

[@buzzzzombie]

Hey sis, come visit our city, tourists are always welcomed here

[@TheWanderingKid]

You were in Panfilov Park, my friend And you saw the beautiful Ascension Cathedral 😌 Almaty is so stunning! A real hidden gem of a city 🌳🌳 Love the edits, brother! I want to be in Almaty now 🥹🇰🇿

[@francoismarc3]

Thanks for letting me know! I can't wait to be back there!!!!:)

[@peacemaker7380]

You took the wrong entrance to green bazar. Yes, it's a pity that you could not see the real green bazar. But, maybe next time). Thank you for sharing your experience

[@francoismarc3]

I actually went inside during another time. I'll post that video later:) And thank you for watching!!!

[@misarabage1359]

Also you should go to International Nomad Games that takeplace in astana soon, its epic and worth seing

[@francoismarc3]

I'm back in Seoul now, unfortunately:( I'll have to try next year!

[@DonnaJartin]

If you're planning to go there in the near future, I would recommend you go there in late September-early October. All the green trees turn yellow and city looks amazing ❤

[@francoismarc3]

That would look gorgeous!!!

[@KroshkaKartoshka228]

in Kazakhstan there is a law, every driver of a car is obliged to let a pedestrian cross at a zebra crossing, if he does not do this, he will receive a fine. And also the law very strongly protects pedestrians in Kazakhstan, so drivers drive more carefully and vigilantly, here is such a punitive algorithm 🥰

[@francoismarc3]

This makes sense...I'm happy pedestrians are protected there! I saw some people crossing the streets in Alamaty not looking for other cars. I guess because they feel so protected by that law lol

[@PositiveMe100]

Welcome back to Kazakhstan!❤ Beeline is a russian company so they don’t serve Americans due to dual sanctions; Altel is a kazakh cell service

[@francoismarc3]

Hey, thanks for the welcome! Ahhhh, okay, now I understand!!! Appreciate this advice!

[@gazizbekmursali6145]

Hi Francois Marc, I am glad you enjoyed your stay in Almaty. Just fyi, please feel free to enter any mosque, anytime and anywhere in the planet. They are always open for everyone. Including the one in Almaty:)

[@francoismarc3]

Hey! Thank you so much for the information. I didn't know if I could go inside with shorts and a t-shirt...I know better for next time. Thanks so much!!

[@wladbader]

@francoismarc3 love your interpretation of a short trip to Almaty! I’m a Kazakhstani (not ethnical Kazakh) and I’ve been living in Almaty for 9 years already. Let me inform you of some of the sightseeings you’ve been to: 1. Ascension cathedral (an Orthodox Church) is neither soviet, nor Kazakh, it was built in 1904-1907, so it’s a period of Russian empire, not the USSR. 2. The painting on a bus stop was not a Muslim, but a woman in traditional Kazakh dressing which is barely connected to the religion. 3. Those trees you thought were oaks are actual oaks. 4. There are actually a lot of Starbucks affiliates here, more than 20 if I’m not mistaken. If you are about to come one more time, you’re welcome to be accompanied by an English speaker 😉

[@francoismarc3]

Hey! I appreciate your input so much! Your missive was clear and succinct:) When I return, I'll definitely have an English speaker with me:) I think I miss so much without having a local guide:)

[@wladbader]

@@francoismarc3 well, feel free to reach out when you’re back 😉

[@francoismarc3]

@@wladbader for sure!+

[@joshuaparker3792]

Hey, I just wanted to point out that the vast majority of ethnic Kazakhs are indeed Muslim, and our traditional clothing has strong ties to Islamic customs. The modesty reflected in the attire of Kazakh women is deeply rooted in our religious values. While it’s true that not every detail of our culture is solely based on religion, Islam has played a significant role in shaping our traditions and way of life over the centuries. So, in many ways, the clothing is not just ‘barely connected’ but very much aligned with Islamic principles

[@zelda.b8249]

Thank you very much I enjoyed your vlog abt my city. Hope you 'll find Green bazaar next time

[@francoismarc3]

I hope so too...the Green Bazaar looked amazing. I'll go next time! Thanks for watching:)

[@sadhu_board]

When you came to Almaty next time, please let me know, I will show you other best parts of City

[@francoismarc3]

Sounds great! Do you have Instagram?

[@sadhu_board]

@@francoismarc3 shaken_akhmet

[@BrianCatalano]

The one thing that always bothers me and doesn't seem to get talked about enough, how many cities suffer from thet summer sewage smell. Something I've never experienced in the US, so I was surprised to hear that problem inflicts Seoul too! Also, what's going on with Korean birthrates!? Either way, Almaty looks so nice...and good yo know its smells nice too!!

[@francoismarc3]

Seoul smells weird in some places during the summer...I guess it's unavoidable, but you can really tell some areas should be avoided (I mean standing in one place for too long). Koreans are just not having children...I heard it's because the housing is not affordable, so people only date and marry and not procreate. It's a video topic coming up soon. Now that I know about Almaty, I'll be going there for the foreseeable future to escape Koreans summers hahahh

[@joshuaparker3792]

@@francoismarc3 sorry for asking, but what kind of job do you do? I’ve heard that the work culture in South Korea is extremely demanding and that Koreans can’t afford to take breaks from their jobs. How do you manage to?

[@fsmithh]

Omg Francois Almaty is actually so mindblowingly beautiful to me right now 😍 It’s my first time commenting, I am a Nigerian woman born and raised in Munich Germany with a huge passion for Korea and East-Asia ✨☺️ which is why I follow you You know Francois as long as I could remember I would always jokingly use Kazakhstan as an example of an remote place far from civilization 🏜️ Because most of the people I meet , eventhough well travelled, don’t really know about Kazhakstan just like myself and just picture a vast, dry dessert for some reason So I would for example say: “…it’s not like you are traveling to an off the grid place like, idk Kazakhstan or something ..” Never meant to bash the country or insult anyone but I would just pick the ine country I don’t have a clue about - to get my point across I still feel so bad about it which is why I am sooo grateful to you Francois, because now I have a new travel destination I want to visit besides my dream places in East-Asia that are popular🥰 Kazakhstan is such a hidden gem!💎 and I looooove the lush greenery - 🌲 🌳 Now my empty imaginations of the country have been corrected - Thank you for that.😂 P.S I am planning to travel to Korea again soon and also to move there I hope we run across each other one day - bc there are a lot of coincidences and similarities between my life and yours that fascinate me all the time✨🩵

[@francoismarc3]

Hey, thanks so much for watching and supporting, even through the boring videos hahaha. Kazakhstan is a lovely country and Almaty just has this vibe I can't explain. I haven't even gotten to explore the countryside much, but from the little of what I've seen, it's magical. I hope you will be able to visit Kazakhstan soon! And when will you be coming to Seoul? Hit me up!!

[@fsmithh]

⁠​⁠@@francoismarc3 noo, I really enjoy watching your videos they aren’t boring at all to me ☺️✨ - and I agree! - I could sense glimpses of the unique atmosphere and vibe of Almaty through your videos - hope to experience it first hand soon 🙈 I will be back in Seoul around April/May next year actually ✨ so it’s still a while .. But I will definitely contact you so that we can schedule a day to meet up ☺️✨👍🏽

[@danelnaimanbaeva8867]

ooh it’s a pitty no one could explain how to get to the coffee shop you mentioned 😢 there is entrance to the main pavilion of the bazaar from zhibek zholy str. hopefully next time you will get there 👍🏼 the coffee is really good. we often go up there after shopping on a saturday or sunday morning ❤

[@francoismarc3]

I really wanted to go in there...I'll try next time! Thanks for your comment and please enjoy the coffee!!:)

[@elya31630]

Enjoy your stay bro!

[@francoismarc3]

Hey, really appreciate you!!!

[@Miotenko]

Thank you!

[@francoismarc3]

Thank you for watching and supporting!!:)

[@ayka8284]

Спасибо за видео, добро пожаловать в Казахстан ❤

[@francoismarc3]

My absolute pleasure! Thanks for the welcome!!♡♡♡

[@SabrageShow]

Welcome to my hometown bro, cheers for a pleasant feedback

[@francoismarc3]

Hey, thanks so much for watching! I love your city!:)

[@karinadtvdtvdtv2102]

Я была в Корее месяц и в трех разных городах: Сеул, Пусан и Чеджу. После поездки я поняла, что не хочу там жить, только приезжать в отпуск- люди толкают друг друга , не держат друг другу двери, очень много психически больных людей, которые набрасываются на иностранцев, а корейцы отворачиваются. Очень сильно дают тебе понять, что ты чужак и каждый день это чувствуешь, воняет на улице мусором - они выставляют тонны мусора прям на улицу, воняет канализацией, очень много пьяных людей с вечера начиная- запах перегара просто везде, я после еще больше полюбила свой Казахстан, свою Алмату

[@francoismarc3]

:( I'm sorry you had a bad experience here:( I guess not everyone likes where they travel, which is okay:)

[@mirkotej]

Bro, there are 22 Starbucks branches in Almaty.

[@francoismarc3]

I learned that after the video lol

[@renolz]

The trees that you called oaks are actually poplar trees. They are very typical for post Soviet countries. They also produce a lot of fluff in the summer and many people are allergic to it. Thanks for advertising our country 🇰🇿❤️

[@francoismarc3]

Thanks for letting me know that!! I love Kazakhstan l, so it's my pleasure to advertise the country! Really thank you so much for supporting!!!:)

[@maestroyang1]

Dry Almaty in summer explains all, period.

[@francoismarc3]

For the win!!!!

[@peacemaker7380]

I was in Suwon 2 month in Summer and i did not smell any sewage at all. The only thing that it was more hot and humid than i am used to, so it was a bit exhausting.

[@francoismarc3]

I only know that Seoul have smelly sewers. Maybe Suwon is better as there are fewer people:) Still hot down there though hahaha

[@kddderrkddderr7979]

Қош келдіңіз Қазақстанға

[@francoismarc3]

Thank you so much for welcoming me!!!:)

[@АйымНурали-щ3д]

😍😍😍

[@francoismarc3]

♡♡♡♡

[@Appleman291]

There are already about 10 starbucks points in Almaty. I guess the first one opened about 10 years ago or something

[@francoismarc3]

Thanks for letting me know!

[@Era101010]

btw this church in park 13:00 is made from wood only, legends says that there is no even a nail

[@Era101010]

and it even survived two terrible earthquakes

[@francoismarc3]

Woah, really? The only other structure I know where nails weren't used is in Thailand. Thanks for this info!!!

[@francoismarc3]

I didnt know there were big earthquakes in Kazakhstan!!

[@окоарадстс]

Love your videos! I am really curious about where you think women more beautiful? In Almaty or in Seoul)).

[@окоарадстс]

Of course in your opinion)

[@francoismarc3]

Hey, thanks so much! Hmmm, both places have incredibly beautiful women...its crazy.

[@francoismarc3]

Maybe slight edge to Kazakhstan because there is almost no plastic surgery there, just in my opinion!

[@окоарадстс]

@@francoismarc3 thak you for the answer! Wish you to Keed making good content

[@francoismarc3]

@@окоарадстс :)

[@jejudo3000]

Is kazakhstan colder than South Korea in winter?

[@francoismarc3]

Yes, but I think it feels colder in Korea than in Kazakhstan because the weather is so dry. Similar to Mongolian climate.

[@anzeiyahikari6418]

Kazakhstan is very big and winter is different everywhere. In the south of Kazakhstan it is quite warm. You can walk without a hat and in a coat. But in the north it can be very cold. Without a hat and a scarf you can freeze.

[@renolz]

I believe it is. The temperature can get down to -37 degrees in some parts of Kazakhstan in winter. Almaty is at the south so a bit warmer but still you may expect-20 in winter. Also, the capital of Kz Astana is the second coldest capital in the world after the capital of Mongolia, Ulan-Bator.

[@Tom-iv8gt]

There’re plenty of cameras on all KZ cities streets so if you drive even on yellow light you’ll get a fine around 20$ or more thus all drivers are well disciplined 😅

[@francoismarc3]

Hahahaha now it all makes sense! Lol

[@KroshkaKartoshka228]

Beeline is russian company, and you know)))

[@francoismarc3]

Now it all makes sense...I hope people stop fighting so we can all live well and peacefully together on this earth!!!

[@KroshkaKartoshka228]

@@francoismarc3 mee too, make Ukraine great again

[@Казахстан2030]

❤❤❤

[@francoismarc3]

♡♡♡♡

[@harrisonyoo7890]

I told you you are strong! People challenge you duels!

[@francoismarc3]

Lol I guess! Lol

[@harrisonyoo7890]

@@francoismarc3 Automatic!

[@francoismarc3]

@@harrisonyoo7890 lol