I left my phone in Seoul station overnight and ran the next morning to that bathroom stall and it was STILL there. And Seoul Station is a huge station. It was crazy. This is when I use to live in Korea as an English teacher.
@@luffyd.aceroger8254you should instantly try to connect your phone with them & blast music. Maybe someone would get embarrassed right there. Koreans normally don’t steal.
I don't know why, but the eldery wanting to talk and ask you where you're from sounds so sweet and adorable. Though, I am a extreme extrovert so that good totally be why.
As Korean, these kinds of interviews are really eye-opening. I come to understand foreigners in Korea much better and learn about my country better through them. Thank you, and keep up the good work, K Explorer. I would like to tell every foreigner visiting Korea: "Thank you everyone for coming to Korea. You are doing a great service to Koreans by visiting Korea. Moreover, by speaking up like this about the good and bad things about living in Korea as a foreigner, you are greatly contributing to making Korea a better place to live for both Koreans and expats. May your life be blessed and happy anywhere in the world!"
All well spoken, well dressed, good looking. Either you all were like that before or morphed into that after. In any case, kudos for all of you brave ones.
I’m in Korea at the moment and yes on the social anxiety thing. So many people stare intensely and it makes me self conscious because I’m also tall for a girl and on the chubby side (with a complex about my weight) so I don’t know what aspect about me they are staring at. So it can make me a bit self conscious. But on the flip side there have also been so many wonderful people I’ve met and have made me feel so amazing and are super friendly and over accomodating to make us feel welcome ❤
@@tracy4jester Koreans stare at foreigners because foreigners stand out. They also stare at kids, pretty people, dressed-up people. If you are young and beautiful, old people will stare a lot. On the other hand, if you dont look good (I.e. looks like you are a homeless, handicapped, dressed weirdly ), they will try hard not to look at you so they do not offend you. My daughter is pretty, and when she dresses shabby, people don't stare at her much. When she dresses up (skirt, tidy hair), she gets a lot of stares, especially from old people. They like looking at pretty, interesting people 😅 They are not judging you. They are “amused” at people. Old Koreans tend to say “going out to get fresh air and watch people” because they do enjoy watching people when they are out. 😂 You can say to yourself “oh, people look at me. Am I that pretty today?” - That‘s the way young Korean girls think 😅
Going (back) there in 2 weeks and I am scared. Last time I encountered an Ahjussi who wanted to do the nasties with me because I was (and still am) chubby. :/
Koreans just stare a lot, period, even at other Koreans. They're not taught that staring at people is rude like we are in western countries. But if you're a foreigner, you're really going to get stared at. They're just curious. And if you're fairly attractive, people will really stare at you.
@@Itoshimi I sensed that. And I highly doubt that most Koreans expect a foreigner (non-ethnic Korean) like herself to follow the unwritten rules of social etiquette.
The cigarette thing seems good to me, as a non smoker who has respiratory issues seems good not to be obligated to passive smoke everywhere all the time
I have bad social anxiety though! lol but at the same time, I’m used to it. I have just learned to deal with it. Knowing this stuff is helping to prepare me for it.
I just came back from Seoul for the first time on a 6 day trip and its pretty much spot on to what they're saying. Just wanted to add that there are so many restaurants and cafes here. The food here is amazing, its like three times cheaper in Seoul and the quality is twice as better than in the NYC area.
K Explorer (Jerry) you bring out the best in people for your interviews! Very interesting and entertaining. Thank you! 🌸🙂 Sending positive energy from the US - Korean American noona
Yes, korea has elders respect culture and sometimes they are not always right but still as member of society korean peoples still try to keep respect for them rather than embarrassed them its one of those social code people follow =3
I completely understand the pov of the partly russian girl, Ive had the same experience here but its best to realize that if you want to live and be part of the korean society then you need to oblige to these "unspoken rules", this is how the country functions and it is deeply rooted in the culture, there is a certain way to behave in society and you can either find it good or bad but if you want to live there instead of always being in conflict with it, its best to behave like how you are "supposed to", it will become much more comfortable for you or you will most prob become an outcast and that would limit your interactions with korean people.
Why? She’s correct, it should be called out that Korea is disturbing on many levels. In fact it’s very much a patriarchal society where everyone has to adhere to a rigid conformity, that you’re looked down upon if you step outside of the box of the rigid conformity. The reason Korea is a 98% homogeneous society is because they don’t allow people from other countries to become citizens because it would dilute their bloodlines. Westerners think Korea is like their Kdramas which isn’t true at all, in fact the opposite. And it’s the same within the Kpop world, the management companies control every aspect of these idols lives, what they can say & do even not allowing them to date, it’s all very very disturbing yet western fans have romanticised both Kdramas & idols yet in reality it doesn’t even exist. There’s also a lot of racism against any one of different ethnicities especially brown & black people. And what she said about their obsession with age is so true, it’s archaic, you have to be subservient to anyone that is older than yourself as it’s based on seniority rather than ability, even calling them by special names, it’s bizarre. So I think it’s great that she’s being honest and telling people watching the actual reality of living in Korea, especially the cultural aspects as opposed to a romanticised fantasy that doesn’t exist.
Personally, I agree and disagree with her. I think it depends on what unspoken rules she's talking about. I would have liked for her to elaborate on that, like examples. I also agree with her with them expecting you to follow these rules when you come here, like you might not even know about the rules.
@@bellabana it is disturbing for you and her and many foreigners and Korea is the way it is and should not change to accommodate to foreigners and it is also why many people are coming here. and lol what is it about “diluting their bloodline” are you even korean to talk like that? why do you act so obnoxious. people praise everything in dramas and idol shows they see, but all the negative aspects are also a foundation to what make the positive aspects of this culture. (like the age hierarchy even tho it is slowly fading away by the new gen) also racism is omnipresent in every countries, maybe you will feel it more here because people are not used to foreigners and might be blunt about it or you could misinterpret it with just korean people awkwardly trying not to to interact with you because they dont know how to express themselves in english. Maybe the guy saying no to black people didnt actually hate black people but didnt know how to say it in another way. I’m just saying because Ive seen the case many times but I’m not saying theres no racism. also Korea being 98% homogenous comes from its history and shouldn’t be seen as a negative effect? isnt the reason people come to korea to meet korean people?? I understand the way you think but Korea isn’t a theme park where you can change the attractions to your desire. But hey if you don’t like it no one is forcing you to come here, but if you are willing to come here and live for a long time, like I said you have to remove that “I grew up in a foreign country mindset” type. If you’re not willing to apply to the culture both good and bad aspects then it will only be difficult for you and obvs will make it even more difficult to see what the country and the culture has to offer.
@@bellabana It’s funny how you project yourself onto another culture and calling it archaic and bizarre just because it is different from your own. You talk like you have lived here for decades yet it feels like you know only little about Korea. but I don’t blame you because the people being interviewed always come from a similar background (occidental countries) and interviewed in the same areas. So the answers will always be kinda similar.
Ok, As a foreigner, I’m already in korea now and I’m already experiencing a lot like a lot!!! Just like what these interviewees said, they already said it but i have lots to say lol, overall I really enjoy Korea so much that I experience new things and culture ‘ And also what the woman says about the couple, so super true!!! Lots of couple around… I’m being like am I supposed to be coupled up or something haha
I get the DJ girl. When I moved to LA/Hollywood in the U.S and surrounded myself with only party people, I was also faced with white and hispanic men who fetishized me and asked me how expensive I was. I was drugged before, I was SA'ed on the street while walking home from a club, and the guys I dated there were incredibly toxic. One of my homegirls even got her nose and ribs broken by a gangbanger who had 3 guys find her and beat her up in her own home because she stood up for herself after he verbally abused her. Trashy and immoral people exist in ALL countries esp if you put yourself smack in the middle of shady places. Ofc you won't meet a long term partner at a club, or areas known for partying. And ofc you'll instead meet the most deplorable people in places like that. I think it's our responsibility to choose who we hang out with and where we hang out.
Korea may be modernized today, but you should have been in The Republic of Korea in the 1970s. I was in the US Army and Military Police, and a KATUSA was with me, the Katusa, and I had to drive to a place in Korea where there were no US troops. Man, the looks I received - nothing terrible. It was my third trip or tour to the Republic of Korea. I loved every moment.
What basic understanding is missing in people who say life isn’t like K dramas. K dramas are like any other country’s shows. They are all about difficult people and situations. A drama IS conflict. Even in the romances there is often a very human or dark subplot. I learned a fair amount from watching K dramas and when I went to Korea it helped me interact with people and situations a good amount. If they all mean you won’t find a good looking, nice partner with a decent job to have a romance with, aren’t we talking about their naïveté? In 2024 everyone has grown up with tv and films. They may be romantic or optimists or cynical in how they relate to Korea. But they don’t need to be told what they watch on tv isn’t real.
Just got back from Korea and I have to say I 100% disagree on that girl's comments about social anxiety! In my experience it was the complete opposite. I found most people stick to themselves, don't stare and never start random conversations.
after living in korea for two years i would say most of it is just focusing on your own life being happy and yes it can be selfish. but once you try to understand that hard society youll lose yourself, thats why i reccomand not to club too often and drink because its just not as western cultures and people must use you especially if youre a women.
the racism is rife in some of these comments, the girl made a tiktok straight after she got rejected from the uber. it was on uber and she reported it, do people expect her to be recording whilst getting into and uber and not knowing she would be rejected. she speaks korean fluently on her tiktok and i’ve been following her for ages, so yes she understands korean.. there are good drivers and some damn bad ones, unfortunately she crossed paths with a bad one
I love the Russian. I love Russians. They're my favorite why tea people! 😂 Also Jeremy from the US is cool. Really like his openness and expressiveness. My kinda guy! I'm also a black guy from the US, fyi.
14:46 This is a big exaggeration. Most Koreans are quiet and do not spit. Korea is fairly clean, except for a few areas. There is a level of irreverence that can be seen as disrespectful in Korea, so I am not surprised that elders do not take well to her, especially when she describes elders with their “shitty English”. If you expect to be received well, you should come with a modest attitude. Not everything is a joke. People don’t like to be made fun of.
13:42 How arrogant and it has nothing to do with her being young. I've seen people of all ages with this attitude. You don't go to another country and expect them to adapt to you. If you don't like their culture, find a country that shares your beliefs. 10:02 you make yourself a "them" by not embracing their culture and not living by their norms, especially if you're not respecting elders 7:12. Can't have it both ways.
Hearing the words of the Russian girl breaks my heart. As a Korean girl, I completely empathize with her feelings. In Korea, countless sexual offenders and child predators receive lenient sentences, and women are being killed due to dating violence and stalking. Some Korean men even defend the perpetrators. I love Korea, but I can say Korea is a misogynistic country. You can see this clearly from cases like the "Nth Room" incident. To many foreign women visiting Korea, I want to say this: Come, have fun, experience amazing things, and enjoy the delicious food. But please, don’t have any expectations of Korean men. If possible, avoid dating them altogether. They are very different from the image created by K-dramas and K-pop. Of course, there are good people everywhere, but it might be worse than you think. Korean women are increasingly choosing not to date or marry(ex. 4B movement). Some men argue it’s because of women’s selfishness, but that’s simply not true. Some Korean men may disagree with my opinion after reading my comment. However, if you search for misogyny in Korea, you'll see what the truth is. Lastly, I want to tell others there is racism, good things or bad things everywhere. I’ve experienced racism and unkindness while traveling, but I never believed those people represented the entire country. Because I met many kind and wonderful people. :)
If we are talking about laws, no legally you can't. But implementing a law without nuance and context is straight up dumb. Especially if in the end the one who suffers is a person protecting themselves and not the perpetrator. Punishing a woman for slapping a man who sexually assaulted her (which is what groping is) is straight up insanity.
Maybe you misunderstood what she was saying. If a man harasses you in Korea and you push the away or slap them you, the victim, will be sued. So basically she's saying that women have to just put up with SA and harassment as they are not protected by law. But yes in other countries you can definitely punch or slap someone if it's self-defense.
She's saying if, as a woman, a strange man starts harassing or SA her, she should have the right to push him away. Which...yes!!! But in her experience, in sk that will get you in trouble with the police. Which is...not good
People criticizing the Russian girl when whatever she said is true and she is not sugar coating anything, people are mostly used to sugar coating. I have been into kpop for 9 years and whatever she said is the same, the respecting the elder thing was also mentioned by several other foreigners since forever, elders often misuse the "respect your elder" thing, if you are from that kind of country where respecting your elders is not that important then you shouldn't even speak, if you don't understand the concept, you shouldn't even speak, a person could be old and still be wrong, if you are going to make a wrong a right just because a person is elder then you are in no way contributing to change that kind of mentality, the same thing has been said in every other country that if you as an adult desire respect then you should respect others, respect is earned not demanded. This was the reason I knew from the time I got into kpop that this country is not for me. From what I have seen, Koreans think that the respecting elder culture only exist in Korea when it is part of every asian culture. And also the concept if you are in Korea you should act like Korean is so wrong, as long as a person isn't doing anything illegal you shouldn't force them to do anything. And most importantly Korean government itself wants foreigners to come to their country but don't want to accommodate their needs, I mean you want to benefit out of people but don't want to give anything in return.
In Korea, elders are respected, but are also expected to be respectful as well. If an elder is disrespectful, there is a way to address that without being argumentative. Koreans do not generally think respecting elders is unique to Korea. Every culture expects foreigners to adapt to certain social rules. Koreans and the Korean government do a lot to accommodate foreigners. They are very understanding of foreigners not knowing the language or culture, but you still have to make an effort to adapt to Korean society. As a guest, it is up to you to adapt to the host country.
@@jiminswriter4209 I am talking about people in the comments defending it. And my first half of the comment was directed towards them and I also wanted to add that certain foreigners had overcome the respecting part knowing they don't need to be respectful if other person is disrespectful but these comments are going to set it back to the way it was. And second part of the comment I am not talking about cultural thing or language, it is directed towards people who misuse it, if people don't misuse it, it's not directed towards them.
If you hit someone, it is natural to be punished for assault. If someone is bothering you, you should report it to the police instead of hitting them. And if you think you may have been drugged by alcohol, you should report it to the police. If the test shows a drug reaction, it will be treated as a serious crime and will also be covered by the media. That means it's not a common thing in Korea. If you commit such a crime, your life will be ruined.
I saw many Indians laughing at the English of older Koreans. If you want to do that, you have to go to a country where English is spoken. In Korea, people don't treat you well with that kind of attitude. That is why most Indians who come to Korea cannot make Korean friends. Because the difference in way of thinking is too big.
Everyone knows SA isn't taken seriously by the Korean police. If someone is assaulting you and you fight back it's not assault it's self defense. It's the same with the guys who "assaulted" Somali, they shouldn't be punished.
@@박똘똘-o1jI agree, this Indian girl here is rude, without manners.But dont think all Indians are like this, elderly people are respected as well. It is a question of the character, not culture.
This is so weird to watch I am british muslim, I just came back from Seoul. No one stared or didn't sit next to me on the subway. (Tbh I'm very happy I didn't experience it, though)
Hey Russian, I am a Korean who living in Australia. Australians expect me to behave like them, love the country, and follow their culture and laws while I’m here. Even though I’ve lived here for about seven years, there are still people who approach me, do racist act, insult, bully me. If I don’t like Australia, I can leave. Likewise, if you don’t like Korea, you just leave. I don't understand why you are staying in Korea with negative mindset for Korea. There’s no need to criticize or complain about what Koreans do when you’re in Korea. Koreans are Koreans, and you are yourself. If you want to live as yourself, I would recommend you to get back to your country. or don't hang out with the people who you don't like. Don't need to hate and change someone. Waste of your time, energy. Respect each others lives, please. You are not the one who is always right. We are all diffent skin color, culture. Everything is different. There is no paradise things on Earth.
Russia is still a poor country and girls from Russia are looking for a wealthy partner so they can get out of poverty at home. That's why many young Russian girls travel to countries where men have money. She also says that in certain places guys only want to have sex with you so she tried to start a relationship but was disappointed. In the past, these girls mainly came to America and the rich European part, but now they have found Korea. Where there is money there are Russian ladies .
Wait do ppl seriously move to a country and thing its actually like K Drama? I feel like this is a common sense thing no? People aren't that dense right?
has been like this forever this isnt a new phenomenon. TBH if people geniuly wants to move to any place that are close to those idylic/fairy kinda life the closes would prob be scandinavian + finland, iceland and switzerland
In Korea your appearance matters A LOT. sis was 100% right on that. Also the unsolicited opinion of some elder locals about one's appearance and life 💀 . THE STARING omg for those of us who suffer from Social Anx ☠️. my roomates and I watch videos in youtube to understand how to categorize trash because those fine do come by 😅 Never speak loud on the bus or train, EVER. They will call you out on it. Hard to find just salad places 💀 bro it was hard to find places that sale just salad, vegetables. THE PRICES OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES IS CRAZY 💀💀💀💀 The pali pali aint a match for the new yorker rush mentality (sorry not sorry). Hongdae and gangnam is nightlife land of fu##boys and hookups. Beware at the clubs Learn Korean. Korean is one of the easiest asian language to learn and very helpful to navigate and meet locals. Safe country but if you are a woman, dont let your guard down, still be careful. Leave the kdrama fantasies at home, Korea is a real country with beautiful deep culture and traditions. And just like any country, it has virtues and flaws. You will find good and bad people too. And dont go around calling men Oppas, ITS CRINGE.
It is common for korean being stared by elder people. And I don't like it much and also don't understand it. 😬 But still, we have many good things in korea so please visit, feel and experience real korea! 😄
Men from America tell stories that are worth listening to. Personality and preferences will have a greater impact than the characteristics of the location. And most of the problems will be due to the language barrier. If you go to a new country and encounter something you don't understand, it will be very helpful to think about whether there is something you don't know yet. And if something seems ridiculously expensive or difficult, it might be a good idea to think that there must be another way. A story that is practical and helpful in real life is better than a story that creates prejudice without any basis. Most places where people live are similar.
The reason they don't help each other is they will sue each other over anything - A guy gave a woman CPR after rescuing her from drowning and she sued him for kissing her and won. Never touch or help a Korean.
If you go to a country and expect them to change how they act / their culture, you will have a hard time there and maybe you should go somewhere that alignes with your way of doing things and the way you think.
These cultural differences are the most fun part of living abroad for sure. As a Korean, I felt exactly opposite things to what they are saying when I was in the States. But it's hard to agree with the POV of the partly Russian girl. I guess she was way too deep inside the dark side of our culture, which is even very unfamiliar to me.
You experienced the opposite because you went on the opposite direction. They are coming from the perspective of a open cultural background to a very closed one, you went from a closed one to a open one.
Just came back from a trip to Japan, and every people I came across went to Korea first and said they would never go back and the people were extremely rude. 😂
아는만큼 보인다는 말 난 한국에서 살만큼 살았지만 한번도 누가 내 음식에 약넣는다는 생각해본 적도 없다 본인이 그런 음지중에 음지에 다니니깐 그런거나 보지 관심가지면 형편없는 영어로 끊임없이 말건다 난리고 관심안가지면 자기들끼리 논다고 난리~ 한국살이가 맘에 안들면 가라 그리고 세상인종 차별은 어는곳이나 있다 인종차별하는 사람들도 쓰레기고 비난받아야하지만 한국에서 너무 많이 사고 치니깐 그런 선입견 생기고.... 그런 선입견 만든 사람들도 책임있다 제발 한국오면 한국문화를 존중하고 본인이 나라의 대표고 인종의 대표라고 생각하고 예의를 지켜라 최근들어 외국인들이 많아지면서 한국에서 자신의 나라의 관습을 고집하고 비교하고 불평하는 사람들이 많다 다른 문화권에 적응하려면 본인이 그나라의 언어를 배우려고 노력하고 항상 열린마음으로 지내시길~~ 참고로 한국에서는 정당방위가 잘 적용되지 않는다 피해자는 맞기만 해야지 같이 때리면 쌍방과실이다 밀치는것도 폭행ㅇ의 일부다 이부분은 한국인도 한국인도 불만은 많지만 법이 이러기에 치고박고 싸우는 경우는 거의 드물다
I don’t believe that u shouldn’t have to fit in or accept people coming to u and tell u about ur weight it’s rude. Just because they accept things that is rude and say it normal. Doesn’t make it normal. This is the reason why suicide rates is high and mental health also. Because people do not believe in individuality and accepting each other as they are.they believe u have to fit in to a standard that is sit by society. Are that is wrong. We are all free and as long as we respect the laws of the country. We can be our individual self without others looking down on people who don’t look dress or act the same.
i believe you should look into the concepts of individualism and collectivism and how they define people from specific cultures and how the mechanics of the world isn't as shallow as you hope it to be.
Well I believe individuality is not being like everyone or following everything is done in that culture. Because everything that is done in a culture is not always right just because it is cultural. We a not robots that is program to be like each other in everything. So please explain your concept of individuality.
the better you look the better you will get treated is actually not true. If you work at huge companies in Korea, workers at the companies are just average looking people. it’s just nonsense cuz 98% of koreans dont like like kpop stars hahahaThe most important thing is how clean you look. like wash your hair or not or you are wearing proper clothes with no wrinkles on . Im korean but i know many good looking people live miserably.
SUBSCRIBE!
That scares me!
wheres the jacket from?
the grey puffer in the first scene
the teacher has insannneely welcoming energy. you can tell he was raised well
The teacher is such an inspiration. You can feel his sincerity and passion in what he's doing.
I left my phone in Seoul station overnight and ran the next morning to that bathroom stall and it was STILL there. And Seoul Station is a huge station. It was crazy. This is when I use to live in Korea as an English teacher.
good for you i was their for a trip forgot my airpods in a resturant and when i remember it and went back 4 min later it was gone 😭
@@luffyd.aceroger8254you should instantly try to connect your phone with them & blast music. Maybe someone would get embarrassed right there. Koreans normally don’t steal.
There are not only koreans in Korea!
I don't know why, but the eldery wanting to talk and ask you where you're from sounds so sweet and adorable. Though, I am a extreme extrovert so that good totally be why.
As Korean, these kinds of interviews are really eye-opening. I come to understand foreigners in Korea much better and learn about my country better through them. Thank you, and keep up the good work, K Explorer. I would like to tell every foreigner visiting Korea: "Thank you everyone for coming to Korea. You are doing a great service to Koreans by visiting Korea. Moreover, by speaking up like this about the good and bad things about living in Korea as a foreigner, you are greatly contributing to making Korea a better place to live for both Koreans and expats. May your life be blessed and happy anywhere in the world!"
Do Koreans actually do anything about what's said in these types of videos ? I highly doubt it. I have seen no proof of this.
@RealBigBadHarvey I doubt any country does. Much of this other countries are guilty of as well.
All well spoken, well dressed, good looking. Either you all were like that before or morphed into that after. In any case, kudos for all of you brave ones.
been watching jerry for a while now. keep doing amazing work
thanks :)
I’m in Korea at the moment and yes on the social anxiety thing. So many people stare intensely and it makes me self conscious because I’m also tall for a girl and on the chubby side (with a complex about my weight) so I don’t know what aspect about me they are staring at. So it can make me a bit self conscious. But on the flip side there have also been so many wonderful people I’ve met and have made me feel so amazing and are super friendly and over accomodating to make us feel welcome ❤
@@tracy4jester Koreans stare at foreigners because foreigners stand out. They also stare at kids, pretty people, dressed-up people. If you are young and beautiful, old people will stare a lot. On the other hand, if you dont look good (I.e. looks like you are a homeless, handicapped, dressed weirdly ), they will try hard not to look at you so they do not offend you.
My daughter is pretty, and when she dresses shabby, people don't stare at her much. When she dresses up (skirt, tidy hair), she gets a lot of stares, especially from old people. They like looking at pretty, interesting people 😅 They are not judging you. They are “amused” at people.
Old Koreans tend to say “going out to get fresh air and watch people” because they do enjoy watching people when they are out. 😂 You can say to yourself “oh, people look at me. Am I that pretty today?” - That‘s the way young Korean girls think 😅
아마 님이 예뻐서 쳐다보는거일거에요 시선에 기 죽지 마시고 당당하게 다니세요❤
@ ❤️❤️🥹
Going (back) there in 2 weeks and I am scared. Last time I encountered an Ahjussi who wanted to do the nasties with me because I was (and still am) chubby. :/
Koreans just stare a lot, period, even at other Koreans. They're not taught that staring at people is rude like we are in western countries. But if you're a foreigner, you're really going to get stared at. They're just curious. And if you're fairly attractive, people will really stare at you.
Aww the teacher seems to be such a pure soul.
K explorer has so much swag ❤
The Russian girl had a tough life. True beast. Lol. My background exactly.
Nah she was definitely entitled and didn’t want to follow the rules and complains about having to behave like Koreans in Korea.
@@Itoshimi I sensed that. And I highly doubt that most Koreans expect a foreigner (non-ethnic Korean) like herself to follow the unwritten rules of social etiquette.
The cigarette thing seems good to me, as a non smoker who has respiratory issues seems good not to be obligated to passive smoke everywhere all the time
0:45 These 3 people are so good looking! Especially the British accent lady!
I have bad social anxiety though! lol but at the same time, I’m used to it. I have just learned to deal with it. Knowing this stuff is helping to prepare me for it.
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I just came back from Seoul for the first time on a 6 day trip and its pretty much spot on to what they're saying. Just wanted to add that there are so many restaurants and cafes here. The food here is amazing, its like three times cheaper in Seoul and the quality is twice as better than in the NYC area.
Price gap hahaha
K Explorer (Jerry) you bring out the best in people for your interviews! Very interesting and entertaining. Thank you! 🌸🙂 Sending positive energy from the US - Korean American noona
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Love your videos
Just started learning Korean and your helping me understand better Korea
Thank you for your work!!!❤
Jerry always on point!!!
Yes, korea has elders respect culture and sometimes they are not always right but still as member of society korean peoples still try to keep respect for them rather than embarrassed them its one of those social code people follow =3
The tall white guy is so handsome
You have cool voice and accent
And you are a good interviewer too
I respect you as a korean
Happy Monday
Moving to Korea feels like leveling up in a real life videogame, especially when the final boss is figuring out the trash system.
I appreciate that its better for the environment but goddamn is it annoying to separate everything and getting yelled at by the apt security
@@propertymanager9149it’s the most stressful part of living here 😂 I just start taking it down when the security guards leave. 😭
I completely understand the pov of the partly russian girl, Ive had the same experience here but its best to realize that if you want to live and be part of the korean society then you need to oblige to these "unspoken rules", this is how the country functions and it is deeply rooted in the culture, there is a certain way to behave in society and you can either find it good or bad but if you want to live there instead of always being in conflict with it, its best to behave like how you are "supposed to", it will become much more comfortable for you or you will most prob become an outcast and that would limit your interactions with korean people.
Why? She’s correct, it should be called out that Korea is disturbing on many levels. In fact it’s very much a patriarchal society where everyone has to adhere to a rigid conformity, that you’re looked down upon if you step outside of the box of the rigid conformity.
The reason Korea is a 98% homogeneous society is because they don’t allow people from other countries to become citizens because it would dilute their bloodlines.
Westerners think Korea is like their Kdramas which isn’t true at all, in fact the opposite. And it’s the same within the Kpop world, the management companies control every aspect of these idols lives, what they can say & do even not allowing them to date, it’s all very very disturbing yet western fans have romanticised both Kdramas & idols yet in reality it doesn’t even exist.
There’s also a lot of racism against any one of different ethnicities especially brown & black people.
And what she said about their obsession with age is so true, it’s archaic, you have to be subservient to anyone that is older than yourself as it’s based on seniority rather than ability, even calling them by special names, it’s bizarre.
So I think it’s great that she’s being honest and telling people watching the actual reality of living in Korea, especially the cultural aspects as opposed to a romanticised fantasy that doesn’t exist.
Personally, I agree and disagree with her. I think it depends on what unspoken rules she's talking about. I would have liked for her to elaborate on that, like examples. I also agree with her with them expecting you to follow these rules when you come here, like you might not even know about the rules.
@@bellabana it is disturbing for you and her and many foreigners and Korea is the way it is and should not change to accommodate to foreigners and it is also why many people are coming here. and lol what is it about “diluting their bloodline” are you even korean to talk like that? why do you act so obnoxious.
people praise everything in dramas and idol shows they see, but all the negative aspects are also a foundation to what make the positive aspects of this culture. (like the age hierarchy even tho it is slowly fading away by the new gen)
also racism is omnipresent in every countries, maybe you will feel it more here because people are not used to foreigners and might be blunt about it or you could misinterpret it with just korean people awkwardly trying not to to interact with you because they dont know how to express themselves in english. Maybe the guy saying no to black people didnt actually hate black people but didnt know how to say it in another way. I’m just saying because Ive seen the case many times but I’m not saying theres no racism.
also Korea being 98% homogenous comes from its history and shouldn’t be seen as a negative effect? isnt the reason people come to korea to meet korean people?? I understand the way you think but Korea isn’t a theme park where you can change the attractions to your desire.
But hey if you don’t like it no one is forcing you to come here, but if you are willing to come here and live for a long time, like I said you have to remove that “I grew up in a foreign country mindset” type. If you’re not willing to apply to the culture both good and bad aspects then it will only be difficult for you and obvs will make it even more difficult to see what the country and the culture has to offer.
@@bellabana It’s funny how you project yourself onto another culture and calling it archaic and bizarre just because it is different from your own. You talk like you have lived here for decades yet it feels like you know only little about Korea.
but I don’t blame you because the people being interviewed always come from a similar background (occidental countries) and interviewed in the same areas. So the answers will always be kinda similar.
Ok, As a foreigner, I’m already in korea now and I’m already experiencing a lot like a lot!!! Just like what these interviewees said, they already said it but i have lots to say lol, overall I really enjoy Korea so much that I experience new things and culture
‘
And also what the woman says about the couple, so super true!!! Lots of couple around… I’m being like am I supposed to be coupled up or something haha
I get the DJ girl. When I moved to LA/Hollywood in the U.S and surrounded myself with only party people, I was also faced with white and hispanic men who fetishized me and asked me how expensive I was.
I was drugged before, I was SA'ed on the street while walking home from a club, and the guys I dated there were incredibly toxic. One of my homegirls even got her nose and ribs broken by a gangbanger who had 3 guys find her and beat her up in her own home because she stood up for herself after he verbally abused her.
Trashy and immoral people exist in ALL countries esp if you put yourself smack in the middle of shady places. Ofc you won't meet a long term partner at a club, or areas known for partying. And ofc you'll instead meet the most deplorable people in places like that. I think it's our responsibility to choose who we hang out with and where we hang out.
You need to do a segment on the subway. Easy to use to get around but the stairs will SHOCK them.
It's so true that you can do so much more in a day there than you can in the U.S. just because of travel time and proximity of things.
Korea may be modernized today, but you should have been in The Republic of Korea in the 1970s. I was in the US Army and Military Police, and a KATUSA was with me, the Katusa, and I had to drive to a place in Korea where there were no US troops. Man, the looks I received - nothing terrible. It was my third trip or tour to the Republic of Korea. I loved every moment.
So true about the hills.
What basic understanding is missing in people who say life isn’t like K dramas. K dramas are like any other country’s shows. They are all about difficult people and situations. A drama IS conflict. Even in the romances there is often a very human or dark subplot. I learned a fair amount from watching K dramas and when I went to Korea it helped me interact with people and situations a good amount. If they all mean you won’t find a good looking, nice partner with a decent job to have a romance with, aren’t we talking about their naïveté? In 2024 everyone has grown up with tv and films. They may be romantic or optimists or cynical in how they relate to Korea. But they don’t need to be told what they watch on tv isn’t real.
I loved the title. Growing up in the Netherlands people would stare kids would point, and grannies would touch my hair.
Just got back from Korea and I have to say I 100% disagree on that girl's comments about social anxiety! In my experience it was the complete opposite. I found most people stick to themselves, don't stare and never start random conversations.
after living in korea for two years i would say most of it is just focusing on your own life being happy and yes it can be selfish. but once you try to understand that hard society youll lose yourself, thats why i reccomand not to club too often and drink because its just not as western cultures and people must use you especially if youre a women.
My holy dearest lovingly Jesus Christ, Father Lord God in Heaven !!!!!!!!!!!!!😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮
I am sure there is more than one life on earth, but still one must live each one to the fullest.
I noticed that too like everyone's a couple 😂
I wish we could have a video with the russian girl so she can talk about what happened to her
the racism is rife in some of these comments, the girl made a tiktok straight after she got rejected from the uber. it was on uber and she reported it, do people expect her to be recording whilst getting into and uber and not knowing she would be rejected. she speaks korean fluently on her tiktok and i’ve been following her for ages, so yes she understands korean.. there are good drivers and some damn bad ones, unfortunately she crossed paths with a bad one
It happens to me here in China with the stares and the questions.. my social anxiety got worse 😅
3:42 I wasn't expecting that from her LMFAOOOO💀
I was like huh ?? lol 😂
I love the Russian. I love Russians. They're my favorite why tea people! 😂 Also Jeremy from the US is cool. Really like his openness and expressiveness. My kinda guy! I'm also a black guy from the US, fyi.
14:46 This is a big exaggeration. Most Koreans are quiet and do not spit. Korea is fairly clean, except for a few areas. There is a level of irreverence that can be seen as disrespectful in Korea, so I am not surprised that elders do not take well to her, especially when she describes elders with their “shitty English”. If you expect to be received well, you should come with a modest attitude. Not everything is a joke. People don’t like to be made fun of.
I can't help but wonder what her answer "Partly Russia" means. 0:45
I would like to know exactly that too. If she has parents from two countries, she should have simply said which country she grew up in.
Hello from Bucharest, Romania - a huge underrated city in Europe:)
13:42 How arrogant and it has nothing to do with her being young. I've seen people of all ages with this attitude. You don't go to another country and expect them to adapt to you. If you don't like their culture, find a country that shares your beliefs.
10:02 you make yourself a "them" by not embracing their culture and not living by their norms, especially if you're not respecting elders 7:12. Can't have it both ways.
Hearing the words of the Russian girl breaks my heart. As a Korean girl, I completely empathize with her feelings. In Korea, countless sexual offenders and child predators receive lenient sentences, and women are being killed due to dating violence and stalking. Some Korean men even defend the perpetrators. I love Korea, but I can say Korea is a misogynistic country. You can see this clearly from cases like the "Nth Room" incident.
To many foreign women visiting Korea, I want to say this: Come, have fun, experience amazing things, and enjoy the delicious food. But please, don’t have any expectations of Korean men. If possible, avoid dating them altogether. They are very different from the image created by K-dramas and K-pop. Of course, there are good people everywhere, but it might be worse than you think. Korean women are increasingly choosing not to date or marry(ex. 4B movement). Some men argue it’s because of women’s selfishness, but that’s simply not true. Some Korean men may disagree with my opinion after reading my comment. However, if you search for misogyny in Korea, you'll see what the truth is.
Lastly, I want to tell others there is racism, good things or bad things everywhere. I’ve experienced racism and unkindness while traveling, but I never believed those people represented the entire country. Because I met many kind and wonderful people. :)
Great video as always ❤. I was surprised to see the black guy with he long dreads has lived there for 4 years and didn’t know the Korean language. 😅
Congratulations on your new app!🎉
Well I think in any country you can't punch or slap anyone! LOL
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If we are talking about laws, no legally you can't. But implementing a law without nuance and context is straight up dumb. Especially if in the end the one who suffers is a person protecting themselves and not the perpetrator. Punishing a woman for slapping a man who sexually assaulted her (which is what groping is) is straight up insanity.
Maybe you misunderstood what she was saying.
If a man harasses you in Korea and you push the away or slap them you, the victim, will be sued. So basically she's saying that women have to just put up with SA and harassment as they are not protected by law.
But yes in other countries you can definitely punch or slap someone if it's self-defense.
She's saying if, as a woman, a strange man starts harassing or SA her, she should have the right to push him away. Which...yes!!! But in her experience, in sk that will get you in trouble with the police. Which is...not good
Wear healed boots. Step back and forward onto toes. 'Apologise'. Works for handsy men worldwide.
The trash cans is a real one. There literally are no bins in the streets
Most of bus stops have trash bins.
@ that wasn’t my experience but I’ll look out for it next time, thanks for the tip ^^
People criticizing the Russian girl when whatever she said is true and she is not sugar coating anything, people are mostly used to sugar coating. I have been into kpop for 9 years and whatever she said is the same, the respecting the elder thing was also mentioned by several other foreigners since forever, elders often misuse the "respect your elder" thing, if you are from that kind of country where respecting your elders is not that important then you shouldn't even speak, if you don't understand the concept, you shouldn't even speak, a person could be old and still be wrong, if you are going to make a wrong a right just because a person is elder then you are in no way contributing to change that kind of mentality, the same thing has been said in every other country that if you as an adult desire respect then you should respect others, respect is earned not demanded. This was the reason I knew from the time I got into kpop that this country is not for me. From what I have seen, Koreans think that the respecting elder culture only exist in Korea when it is part of every asian culture. And also the concept if you are in Korea you should act like Korean is so wrong, as long as a person isn't doing anything illegal you shouldn't force them to do anything. And most importantly Korean government itself wants foreigners to come to their country but don't want to accommodate their needs, I mean you want to benefit out of people but don't want to give anything in return.
In Korea, elders are respected, but are also expected to be respectful as well. If an elder is disrespectful, there is a way to address that without being argumentative. Koreans do not generally think respecting elders is unique to Korea.
Every culture expects foreigners to adapt to certain social rules. Koreans and the Korean government do a lot to accommodate foreigners. They are very understanding of foreigners not knowing the language or culture, but you still have to make an effort to adapt to Korean society. As a guest, it is up to you to adapt to the host country.
@@jiminswriter4209 I am talking about people in the comments defending it. And my first half of the comment was directed towards them and I also wanted to add that certain foreigners had overcome the respecting part knowing they don't need to be respectful if other person is disrespectful but these comments are going to set it back to the way it was. And second part of the comment I am not talking about cultural thing or language, it is directed towards people who misuse it, if people don't misuse it, it's not directed towards them.
If you hit someone, it is natural to be punished for assault. If someone is bothering you, you should report it to the police instead of hitting them. And if you think you may have been drugged by alcohol, you should report it to the police. If the test shows a drug reaction, it will be treated as a serious crime and will also be covered by the media. That means it's not a common thing in Korea. If you commit such a crime, your life will be ruined.
I saw many Indians laughing at the English of older Koreans. If you want to do that, you have to go to a country where English is spoken. In Korea, people don't treat you well with that kind of attitude. That is why most Indians who come to Korea cannot make Korean friends. Because the difference in way of thinking is too big.
Everyone knows SA isn't taken seriously by the Korean police. If someone is assaulting you and you fight back it's not assault it's self defense. It's the same with the guys who "assaulted" Somali, they shouldn't be punished.
@@박똘똘-o1jI agree, this Indian girl here is rude, without manners.But dont think all Indians are like this, elderly people are respected as well. It is a question of the character, not culture.
"...five star Michelin..." We see you, Stray Kids fan. ;-)
This is so weird to watch I am british muslim, I just came back from Seoul. No one stared or didn't sit next to me on the subway. (Tbh I'm very happy I didn't experience it, though)
I heard that Russian and Ukrainian people usually complain and complain a lot. The more I watch their interview videos, the more I think that is true.
Hey Russian, I am a Korean who living in Australia. Australians expect me to behave like them, love the country, and follow their culture and laws while I’m here. Even though I’ve lived here for about seven years, there are still people who approach me, do racist act, insult, bully me. If I don’t like Australia, I can leave. Likewise, if you don’t like Korea, you just leave. I don't understand why you are staying in Korea with negative mindset for Korea.
There’s no need to criticize or complain about what Koreans do when you’re in Korea. Koreans are Koreans, and you are yourself. If you want to live as yourself, I would recommend you to get back to your country. or don't hang out with the people who you don't like. Don't need to hate and change someone. Waste of your time, energy. Respect each others lives, please. You are not the one who is always right. We are all diffent skin color, culture. Everything is different. There is no paradise things on Earth.
very well said! I'm not a korean but I do agree with the words you said..
Russia is still a poor country and girls from Russia are looking for a wealthy partner so they can get out of poverty at home. That's why many young Russian girls travel to countries where men have money. She also says that in certain places guys only want to have sex with you so she tried to start a relationship but was disappointed.
In the past, these girls mainly came to America and the rich European part, but now they have found Korea. Where there is money there are Russian ladies .
Wait do ppl seriously move to a country and thing its actually like K Drama? I feel like this is a common sense thing no? People aren't that dense right?
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I mean it's not that far fetched when you consider how foreigners idealize(d) the U.S.A based off of popular movies and T.V. shows
there are idiots everywhere I guess
has been like this forever this isnt a new phenomenon. TBH if people geniuly wants to move to any place that are close to those idylic/fairy kinda life the closes would prob be scandinavian + finland, iceland and switzerland
The Korean government has used kdramas and kpop to promote the country for years so I don't think ppl are being dense they're probably being hopeful.
In Korea your appearance matters A LOT. sis was 100% right on that. Also the unsolicited opinion of some elder locals about one's appearance and life 💀 . THE STARING omg for those of us who suffer from Social Anx ☠️.
my roomates and I watch videos in youtube to understand how to categorize trash because those fine do come by 😅
Never speak loud on the bus or train, EVER. They will call you out on it.
Hard to find just salad places 💀 bro it was hard to find places that sale just salad, vegetables.
THE PRICES OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES IS CRAZY 💀💀💀💀
The pali pali aint a match for the new yorker rush mentality (sorry not sorry).
Hongdae and gangnam is nightlife land of fu##boys and hookups. Beware at the clubs
Learn Korean. Korean is one of the easiest asian language to learn and very helpful to navigate and meet locals.
Safe country but if you are a woman, dont let your guard down, still be careful.
Leave the kdrama fantasies at home, Korea is a real country with beautiful deep culture and traditions. And just like any country, it has virtues and flaws. You will find good and bad people too. And dont go around calling men Oppas, ITS CRINGE.
Great post!
It is common for korean being stared by elder people. And I don't like it much and also don't understand it. 😬
But still, we have many good things in korea so please visit, feel and experience real korea! 😄
i dont get the 'to go cup' but i cant stay and chill in the coffee shop for a bit. @12:00
Are you ever planning on coming to Busan ? 😇
한국은 그냥 지구의 어떤 나라 중 하나일 뿐입니다. 다만, 낯설음에서 오는 특별함이 있죠.
저도 런던에서 1년을 보냈었고, 그때의 경험이 저를 많이 성장 시켜주었답니다.
어쨌거나 언제나 환영합니다. 모든 지구인들이여❤🎉
Men from America tell stories that are worth listening to.
Personality and preferences will have a greater impact than the characteristics of the location. And most of the problems will be due to the language barrier.
If you go to a new country and encounter something you don't understand, it will be very helpful to think about whether there is something you don't know yet. And if something seems ridiculously expensive or difficult, it might be a good idea to think that there must be another way.
A story that is practical and helpful in real life is better than a story that creates prejudice without any basis. Most places where people live are similar.
That russian woman seems she had bigg stress from korean and korean guys 😂😂
I'm noticing a pattern between the experiences of the men and women in this video lol
Thanks. Reading the news and watching Instagram reels about Japan and Korea. What are you doing?
The reason they don't help each other is they will sue each other over anything - A guy gave a woman CPR after rescuing her from drowning and she sued him for kissing her and won. Never touch or help a Korean.
dang lol
Thanks for the additional info.
Some people will sue. Just don’t touch people when possible. Use your good judgment. If you want others to help you, you should also help sometimes.
Omg???
9:56 true
If you go to a country and expect them to change how they act / their culture, you will have a hard time there and maybe you should go somewhere that alignes with your way of doing things and the way you think.
16:27 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
There are trash cans in convenience stores most of the time
15:37 😂😂😂😂
These cultural differences are the most fun part of living abroad for sure. As a Korean, I felt exactly opposite things to what they are saying when I was in the States. But it's hard to agree with the POV of the partly Russian girl. I guess she was way too deep inside the dark side of our culture, which is even very unfamiliar to me.
You experienced the opposite because you went on the opposite direction. They are coming from the perspective of a open cultural background to a very closed one, you went from a closed one to a open one.
The girl was right it's all based on your looks.
4:02 that`s not ok 😐
a bit shocked when one of the guys said hes been living there for over 4 years and he still doesnt really speak korean fluently
The Indian girl is hilarious 😂
Just came back from a trip to Japan, and every people I came across went to Korea first and said they would never go back and the people were extremely rude. 😂
Can you interview yourself or have someone interview you about your experience
Wheres your jacket from?
"Do yow own a gun?"
Bru....💀
I always wanted to know if the instant noodles 🍜 they eat contain msg?
Yes. Most instant food has msg.
It's ok to ingest some msg.
They're 100% natural ingredients.
Meat,fishes,mushrooms they all have msg in them naturally.
What's msg?
러시아 여자애는 클럽에서 일하는가 본데 그런곳에서 무슨 좋은 경험을 하겠냐?
아는만큼 보인다는 말
난 한국에서 살만큼 살았지만 한번도 누가 내 음식에 약넣는다는 생각해본 적도 없다
본인이 그런 음지중에 음지에 다니니깐 그런거나 보지
관심가지면 형편없는 영어로 끊임없이 말건다 난리고 관심안가지면 자기들끼리 논다고 난리~
한국살이가 맘에 안들면 가라
그리고 세상인종 차별은 어는곳이나 있다
인종차별하는 사람들도 쓰레기고 비난받아야하지만
한국에서 너무 많이 사고 치니깐 그런 선입견 생기고....
그런 선입견 만든 사람들도 책임있다
제발 한국오면 한국문화를 존중하고 본인이 나라의 대표고 인종의 대표라고 생각하고 예의를 지켜라
최근들어 외국인들이 많아지면서 한국에서 자신의 나라의 관습을 고집하고 비교하고 불평하는 사람들이 많다
다른 문화권에 적응하려면 본인이 그나라의 언어를 배우려고 노력하고 항상 열린마음으로 지내시길~~
참고로
한국에서는 정당방위가 잘 적용되지 않는다
피해자는 맞기만 해야지 같이 때리면 쌍방과실이다
밀치는것도 폭행ㅇ의 일부다
이부분은 한국인도 한국인도 불만은 많지만 법이 이러기에 치고박고 싸우는 경우는 거의 드물다
In Seoul recently, and it was like I had two heads the amount of staring I got. Talk about a xenophobic homogenous society
They are just curious.
@@jiminswriter4209are they children? I’m sure op can tell the difference b/w a curious stare and a hostile one
The first woman is beautiful
I don’t believe that u shouldn’t have to fit in or accept people coming to u and tell u about ur weight it’s rude. Just because they accept things that is rude and say it normal. Doesn’t make it normal. This is the reason why suicide rates is high and mental health also. Because people do not believe in individuality and accepting each other as they are.they believe u have to fit in to a standard that is sit by society. Are that is wrong. We are all free and as long as we respect the laws of the country. We can be our individual self without others looking down on people who don’t look dress or act the same.
i believe you should look into the concepts of individualism and collectivism and how they define people from specific cultures and how the mechanics of the world isn't as shallow as you hope it to be.
Well I believe individuality is not being like everyone or following everything is done in that culture. Because everything that is done in a culture is not always right just because it is cultural. We a not robots that is program to be like each other in everything. So please explain your concept of individuality.
And we can be collective and something yes. But still be allowed to be individual without being made to feel uncomfortable and a shame for it.
You need to respect certain social rules to respect the culture like not being loud on the subway.
Please interview Johnny Somali
😂
한글자막도 영어자막과 함께 넣어주세요 ~
The lady from London is fire.
😂😂😂
Cringe
소말리의행동 때문에 그런말을 했을지도...
Are you excusing his behavior?
@@abena8339 그의행동을 잘했다고 옹호하는건 아니고 최근 소말리로 인해 그런행동을 했을지도 모른다는 단순한 추측
보통 외국에서 중국인이 개념없는 이상한 행동을 했을때 서양인이 바라보는 인식은
이상한 아시아인으로 보여주는경우도 많으니
형님 왜 한국어 자막 안 넣습니까 초심 잃으셨슴돠
Why is someone from london saying 'trash cans'?
the better you look the better you will get treated is actually not true. If you work at huge companies in Korea, workers at the companies are just average looking people. it’s just nonsense cuz 98% of koreans dont like like kpop stars hahahaThe most important thing is how clean you look. like wash your hair or not or you are wearing proper clothes with no wrinkles on . Im korean but i know many good looking people live miserably.
If I move there, then only to live in Gangnam on a part time basis. The suburban bs - is not for me.
Whats the name of the Russian?
Every culture takes influenced from another i,m pretty sure Western artists also took influence from k culture by now =3
La fille russe a juste vécu là plus longtemps peut être
총있어요?