5+ Common Misconceptions About Korea

If you’re interested in traveling to South Korea or are a fan of Korean entertainment, you’ve likely heard comments from others attempting to advise on your potential travels. Yet, sometimes, the advice can be based on misconceptions or misunderstandings. Here are 5+ common misconceptions about Korea…

1. The Korean healthcare system is really cheap.

This might technically be true in comparison to the United States, which is infamous for its poor healthcare system. Yet, compared to other countries, it’s not that great, as others have free healthcare. Still, it could be considered at least “affordable.”

@_annienova

Top 2 korea misconceptions (i ran out of time when i got to the 3rd point 🤭) #lifeinkorea #annienova #expatinkorea #foreignerinkorea #travelkorea #movetokorea

♬ original sound – Annie Nova

2. You must speak Korean to survive in Korea.

You might feel that you can’t live or even visit Korea unless you are at least conversational in Korean. Yet, it’s become much more English-friendly in the past few years. It’s not uncommon to walk into a shop or a restaurant, and the staff can converse in English with you. Some Koreans are just intimidated to speak in English, although most know a fair amount of English.

@kenji_kun

Do Koreans speak English? Yes and no #korea #korean #koreanculture

♬ original sound – ᴋᴇɴᴊɪ ᴋᴜᴍᴀɢᴀɪ

3. You must dress modestly.

While South Korea might technically be more modest than other countries, you don’t have to dress modestly. Short skirts or midriff-baring tops are not uncommon; the concern is mainly cleavage, collarbone, etc.

@alina.irl

Replying to @hungriestpoet this is just my observation from being here and what Ive heard from locals. Feel free to give your own insight if you’re a local. #southkorea🇰🇷 #korea #seoul #jeju #seoultravel #jejutravel

♬ original sound – ALINA

@gracietravels

what else am i missing for SK? 🇰🇷🤔 #southkorea #southkoreatravel #southkoreatips #southkoreatiktok #seoul #traveltips #traveltiktok #whatnottodo #greenscreen

♬ Big mood – aApVision

4. Koreans are rude.

Some think Koreans’ tone of speaking, especially in customer service, is rude or sarcastic. In South Korea, this is just considered a neutral customer service voice.

@_lilyis

3 things to know before going to korea 🇰🇷 keep in mind that the taxi story is a rare occasion. most of the times the drivers wont do this but if u happen to go into a taxi that does this – dont be afraid to let them know when they take the wrong turn purposely~ #kbeautyblogger #koreablogger  #kbeautytiktok  #kpopstyle  #koreanmakeup01  #koreanstyles #koreavlogs #visitkorea

♬ original sound – lily – lily

5. Koreans don’t smell.

You might have heard that Koreans don’t sweat or produce body odor, so they don’t use deodorant. While it might still be wise to stock up on deodorant before traveling to South Korea, Koreans can smell just as much as anyone else in the world. They are just most likely to lack the gene that causes their armpits to smell. They can still sweat and smell in general.

@kenji_kun

Replying to @quiqui9393 Koreans don’t have any body odor? #korean #abcc11 #koreanboy #koreangirl #koreanman #koreanwoman #bodyodor

♬ original sound – ᴋᴇɴᴊɪ ᴋᴜᴍᴀɢᴀɪ

6. You must fit the Korean beauty standards to be considered “attractive.”

The Korean beauty standard is meant for other Koreans. They know their standards don’t translate to Western features. They can objectively tell that someone is attractive, even if they don’t necessarily fit their own beauty standards.

@_annienova

Just some thoughts about the korean beauty standards as a black woman living in korea #lifeinkorea #expatinkorea #movingtokorea #travelkorea #datinginkorea

♬ original sound – Annie Nova

7. Sarcasm isn’t a concept in Korea.

This isn’t entirely true. Sure, sarcastic jokes may not be as common in Korean as in English. However, Koreans can still be sarcastic at times. It’s more common among the younger generation and best reserved for those you’re close with, as it could be considered “rude.”

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