Top Culture Shocks Living in South Korea!

I asked ChatGPT to give me the top stereotypes or culture shocks foreign people experience when living in South Korea to see if they were accurate. Here are my thoughts:

1. “Fast-paced everything”

“Korea is famous for speed—public transit, restaurants bringing food out in minutes, same-day delivery, even government services. Visitors often feel the whole society is extremely efficient and quick.”

This is correct. Trains are always on time, most of the time buses are too. I was shocked at how quickly food comes after ordering at a restaurant, usually in less than five minutes, even when there’s numerous dishes on the menu. The food delivery is also extremely quick and convenient. For example, last night I ordered some fast food, and it was cooked and at my apartment within 18 minutes.

2. High-tech life + cashless society

“Many daily tasks rely on apps: paying bills, ordering food, reserving seats, even calling a taxi.
Some foreigners are surprised by how digital life is, and how rarely cash is used.”

I wouldn’t say it feels more cashless than America. You still have to carry cash for reloading your transit card and for eating at traditional markets. If anything, I use cash much more here than when I’m in America.

3. Hierarchy & formal politeness

“Age and social position matter in Korea. People adjust speech levels depending on whether someone is older or younger. Foreigners may be surprised by: bowing lightly when greeting, using two hands to give or receive things, and avoiding overly direct language”

The formal and informal language here can come off as unusual to someone who grew up without it. You must think about your age and/or social position when meeting someone new, as it affects how you speak to each other. As a foreigner, these hierarchies don’t affect me much, but I can imagine some native Koreans don’t like them. I personally don’t think respect should automatically be given to someone purely on the basis of them being older than you. 

I will say 80% of the time, two hands are used to give or receive things, and I have seen some light bowing when others greet each other.

4. Personal space is… different

“On the subway or in crowds, Korea can feel physically close. People may bump you without apologizing—it’s not considered rude, just normal in densely populated areas.”

This is very true. During rush hour, the subway is completely packed, with people touching your sides, back, and front. Oftentimes people will roughly push their way in, even if it's clear they cannot fit.

Off the subway, I have noticed a major lack of spatial awareness from people, and it can be both frustrating and perplexing. People will abruptly stop in the middle of the sidewalk with no regard for those behind them. Or you will have a group of people taking up the whole sidewalk and not letting others pass by. One time I was exiting the subway, reached the top of the escalator, and a lady was standing right in the way, blocking the only way out, knowing someone was behind her. It makes me appreciate Americans' spatial awareness much more than I ever thought I would. Additionally, people don’t say excuse me or sorry here, they’ll just push past you.

5. Shoes off indoors

“Many visitors forget the no shoes inside rule. Homes, traditional restaurants, and some schools expect you to remove shoes at the entrance.”

I have mostly seen this at temples, but also once at a restaurant and once at a cafe. However, they usually have different sections, one for shoes-on and one for shoes-off.

6. Food culture: communal eating + spicy heat

Korean meals often involve sharing dishes (banchan), grilling together, or cooking at the table. Additional shocks: Chopstick etiquette, very spicy food, delivery culture that runs until 3–4 AM, and slurping and eating noises are normal.”

Most meals have shared side dishes, but not often grilling or cooking at the table unless you’re eating meat. I have been surprised by spicy food here. Most things labeled spicy are not spicy, coming from someone with a medium spice tolerance. Some people do eat with their mouths open and slurp their noodles, but not too many.