Why do Koreans always say 외국인 when they pass by me?

Curious why Koreans mention foreigners in public? Get the inside scoop! Perfect for expats in Korea, especially in Seoul. Learn what to expect as a foreigner living in Korea.

KB (Fake Buddies)

May 31, 2024

Why do Koreans always say 외국인 when they pass by me?

Contents

Ever Wonder What Koreans Are Saying About You?What Are They Saying About Me?Why Do They Do This?Watch Out for Small Talk Final Thoughts

Ever Wonder What Koreans Are Saying About You?

If you’ve ever been a foreigner or expat in Seoul, you might have noticed something odd. You’re in the middle of a conversation, and suddenly someone says, “외국인/외국 사람/외국 사람들은…” (Foreigner/foreign people/foreigners…). And then... nothing. What’s up with that? Are they gossiping, complimenting, or just stating the obvious? Here’s a fun take on what might be going on.

What Are They Saying About Me?

First things first: don’t worry! Most of the time, they’re not talking trash about you. It’s usually just surprise or curiosity. Here are some common things they might be saying:

“Hey, they’re foreigners!”
“There are a lot of foreigners here.”
“This place must be popular if foreigners know about it too.”
“Foreigner there, go practice your English!”

So, it’s mostly innocent stuff. They’re just noticing you and maybe a little fascinated.

Why Do They Do This?

Well, Koreans might not be used to seeing foreigners everywhere, even in a big city like Seoul. It’s like seeing something unexpected, and they just want to point it out. Imagine spotting a celebrity; you’d probably do the same!

Watch Out for Small Talk

Now, here’s a fun twist. If someone approaches you for a chat, be a bit cautious. Korea doesn’t have a big small talk culture, so when someone starts a conversation out of the blue, they might have other intentions. Some possibilities:

They might want to practice their English.
They could be part of a cult. (Yep, really!)
Or, they might be trying to convert you to their religion.

So, enjoy the attention but stay aware of the context!

Final Thoughts

Being a foreigner in Korea can be an interesting experience. People notice you, talk about you (usually harmlessly), and sometimes even approach you. It’s all part of the adventure! Just remember to take it in stride and enjoy the cultural exchange.

Hope this clears things up for you, and you have an awesome time in Seoul!

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