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| *Travel Tips>>>Korea Travel Tips |
Just arrived in seoul, s korea - so far i've found koreans to be not v friendly - is it me? |
Travel Info most don't speak english so communication is difficult i've come from england, being british but chinese, don't know if they're just being funny with me! i'm here on my own, my boyfriend is joining me in 7 days time. Travel Tips All countries are NOTgoing to welcome you with open arms and bring out a parade just bc you are from a different country.. especially developed, rich countries like South Korea.. more especially a busy city like seoul. They are busy people, working day to day. You are on vacation so in a relaxed friendly mood. Plus, they've seen foreigners before.. especially their neighbor- chinese people.. it's nothing new or fascinating to them. However it doesn't mean you can't make friends there. They are very friendly once you meet them at the right time, right place (such as when they aren't in a rush to get to work), and how YOU act towards them counts too. Just like any country that you are in. Young Korean people do speak a limited amount of english to varying degrees. Many people I know who are native Korean speak almost fluent english. But you are in East Asia where most of the population doesn't speak English. It's the same in Japan too. That should NOT come as a surprise. (other than very mixed places like Philipines, Singapore or Hong Kong) actually it's now the season where lots of college students, grad students are visiting Korea from the U.S., Europe and all other parts of the world. You'll meet a lot of English speaking (and various other languages) Korean people eventually if you are in the right places. But it's essential to do a lot of research on the place and culture before taking a trip anywhere. All countries are not that friendly to people who are ignorant of their culture. Plus you are Asian. Many may mistake you for a foreign country raised Korean. Therefore it is more essential to study up on Korean culture when traveling. That is the same thing to do when going to Japan or China. But Koreans are much more friendlier, open, direct and honest than the Japanese - that coming from many Japanese people themselves. They are conservative people, so no public display of affection in public areas. They ARE affectionate people to people they are close with.. it's just they don't go overboard and do it in public. Yes it's harder as an Asian to travel in an Asian country in many ways. I felt that way when I was in China and in Japan. There are many cultural differences and ignorances that would have been overlooked as a Non-Asian..but not as overlooked as a same skin tone, Asian. That is why you should be studying up on the culture.. and EVEN IF you make mistakes.. if you show you have respect, eagerness to learn, and interest in the culture - almost all will regard you with the same interest with eagerness to help and try their best to accomodate you. In fact Koreans are quite known to go overboard somewhat in wanting to help or make things comfortable or enjoyable to people they like. Most of all.. when traveling.. it is important to SMILE and be pleasant even if the person you meet is not smiling themselves. First impressions are important. Plus, it's good to make a good reputation for other Chinese or British foreigners on a visit. Others If i was you I'd do homework before i set out to venture to a country i have never been to, don't matter what language you speak or background you come from. PS: Shoot your travel agent! that's funny ,i always heard British are very unfriendly people ,so for you to notice that Koreans are unfriendly ,makes the situation sticky . good luck. koreans aren't the friendliest of people but culturally they are probably similar to brits in the friendly department. if you are noticably chinese most asians won't like you because they consider chinese arrogant snobs and its for good reason. chinese generally consider themselves better than other asians. in general though they aren't going to smile and attempt to make your stay enjoyable like most asians will. Maybe you just met the unfriendly ones.. I was there in Sept and some people were actually nice and approached me to help when they see that I'm so confused with the map in my hand :D enjoy! You might try here first. Also, everyone there probably know about the movie WINTER SONATA. Many tourist go to where the shooting of the movie took place...ask someone to tell you where it is. Here is one link, I hope is helpful http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=seo... HERE YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT THEIR MOVIE STARS AND GREAT MOVIES. IE. "JEWEL IN THE PALACE," "EMPEROR OF THE SEA," " JUMONG" THERE ARE SO MANY...KOREANS ARE FAMOUS FOR GOOD MOVIES...TRY www.azntv.com. YOU might even try to find a KOREAN CHAT ROOM to learn someof their ways. If you could learn a few words in their language. Most people warm up to someone who tries to learn their language. Koreans seem to be tremely polite but not real affectionate, especially in public. I hope your trip end up HAPPY and fun. take care http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=seo... |
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