Korea is a country where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously, offering foreigners a unique cultural experience. Among the many things that surprise visitors, Korean greetings, the country’s high level of public safety, and its incredibly convenient stores stand out the most. These aspects of daily life are something that many foreigners find fascinating and, at times, even enviable. This article will explore these unique cultural elements that continue to amaze foreigners.
1. Unique Korean Greetings – Politeness and Respect
In many Western cultures, a simple "Hello" is enough for a greeting, regardless of age or social status. However, in Korea, greetings involve much more than just words—they reflect a deep sense of respect and social hierarchy.
① Titles and Formal Speech Based on Age
One of the first things foreigners notice in Korea is how people address each other based on age. Even if someone is just a year older, they are often called hyung (older brother), noona (older sister), oppa (older brother for women), or unni (older sister for women) instead of using their name.
Moreover, Korean has different speech levels, requiring people to use formal language (jondaetmal) when speaking to elders or those in higher positions. This is quite different from English, where "you" is used universally, regardless of age or status.
Because of this, when Koreans meet someone new, it’s common to ask their age first to determine the appropriate way to speak. This can be quite confusing for foreigners at first, but they eventually come to appreciate the emphasis on respect in Korean communication.
② Bowing When Greeting
Bowing is an important part of Korean greetings. The depth of the bow varies depending on the situation:
- A slight nod (15-degree bow): Used for casual greetings among friends or colleagues.
- A formal bow (30-degree bow): Common in professional or official settings.
- A deep bow (45-degree bow): Shows great respect, often used in ceremonies or when expressing gratitude.
While bowing may remind some foreigners of Japanese customs, Korea’s approach is generally more relaxed and natural in everyday situations.
③ Nodding Instead of Handshakes
In Western cultures, handshakes are the standard greeting when meeting someone new. In Korea, however, a simple nod or bow is often preferred, especially in informal settings.
These unique greeting customs may seem complicated at first, but once foreigners get used to them, they recognize the beauty of a culture built on mutual respect and courtesy.
2. Korea’s Remarkable Public Safety – A Country Safe Even at Night
One of the biggest surprises for foreigners in Korea is how safe the country is. Korea consistently ranks as one of the safest nations in the world, and visitors often find themselves amazed at the level of public security.
① Walking Alone at Night Without Worry
In many parts of the world, walking alone late at night can be risky, especially for women. However, in Korea, it is completely normal to see people—young and old, men and women—walking freely on the streets even at 2 or 3 AM.
Major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu are full of 24-hour cafes and convenience stores, making late-night outings common. Foreigners from countries like the U.S. or some parts of Europe, where certain areas become dangerous after dark, are often shocked by how safe Korea feels at all hours.
② Lost Items Are Often Returned
In many countries, if you lose your wallet or phone, the chances of getting it back are slim. But in Korea, lost items are often turned in at cafés, subway stations, or police stations. Many foreigners are amazed at how honest people are and how well-organized Korea’s lost-and-found systems are.
Korea’s subway system, for example, has an efficient lost-and-found service, so if you accidentally leave something behind, you have a good chance of recovering it. This level of honesty and social responsibility leaves a strong impression on visitors.
③ Widespread CCTV and Active Police Presence
Another reason Korea is so safe is its extensive CCTV coverage. Security cameras are installed not only in busy urban areas but also in small alleyways, ensuring a high level of surveillance.
Additionally, police patrols are common, and officers are known for being approachable and helpful. Many foreigners express their admiration for how effectively Korea maintains public order.
3. Korean Convenience Stores – More Than Just a Place to Buy Snacks
Korean convenience stores (pyeonijeom) are unlike those in most other countries. They offer much more than just snacks and drinks—foreigners often find them to be a lifesaver during their stay in Korea.
① Open 24/7 with Freshly Prepared Meals
Unlike in many countries where convenience stores have limited hours or only sell packaged foods, most Korean convenience stores are open 24/7 and offer a variety of freshly prepared meals. You can find hot ramen, lunchboxes, samgak gimbap (triangle rice balls), and even instant tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) that you can cook right in the store.
② Providing Essential Services Beyond Shopping
In many countries, convenience stores are simply places to buy quick snacks. In Korea, however, they serve as multi-purpose service centers. Many stores offer:
- Parcel delivery services (sending and receiving packages)
- Bill payments (electricity, water, gas, etc.)
- ATM and mobile phone top-ups
For tourists and expatriates, these services make everyday life much easier.
③ Exclusive Convenience Store Products and Promotions
Korean convenience stores frequently introduce exclusive, limited-edition products and promotional deals, such as "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" (1+1) offers. Some stores even collaborate with famous brands to create unique snacks and drinks that are only available for a short time.
This creates a fun shopping experience that keeps both locals and foreigners coming back to see what’s new. Many visitors enjoy trying out these special items, making convenience store visits an unexpected highlight of their trip.
The Unique Charms of Korean Culture That Fascinate Foreigners
Korea’s greeting customs, exceptional public safety, and highly convenient stores are just a few of the cultural aspects that leave a lasting impression on foreigners. The deep-rooted respect in social interactions, the ability to walk around safely at night, and the incredible accessibility of services through convenience stores make Korea stand out as a truly unique and modern society.
If you’ve ever been to Korea or have foreign friends who were surprised by something about Korean culture, what stood out the most to you? Share your experiences in the comments below!