Tom During our recent trip to South Korea, we noticed a peculiar thing – that South Koreans have an “overbearing-friendly” attitude towards everyone. Tourists included. To set the record straight, we’re not saying that it’s bad or anything like that. Just a heads up for all our readers who may be visiting South Korea. In the event that you’re still doing your research for the upcoming trip, check out our South Korea Travel Itinerary for more information and travel ideas.
In this post, we’ll cite three examples that we’ve personally experienced during our visit to South Korea, as to why we feel that the “overbearing-friendly” nature of South Koreans may be something that tourists want to take note of…
Example #1: Friendly Ajumma Offers Kate a Seat
This incident took place on a train during our tours in the city of Busan. After we entered the train, as all the seats were filled, we stood in the centre of the carriage and were eagerly anticipating our stop. We soon came to an interchange where more commuters left and there was a seat behind us that we were unaware of. It was then, an Ajumma started calling out to us to have a seat. As we were not sure if she was calling us (as she spoke in Korean), we didn’t turn around. Then it happened, she enthusiastically tapped repeatedly on…you’ve guessed it, Kate’s butt -_-“…to inform her that there was a seat next to her.
To “appease” the Ajumma, Kate took the seat.
Example #2: Kate Receives a Flyer
This incident took place right after we exited from the train station as we headed to the largest mall in Busan – Shinsegae Shopping Mall. Upon exit, there’s a large indoors fountain before you enter into Shinsegae proper. At this area, you’ll find some people giving out flyers. This time, we met another Ajumma who wanted to hand a flyer to Kate. Kate gently declined and the Ajumma followed after her, while continuing to speak in Korean. As Kate had already started to walk away, the Ajumma decided to get her attention by…repeatedly tapping on her shoulders! :O Definitely not something that we normally encounter in Singapore.
After a few more moments of polite declines, the Ajumma finally got the hint that we were not so interested in the information on her flyer.
Example #3: Boy uses Tom’s Lap to “Disembark”
The third example also happened in Busan (perhaps, this “friendliness” only happens in Busan?), at Songdo Beach – a popular tourist destination. As the weather was cool, breezy and sunny, we decided to take a seat to enjoy the sights and sounds. This particular row of seat was made of concrete next to a path along the beach. From a distance, we saw a little boy, walking on the row of seat towards us. Thinking that the boy would leap off the seat to the pathway before he reached us, we thought nothing of it. Soon, he came real close to us. So close, that we thought he wanted to ask us a question or something. Then it happened. Without uttering a word, the boy leaned on Tom’s lap, using it as a support to “disembark” from the row of concrete seats unto the pavement – as if it was Tom’s civic duty to do so.
Tom was simply amazed at the level of friendliness displayed by this boy.
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Conclusion
Again, this doesn’t mean that these behaviours were bad. It’s just different. Travelling allows us to take note of such differences and be able to take them in our stride when we encounter them.
Have you travelled to South Korea and experienced any of these “overbearing-friendly” gestures? If so, share them in our comments section below!
Related Posts
You have just finished reading a post from our 14 Days Travels in South Korea. Check out the rest of the posts from this series below!
South Korea Travel Itinerary Day 1: Busan Gwangalli Beach, Spaland and Fried Chicken Army Stew!
South Korea Travel Itinerary Day 6: Flight from Jeju to Busan PLUS Hilton Busan Review!
South Korea Travel Itinerary Day 7: Haeundae Beach, Dalmaji Road and Dalmaji Hill
South Korea Travel Itinerary Day 11: Driving from Danyang to Seoul!
Top 17 Things to do and Attractions in Jeju South Korea!
Top 8 Busan Travel Experiences, Things to do and Attractions!
Top 7 Gyeongju Things to do, Attractions and Travel Experiences!
Top 5 Danyang Attractions, Travel Experiences and Things to do!
Top 7 Seoul Attractions and Things to do
Top 8 Food to eat in Seoul South Korea
The Ultimate Guide to Driving in South Korea!
What Souvenirs to buy from South Korea? 9 Souvenirs to get from South Korean Supermarkets!
The Complete Hilton Busan Review: Probably the Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World!
Jeju Shinhwa World Landing Resort Review: The Perfect Base to Discover Jeju!
Da Moim Buffet Restaurant Hilton Busan Review
Singapore Airlines (SQ) 777-300ER Business Class Review: Singapore to Beijing
Air China Business Class Review: Beijing to Busan CA 129
Singapore Airlines Business Class A330-300 Review: Incheon to Singapore
