Attitudes to Foreigners
Attitudes to Foreigners
"hong ik in gan."
"devotion to the welfare of all mankind" is the Korean national motto. A founding principle on which the republic’s constitution was founded.
Koreans deeply cherish the spirit of this ideal, and treat visitors in their country with great hospitality and respect. Providing you honour Korean customs and traditions, and behave respectfully, you will be very warmly received. It is a land that is safe, and one in which you do not have to worry too much about walking home or riding the subway late at night. If you are willing to adapt and become accustomed to the way of life here, you will be treated particularly well.
British music and culture is enjoying a rebirth in South Korea, and our instructors soon discover with pleasant surprise that young Koreans are well informed about our way of life, and are particularly curious in our culture. If you respond accordingly to their curiosity and enthusiasm, you will soon find yourself being held in high regard.
Most Koreans are extremely polite to foreigners. If you appear lost on the street or in the subway, for example, somebody will always try to help. Staff in even the smallest restaurants will do their best to make sure that you eat and drink adequately, even if they have no language with which to communicate.
