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Why all these compliments?
However, there is something that is puzzling me. I have travelled over 40 countries, and it has never (or maybe once) happened that a complete stranger would come to me and give me a compliment. In Korea, this happens maybe once every 2 days, in the most random of places. On the bus station, while in line of convenience store, in a club, in a restaurant, while sitting down in public. The complients are always on my appearance, and without even saying hello first, few examples: "you are a very nice man", "you have beautiful eyes", "wow, so handsome", "You are so handsome, are you an actor?"
These people are around my age (29), and almost always men. What would their motives be? Are they trying to hit on me, just try to uplift me, as a conversation starter, something else? Does anyone else have similar experiences?
it's a real thing, especially for foreign guys with features that stand out here. you'll get it less in gangnam where everyone's in their own world, but in neighborhoods like hongdae or near hongik university it's almost daily. the "are you an actor" thing is basically korean for "you look different and i like it" since the beauty standards here lean toward a specific look
it's not usually a come-on unless they linger or ask for your kakao. korean guys in their 20s are just blunt with compliments, no weird motive behind it. if it bothers you, a quick "감사합니다" with a nod and keep walking shuts it down cleanly every time
honestly this is just how it is here. korean guys in their 20s and 30s are pretty forward with compliments compared to other places. it's not necessarily hitting on you, a lot of them just think you look good and say it straight up, no small talk needed.
i've seen it happen to foreign friends all the time around hongdae and itaewon. sometimes they're curious if you're a model or actor because you stand out visually. the no-hello thing is normal too, koreans don't always do the western warmup before saying something direct.
if they stick around and ask personal questions after the compliment then yeah prob interested. but a random "you have beautiful eyes" from a guy at a bus stop is just a compliment, take it and move on
yeah this is super common here for foreign guys. the compliment culture in korea is different, people just say what they think without the social buffer you'd get in the west. i've had ajummas at the market tell me i have nice skin and guys my age say i look like a movie star, all completely unprompted.
it's not really a pickup thing most of the time. koreans are just more direct with compliments, especially when you're visibly foreign. they see it as a friendly gesture, not necessarily flirting. the actor/model question is basically their way of saying "you look different in a good way" because you stand out from the typical korean look.
if they're not hanging around trying to get your number or buy you a drink after, it's just a random compliment. happens way more in hongdae and sinchon where people are used to seeing foreigners. in gangnam or more local areas it's less common but still happens. just say thanks and go on with your day.
Seoul on a Budget: Tips 2026
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,… 🏠 Affordable Accommodation
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,000 won per month. Book directly with the property or use local platforms like Yanolja for discounts.
🍜 Cheap Eats
A bowl of bibimbap or kimchi jjigae at a local restaurant costs 6,000-8,000 won. For budget meals, visit convenience stores like GS25 or CU for triangle kimbap (1,200 won) and instant ramen. Street food like tteokbokki (3,000 won) is filling and cheap.
🚇 Transportation Savings
Use a T-money card for subway and bus rides at 1,400 won per trip, with free transfers within 30 minutes. A day pass costs 5,500 won for unlimited rides. Walk between nearby attractions like Gyeongbokgung and Insadong to save even more.
🎫 Free Attractions
Many palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, offer free admission on the last Wednesday of each month. Cheonggyecheon Stream and Namsan Park are always free to explore. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of traditional Seoul without spending a won.
💰 Local Money-Saving Tips
Locals often use apps like Coupang Eats for discounted meal deliveries or visit traditional markets like Gwangjang Market for cheap, fresh food. Avoid tourist-heavy areas for souvenirs; instead, shop at Daiso for affordable Korean snacks and gifts.
🎭 Free Cultural Experiences
Watch a free traditional performance at the Korea House or at the Namsangol Hanok Village on weekends. Many museums, like the National Museum of Korea, have free permanent exhibitions. Check out Hongdae street performances for live music and dance.
🍺 Nightlife on a Budget
Join a free walking tour of Hongdae or Itaewon to discover cheap bars and pubs. Many places offer happy hour deals from 5-7 PM with 50% off drinks. For a unique experience, visit a pojangmacha (street tent bar) for soju and anju under 10,000 won.
📱 Essential Apps
Download Naver Map for accurate transit directions and KakaoTaxi for affordable rides. Use Mango Plate to find restaurant discounts and coupons. For free Wi-Fi, connect to the city's public network at subway stations and parks.
this is a solid list, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card also works for the airport railroad express (arex) and you can get a discount if you buy a "climate card" from the subway machines for like 62,000 won a month, unlimited rides on seoul metro and buses. also, for free stuff, the seoul city wall hiking trail from naksan park gives you amazing views of the city and bukchon without paying a thing, plus it's way less crowded than namsan. gwangjang market is great but go for the sundubu (7000 won) at the stalls in the back, not the front ones near the entrance which are pricier for tourists
honestly the guide nails it, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card deposit is refundable at any convenience store when you leave, most people forget and just toss it. also for free stuff, the seoul philharmonic does free outdoor concerts at seoul plaza in spring and fall, just show up with a blanket. if you're near hongdae on a friday night, the playground area has buskers that are genuinely talented, way better than the overhyped clubs
i live here and a few things this guide nails. one tip that saves me money is the "climate card" for 62,000 won a month, unlimited subway and bus, even works on the airport express if you're staying a while. for cheap eats, skip the main streets in hongdae and go into the alleys behind the art center, there's a place that does dwaeji gukbap (pork soup) for 7,000 won and it's way better than the tourist spots. also, the seoul city wall trail from naksan park is free and gives you killer views without the namsan tower price tag, way less crowded too