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Why are Koreans so racist?
For example today, one lady hit me on the metro then sat in front of me and stared at me for the whole ride, I stared back for a little because I had enough but I felt her cursing me with that stare lol.
Why is that ? Why are they so racist even when you're respectful?
Btw I don't know if it matters, because I think they equally hate all foreigners, but I'm Slavic.
honestly, i get why you feel that way, and you're not totally wrong about some older women being cold. but i think a lot of it is cultural distance, not hate. koreans, especially the older generation, have a very rigid idea of social harmony and personal space, and a foreigner who doesn't know the unspoken rules (like not talking on the subway, not making eye contact with strangers) can feel like a disruption. it's not personal against your race most of the time, it's just that they're not used to anyone who doesn't fit the local mold
the bumping thing though, that's real. some people here have zero spatial awareness and will just plow through crowds without looking. i've had ajummas bump into me too and i'm korean-american. it's more about them being in their own world than targeting you specifically
if you want a break from the vibe, try hitting up a neighborhood like hongdae or itaewon where people are more used to foreigners. or go to a jimjilbang, the old ladies working there are usually too busy gossiping to give you the death stare
tbh the staring thing is pretty normal here even between koreans. like if someone has a weird haircut or is wearing something unusual, people will just stare openly. it's not polite by western standards but it's not meant as aggression either. the bumping thing i've had happen to me too and i'm korean, it's just how some people navigate crowded spaces here, especially on line 2 or line 4 during rush hour
if you wanna get away from that energy for a bit, try going to bukchon or samcheong-dong on a weekday morning. way less crowded and the ajummas there are usually too busy tending their hanok gardens to give anyone the death stare. also the cafes there are pretty quiet and the staff tends to be younger and more chill
ngl, Seoul's a tough city for anyone who doesn't fit the mold, even Koreans from other regions get side-eyed. the older ajumma generation grew up during a time when homogenous was the norm and any difference was suspicious, plus they're just generally blunt and territorial on public transit. if you're in a neighborhood like Itaewon or Hongdae, you'll prob get less of that vibe, but in residential areas or on line 4, it's a different story. also, Slavic guys sometimes get lumped in with the Russian-speaking workers who've had some negative press here, which might add an extra layer of tension.
Best Food in Seoul (2026)
Begin your food journey at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul's oldest traditional markets. Try the iconic bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) at Suni's Bindaetteok for 4,000 won, or the… 🍜 Where to Start
Begin your food journey at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul's oldest traditional markets. Try the iconic bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) at Suni's Bindaetteok for 4,000 won, or the spicy tteokbokki at the central food alley. The market is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM and is a 5-minute walk from Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1).
🥩 Must-Try Korean BBQ
For an unforgettable Korean BBQ experience, head to Mapo-gu's famous Meat Alley near Mapo Station. Visit Wangbijib Myeongdong (32-3 Myeongdong 2-gil) for premium hanwoo beef, with set meals starting at 40,000 won per person. They are open from 11:30 AM to 10 PM, and reservations are recommended for dinner.
🍲 Soul-Warming Soups
When the weather turns chilly, warm up with a bowl of samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) at Tosokchon Samgyetang in Jongno-gu (5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil). Their signature dish costs 19,000 won and comes with a whole young chicken stuffed with rice and ginseng. Arrive before noon to avoid the long lines, as they open at 10 AM and close at 10 PM.
🌮 Street Food Hotspots
Myeongdong's street food stalls are a paradise for snack lovers, especially from late afternoon to evening. Try the cheese-filled hotteok (sweet pancake) at the main pedestrian street for 3,000 won, or the grilled skewers at the Myeongdong Kyoja corner. Most stalls operate from 11 AM to 10 PM, and prices range from 2,000 to 5,000 won per item.
🍜 Noodle Heaven
For a bowl of handmade kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), visit Myeongdong Kyoja (29 Myeongdong 10-gil), a legendary spot since 1966. Their kalguksu costs 9,000 won and comes in a rich chicken broth with dumplings. They are open from 10:30 AM to 9 PM, and expect a short wait during peak hours.
🍚 Bibimbap and Beyond
Experience a traditional dolsot bibimbap at Gogung in Insadong (30-1 Insadong-gil), where the hot stone bowl creates a crispy rice crust. The Jeonju-style bibimbap is 12,000 won, and the restaurant is open from 11 AM to 9 PM. Pair it with a bowl of their homemade doenjang jjigae for an extra 5,000 won.
🍰 Sweet Treats
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Cafe Onion in Seongsu-dong (8 Achasan-ro 15-gil), known for its trendy industrial vibe and pastries. Their signature pandoro (Italian sweet bread) costs 6,000 won, and the cafe opens at 8 AM. For a traditional dessert, try hotteok at the Seoul Folk Flea Market near Sinseol-dong Station.
🍺 Night Market Eats
After dark, head to the Bamdokkaebi Night Market at Banpo Hangang Park (open Fridays and Saturdays from 6 PM to 11 PM). Sample fusion dishes like kimchi fried rice balls (5,000 won) or grilled cheese skewers (4,000 won) from the food trucks. Take the subway to Express Bus Terminal Station (Lines 3, 7, 9) and walk 10 minutes to the park.
honestly the guide nailed most of it but i gotta shout out the ssamgyeopsal at samwon garden in apgujeong. it's pricier than mapo alley but the pork belly is thick cut and they grill it over charcoal which makes a huge difference. also if you're at gwangjang market don't skip the mayak gimbap, it's those tiny seaweed rolls with carrot and spinach, three bucks for a tray and they're dangerously addictive
one thing the guide missed is sundae (korean blood sausage) at the gwangjang market stall near the main entrance. it's like 3,000 won and they serve it with salt and peppers, really underrated street food. also for the bamdokkaebi night market try to go on a friday when there's more food trucks, saturdays get packed with families and the lines get ridiculous