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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.
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