03 Jun
One of the most common questions I get from friends and family is: “Do Koreans like foreigners?” It’s a fair thing to wonder—especially if you’re thinking of moving to South Korea to teach English, study abroad, or live out your K-drama dream.
After living and working in Korea for several years, here’s my honest take: yes, many Koreans do like foreigners—but like most cultural experiences, it’s a little more complicated than a simple yes or no.
Friendly and Helpful: Kindness From Strangers
Let’s start with the positives. I’ve had so many heartwarming interactions with Koreans that made me feel welcome. From elderly women on the subway complimenting my skin (true story) to baristas giving me free cookies as “service,” the kindness I’ve encountered has been genuinely touching.
One story that stands out: during my first week in Korea, I got hopelessly lost trying to find a bank. A Korean woman saw me struggling, asked if I needed help (in English!), and then walked me all the way there—even though I insisted she didn’t have to. We didn’t even exchange names. It was just pure, unprompted generosity.
The Curiosity Is Real—Especially Outside Big Cities
If you’re a foreigner in Korea, expect a lot of curiosity. People might stare, ask where you’re from, or want to know what you think of Korean food. (For the record—I love it.) Kids will yell “HELLO!” and run away giggling. I always wave back and laugh.
Sometimes the attention can feel a little overwhelming, especially in smaller cities like Gangneung, where I lived during my first year. But most of the time, that curiosity comes from genuine interest, not rudeness.
That said, I won’t sugarcoat it—there are occasional moments when I’ve felt like an outsider. I’ve walked into restaurants and felt the room pause for a beat. But the longer I’ve been here, the more I’ve realized that while you might not always be fully included, you’re rarely unwelcome.
Making an Effort Goes a Long Way
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned? A little Korean goes a long way. Even knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” or how to order coffee shows you respect the culture—and earns a lot of goodwill in return.
Learning Korean has made my life here smoother and more fun. It’s also helped me connect with locals and build lasting friendships. I’ve found that being open-minded, respectful, and curious makes it easier to bond with Koreans, no matter your background.
Do Koreans Like Foreigners? Here’s My Verdict
So, do Koreans like foreigners? In my experience—mostly, yes! Especially if you come in with a good attitude, a bit of cultural curiosity, and maybe an opinion or two about K-pop or Korean food.
Sure, there will be a few awkward moments or cultural hiccups. But for every one of those, I’ve had a dozen more that remind me why I love living in Korea. If you’re thinking of moving here, don’t stress too much about fitting in. Just be kind, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to order extra tteokbokki.
Here’s a cute video of a foreigner interviewing some Koreans to get their thoughts on the matter!
Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant
Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.