What It’s Really Like to Live in Korea as a Foreigner

 

A Deep Look at Everyday Life, Subtle Bias, and Why Many Choose to Stay

Understanding what it feels like to be a foreigner in South Korea requires listening to the people who actually live that experience. In a recent series of interviews, individuals from Portugal, Australia, the United States, India, and West Africa shared honest stories about their daily lives, challenges, and the unexpected things they’ve come to appreciate. Their backgrounds were as diverse as their reasons for coming—some arrived as English teachers, others as engineers or soldiers, and a few came as international students escaping conflict at home. Some had been in the country only seven months, while others had lived here for years.

This diversity of perspectives is essential. A foreigner who speaks fluent Korean will naturally navigate social interactions differently from someone who just arrived. A person whose appearance resembles Koreans may blend more easily, while someone who stands out visually may attract more curiosity or scrutiny. The mosaic of these personal backgrounds gives us a richer, more realistic understanding of what it truly means to live in Korea as a foreigner.

Why So Many Foreigners Genuinely Enjoy Living in Korea

Despite cultural differences and occasional moments of discomfort, one theme was remarkably consistent across all interviews: foreigners really enjoy life in Korea. Many came with modest expectations, only to find themselves pleasantly surprised by the energy and accessibility of everyday life.

Korea feels safe, modern, and convenient. The food scene is dynamic—whether you’re looking for traditional dishes, cafés, or late-night snacks, everything is nearby and often open 24/7. Public transportation is efficient, inexpensive, and easy to navigate. Each city has its own character: Seoul’s fast-paced urban culture, Busan’s coastal charm, Daegu’s warmth, Jeju’s natural beauty. Foreign residents often said the country felt more exciting and comfortable than places they had lived before, and many now hope to stay longer than they originally planned.

The Positive Side of Korea That Many Don’t Expect

When conversations about racism come up, it’s easy to focus solely on negative experiences. But the foreigners in these interviews consistently pointed to positive moments that shaped their impression of Korean society. They spoke about restaurant staff who adjusted meals to fit vegetarian or halal requirements, strangers who offered help without being asked, and the warmth of everyday interactions.

Many were surprised by how livable Korea is. Convenience stores and cafés operate around the clock, transportation is reliable, and urban neighborhoods feel unusually safe even late at night. These everyday comforts—combined with small acts of kindness—often outweighed moments of cultural tension. For a significant number of foreigners, Korea is not simply a place they can manage; it’s a place where they genuinely enjoy building a life.

Should Foreigners Worry About Racism in Korea?

The honest answer, based on all interviews, is both reassuring and realistic: you don’t need to fear living in Korea, but you should understand its cultural dynamics.

Most foreigners had not encountered severe or aggressive racism. Instead, they described more subtle behaviors—hesitation, avoidance, or assumptions rooted in unfamiliarity rather than hostility. Korea has historically been a mono-ethnic society, and large-scale immigration is relatively recent, so older generations may feel uncertainty around foreigners. But the overall direction is encouraging: younger Koreans are increasingly global-minded, interracial relationships are becoming more common, and exposure to multicultural environments is growing each year.

Many foreigners emphasized that speaking even basic Korean dramatically improves interactions. A simple greeting, thank-you, or order placed confidently in Korean often transforms an awkward moment into a friendly one. Those who thrive in Korea tend to approach the culture with patience, curiosity, and humility—recognizing that adjusting to a new society is a two-way process.

Ultimately, Korea is a country in transition. It is learning, adjusting, and opening up to global diversity. And for foreigners willing to engage with the culture and embrace the occasional misunderstanding, Korea can be not only a safe place but a remarkably fulfilling one.