The difficulty to properly enjoy South Korean culture is quite a trend among foreigners traveling or residing in South Korea. 

According to a survey by InterNations, the majority of foreigners find it burdensome to socialize in Korea.

Korea is not a suitable location for residents to “feel at home.” 

In fact, in an index based on a survey of “the favorability of general living environment and conditions” Korea ranked 47th out of 59 countries.

Most foreigners come to Korea seeking employment or shelter from conflict. 

However, entertainment and enjoyment is an inevitable aspect of human life, and foreigners living in Korea also deserve them. 

Cultural differences, stereotypes, and the conservative nature of Korea all act as barriers to ameliorating foreigners’ experience in Korea. 

Having been in Korea for more than five years as a Spanish teacher, Cristian Peña still finds it difficult to properly enjoy South Korean culture. 

An intriguing fact about him is his international marriage.

Mr. Peña came all the way to Korea to live with his wife. 

Mr. Peña hoped that a loving relationship with his Korean wife would facilitate his stay in Korea. 

 However, adapting to the cultural difference was far more difficult than expected 

A culture difference that astonished Mr. Peña was the lack of family gatherings.

By family gatherings, Mr. Peña meant an occasion where all the relatives come together to eat and play. 

But Mr. Peña noticed that Korean families only gather twice every two years on special holidays. 

Mr. Peña also observed that most Korean relatives live in different cities and they seldom travel together. 

As a person from a culture where family gathering and events are prevalent, Mr. Peña could not comprehend the lack of interaction between Korean families. 

 In response to a question regarding Korea’s quality as a country for foreigners, Mr. Peña pointed out the lack of landmarks and tourist attractions that can be enjoyed by both Koreans and foreigners. 

In contrast, the Spanish government prioritizes tourism which encourages the tourist industry to promote locations enjoyable by all ethnicities. 

In most instances, it is not the location that is unsuitable for foreigners, but the people that are employed in the tourist locations. 

Mr. Peña also remarked that although Korea is suitable for jobs, the negative ways that Koreans view foreigners remained unchanged. 

In one instance, Mr. Peña brought his friends to a famous Sauna in Jeju island. 

Their excitement withered as the owner claimed that foreigners were not allowed to enter the Sauna, insisting that they make Korean users uncomfortable. 

Mr. Peña wanted to call the police but his Korean was not fluent yet. 

Mr. Peña added that incidents like this are exactly why Korea is not a suitable place for traveling and why foreigners who come to Korea with high expectations are often disappointed. 

However, Mr. Peña remarked that the Koreans of small cities were always warm-hearted. 

They showed interest in his ethnicity and tried their best to make connections. 

Mr. Peña recalls an old man that knew Real Valladolid, and tried his best to start a conversation. 

Overall, Mr. Peña has mixed feelings about South Korea.

However, it is still his second-home and a place where he has made Korean friends and formed relationships. 

To many, Mr. Peña may be a mere stranger and insignificant person. 

The account of his experience may seem insignificant as a whole. 

However, in a larger perspective, Mr. Peña’s experience reflects the majority, foreign perception of South Korea. 

In the long-term, constructing a foreign-friendly environment for even one foreigner interested in Korean culture will be  a step closer to achieving the goal of an international community. 

Keonhee Ahn
Grade 10 
Chadwick International School