10 Things Foreigners Notice Immediately When They Visit Korea (From My Own Experience Living Abroad)
I live in Europe, and over the years I’ve met many people—friends, colleagues, neighbors—who visited Korea for the first time. Some went for K-pop or K-dramas, some for business, and others simply because Korea “felt interesting” on social media. What surprised me most wasn’t that they noticed big tourist landmarks. It was how quickly they started noticing tiny everyday details—often within the first day.
When we talk about travel, we usually focus on attractions. But first impressions are often shaped by ordinary things: the way people stand in line, how fast a meal arrives, how the subway sounds, and what you can buy at 2 a.m. Below are 10 things foreigners tend to notice immediately when they visit Korea, plus my own personal take—because I’ve watched these reactions play out in real conversations, again and again.
1) The Speed of Everything (The “Ppalli-Ppalli” Feeling)
The first thing many visitors mention is speed. Not just fast internet—everything feels fast. Trains arrive quickly, people walk quickly, and even decisions feel quick. In Korea, the phrase “ppalli-ppalli” (“hurry, hurry”) isn’t just a stereotype; you feel it in daily rhythm.
My European friends often laugh about their first taxi ride from the airport. They describe it as “efficient” and “intense” at the same time. Personally, I think the speed is one of Korea’s strengths—until you’re tired. When I visit Korea after living in Europe, my body needs about two days to adjust to the pace, especially in Seoul.
2) Convenience Stores Are Not “Just” Convenience Stores
Foreigners notice convenience stores immediately because they’re everywhere—and because they actually solve problems. You can buy a full meal, hot snacks, iced coffee, desserts, basic medicine, phone chargers, and daily necessities at any hour. In many European cities, late-night options are limited, so this feels almost luxurious.
I remember a German colleague visiting Korea for the first time and saying, “If we had this in Germany, half of my weekend errands would disappear.” I agree. Convenience stores in Korea aren’t just stores—they’re a lifestyle infrastructure.
3) Public Transportation Feels Like a System, Not a “Struggle”
Korea’s public transportation often impresses visitors right away. Subways are frequent, signage is clear, and stations are designed for high volume. Many foreigners are surprised that navigation is easier than expected—even if they don’t speak Korean.
As someone who uses European public transport daily, I don’t say this lightly: Korea’s subway experience feels “engineered.” In Europe, transport can be excellent too, but it depends heavily on the city and the day. In Korea, visitors often feel confident quickly, which changes how they explore the city.
4) People Are Extremely Comfortable with Digital Life
Another instant observation: everyone uses smartphones constantly. Payments, delivery, maps, messaging, booking—apps are integrated into daily life. This can feel futuristic for visitors, but also slightly stressful if you’re not used to it.
My personal opinion: Korea is one of the best places in the world to experience “digital convenience,” but it also reminds you how quickly you become dependent on your phone. When I return to Europe, I notice the opposite—life feels calmer, but also less efficient.
5) Café Culture Is a Whole Universe
Foreigners who love aesthetics notice cafés immediately. In Korea, cafés are not only for coffee; they’re places to work, meet friends, take photos, and relax. Many cafés have distinctive themes and surprisingly broad menus.
I’ve had friends tell me they visited “three cafés in one day” without realizing it. In Europe, cafés are often cozy and classic. In Korea, many feel like small design studios. Personally, I love it—but I also think it sets high expectations. After a trip to Korea, some people feel disappointed when their local café back home looks plain.
6) Eating Is Social (And Side Dishes Appear Like Magic)
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| Galbitang with side dishes |
Visitors notice how social food culture is. Meals are shared, tables are full of side dishes (banchan), and eating together feels important. For foreigners used to individual plates, the “shared table” concept can feel unfamiliar at first.
What I personally admire is how food becomes an easy way to connect. Even when language is limited, sharing dishes helps people feel included. I’ve seen friendships start simply because someone said, “Try this,” across a table.
7) People Look Put-Together (Even When They Say They’re “Just Going Out Quickly”)
Many foreigners notice fashion and grooming immediately. It’s not only about expensive brands—more about cleanliness, coordination, and attention to detail. Even casual outfits often look intentional.
I’ll be honest: when I visit Korea after living in Europe, I sometimes feel underdressed on day one. It’s not pressure in a negative way, but it’s noticeable. My opinion is that Korea’s beauty and fashion culture can be inspiring—if you treat it as fun, not as a standard you must meet.
8) Etiquette and Hierarchy Are Subtle (But Real)
Foreigners often sense an invisible social structure: respect for age, polite language levels, and careful behavior in public. Even if they don’t understand the rules, they notice that people act with awareness of others.
From my perspective, this is one of the most misunderstood parts of Korea. Some visitors interpret it as “strict,” but I think it’s more accurate to call it “context-sensitive.” Once you learn a few basics—like offering things with two hands or using polite greetings—you gain confidence quickly.
9) Korea Often Feels Safer Than People Expect
Many first-time visitors are surprised by how safe Korea feels, especially at night. People walk alone, use phones openly, and sometimes leave belongings unattended in cafés. No country is perfect, but the general feeling of safety is real for many travelers.
I’ve heard this comment repeatedly from European visitors: “I didn’t realize I could relax this much in a big city.” Personally, I think this sense of safety changes the travel experience—it gives you freedom.
10) Modern and Traditional Exist Side by Side (Without Feeling Strange)
Finally, many foreigners notice the contrast: high-tech city life coexisting with deep tradition. You can see a palace, then step into a modern shopping district, then eat food that has been made the same way for generations. Korea’s identity often feels like a blend rather than a conflict.
My opinion: this balance is one reason Korea becomes memorable. It’s not only “modern” or only “traditional.” It’s a place where both exist in the same day, and somehow it works.
Final Thoughts
These first impressions don’t mean every visitor has the same experience. But in my conversations with foreigners who visited Korea—and in my own trips back and forth between Europe and Korea—these patterns come up constantly. The most interesting part is how quickly small details can shape a person’s overall impression.
If you’re planning your first trip to Korea, I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect. And if you’ve already visited, you might recognize a few moments and think, “Yes, that’s exactly what I noticed too.” Either way, Korea tends to make an impact fast—and then it keeps revealing more the longer you stay.
