What surprises foreigners the most when they visit Korea? The fast-paced lifestyle, meticulous systems, and unique culture blend to create everyday scenes that leave visitors in awe. Here are the 7 things that foreigners find most surprising about Korea.
🚍 1. The Miracle of Public Transportation
In Korea, you can travel anywhere using only public transportation. With a dense network of subways and buses, you can navigate cities and even the entire country without a personal vehicle.
What’s even more impressive is how quickly people commute to work, even during rush hours. The efficiency and punctuality of the public transportation system leave many foreigners amazed.
🌐 2. Blazing Fast Internet
Korea’s gigabit internet speed is among the fastest in the world—so fast that it feels almost unreal. Seamless internet connectivity while walking around is something that shocks many visitors.
Even more astonishing is that you’re always connected, whether you’re at a café, on a bus, or even in underground spaces where you can still receive emails. This level of connectivity is rare in many other countries.
🍱 3. Lightning-Fast Food Delivery
Korea’s food delivery culture is one of the biggest surprises for foreigners. It’s common for food to arrive within 30 minutes of ordering, leading to jokes about the “3082 rule” (30 minutes or less).
You can even get hot dishes like pig’s trotters (jokbal) delivered within 30 minutes. Plus, late-night meal deliveries thrive, especially for office workers burning the midnight oil. Truly, Korea is the land of delivery.
🧖♂️ 4. Jjimjilbang: A Unique Korean Spa Culture
Korean jjimjilbangs (sauna spas) are a whole new cultural experience for foreigners. These facilities are clean, spacious, and often include amenities like swimming pools, all for an affordable price.
The most fascinating part? Bulgama (superheated saunas) that foreigners find “amazing.” If you don’t have a place to stay, it’s common to sleep overnight at a jjimjilbang, especially near workplaces—something that surprises many visitors.
🍻 5. Company Dinners (Hoesik) as Part of Work Culture
Foreigners are often shocked by the frequency of hoesik (company dinners) in Korea. They wonder, “How do people drink together almost every day?“
Even more surprising is how people party all night and still show up on time for work the next morning. In Korea, company dinners are considered an extension of work. Skipping them or showing up late the next day can negatively impact your reputation.
⛪ 6. Churches Everywhere
Korea’s landscape is dotted with countless churches, something that stands out to many foreigners. The cultural norm of not working on Sundays and going to church is deeply rooted in Korean society.
What’s even more surprising is that many people go to church in the morning and return to work afterward. This blend of religious devotion and work culture is unique to Korea.
📚 7. Endless Studying at Private Academies
In Korea, studying doesn’t stop until you land a job. From a young age, students attend private academies (hagwons), focusing solely on academic achievements and job preparation.
This intense environment has even led to the term “sachuk” (a slang term implying people live for work). Foreigners are often amazed by the relentless drive and dedication to education in Korea.