Being Black in South Korea
Oh snap, here we go. Before we get started, I want to go ahead and preface that these experiences are my own with a few of my other friends of color’s stories mixed in. This is a delicate subject for most (everyone) people and I already anticipate differing opinions, but I feel like it’s important for me to actually speak on what I have seen and done in reference to my race while here in Korea.
When I first decided to come to Korea, I admit I was absolutely terrified about how I was going to be received because of my skin color. It’s not a secret that Korea, like many other countries in the world, celebrates paler skin and more Caucasian features. That’s not to say that they are deliberately racist or anything of the sort, but Korea specifically is more exposed to Hollywood and other Western stereotypes that perpetuate that white is beautiful. Of course, there are two sides to every coin and whatnot, but the general consensus from what I have seen is that pale skin is more popular. There have also been many different cases of racism and stereotyping when it comes to people of color by Korean celebrities and regular people alike. Whether this is simply from ignorance or the fact that people here genuinely see black people in a certain light, these questionable moments have happened, and knowing they have happened made me extremely wary before I even stepped off the plane.
When I first arrived I was in the protective embrace of orientation where everyone was from somewhere else and we were all fish out of water, so really at no point did my race come up as anything other than “What country are you from?” It wasn’t until we went on our first field trip to Jeonju, a beautiful city not far from Daejeon where orientation was held, that I felt it. Now, I understand the situation wasn’t a normal one. There were basically a million foreigners storming the streets of this village like town while the natives were also out in full force, staring us down. Of course, now my reaction seems a little silly, but at the time I almost had a genuine panic attack in the midst of such a crowd goggling us like we were a TV show. I’m getting anxiety just from thinking about it now.
My reaction to people looking at me didn’t stop in Jeonju.
When we got to Chungju, where I currently live, every time we went into E-Mart and I accidentally got in someone’s way or made eye contact, even just felt someone’s presence around me, my reaction was instantaneous. I would mumble out an apology and physically shrink into myself like I was about to be hit. Now, back home, this reaction would have been beyond strange for me. I’m not necessarily known for being shy in any way shape or form, so for my reaction to be so strong and instinctual was something that required some soul searching. After months of this ongoing strange behavior, along with everyone’s comments when they realized what I was doing, I found the cause. It was because I continued to wait for someone to have a negative reaction to my presence, and I was literally mentally and physically repelling it before I had a chance to examine anyone’s reaction at all.
As time went on I finally stopped being so afraid.
It’s not because I no longer notice, because I do, or that I no longer care, because that would also be a lie, but because now I’m actually curious. Sometimes I will stare at people and they will stare me back down, but at least now I know, for the most part, that they’re just trying to figure me out.
Rather than looking for blatantly negative moments, it’s the subtle ones that happen every once in a while that really bother me. Like when the students that come in for the week automatically think I’m from Africa or Jamaica. Or when they only have Obama or hip hop videos as reference to what they think my life is like in America. Something inside of me dies literally anytime anyone says, “Yo yo, what’s up man?!” to me simply because they think that’s how I talk on a regular basis, as if I would ever speak like that in a classroom setting or even on the regular for that matter.
Most of the time my race doesn’t come up at all. My co-teachers in particular don’t ever comment on my skin color, merely the fact that I’m a foreigner. Unfortunately, I know this cannot be said for all of my friends here in Korea. Especially when the Ebola virus broke out, even in Korea, thousands of miles from anywhere that had anyone who was infected, started panicking and looking suspiciously at all black people. I was on the subway with a friend of mine who is also of color and has natural hair and an older man laughed, pointed and loudly exclaimed as he was walking by, “Africa, ebola!”
Needless to say, neither of us found this even slightly amusing.
Another time a friend of mine came to visit from America and as we walked through the subway this drunk ahjussi screamed, in albeit slurred, but detectable, English, “GO BACK TO YOUR F- – – – – – COUNTRY!” Now, there was also a foreign couple right in front of us who turned to see who he was talking to, and there’s no way to know if it was about us being foreign or both my friend and I being black, but it was shocking nonetheless. That has been the only event that has truly stuck out in my mind as obviously negative. There are of course the horror stories you’ll hear about taxi drivers not wanting to take someone somewhere because of their color, or someone making a blatantly rude comment, but for the most part, I haven’t had more than those few small incidents happen to me.
Despite my physical appearance, I often feel just as comfortable as I do at home.
Racism exists everywhere, in small doses or large depending on where you live, but for the most part here it often seems to be less about my race and more the fact that I’m a foreigner. Of course, people see that I’m black, but I’ve gotten less commentary on it here than I do at home. In Texas I’m constantly aware of the fact that I’m a different color. In Korea I’m more constantly aware that I’m simply a waygook and people are more likely to look at me strangely because I can’t figure out the recycling system.
What I’m really trying to wrap up with here, in a long-winded sort of way, is that my initial fears of being something of a social outcast in Asia because I’m African-American were completely unfounded. Of course, this is just my take of things because I know others have had different experiences. However, though I’m certainly happy when I see others who look like me, it’s not a huge deal when I don’t. I no longer try to count the amount of other black people I see when I’m walking down the street in Seoul, nor do I no longer scramble for some kind of unseen social foothold. I feel as accepted as if I simply moved somewhere else in the States. If your only reasoning for not wanting to move abroad is your race, as I know several others who actually struggle with this, I say don’t worry about it. Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.
Or something like that.
Click below to watch Anyssa’s TedxTalk:
I am currently 16 and I want go to Uni in South Korea. However I have a fear that it’s too expensive, I won’t understand what anyone is saying. People would be racist to me since I am black and that I won’t make friends. I want to live in Seoul marry a korean man and live my best life. Also i’m not really sure what sort of job I could get there because I can’t speak Korean. Does anyone have any advice for me lol
Hi my name is aleah I think I replied already but I can’t see my post anyway I’m African American and I’m black I so admire south korea and south korean people sutch as their food and style and the way they do things i want to go there someday but I’m afraid they will judge me by my color but I won’t give up my dream I will marry a south korea man who will love me and make me smile and feel safe and be happy you guys comments gave me more support 😊 and it was amazing hearing your story’s don’t give up chyo (Good luck) and 감사합니다 (Thank you ) bye bye
Hi my name is aleah I am African American and I so admire south korean people dutch as their style and food and I want to go their someday and I am black I’m afraid that their going to judge me by my color but I’m not going to give up my dream I’ll keep going thanks for the support in your comments guys you just gave me a lot of support it was honestly special hearing your story’s 🤞🖤
Thank you for sharing this. I had a client who was an expat in Korea, and I follow some YouTubers who are expats in Korea, all who are Americans with African descent. I wondered if they experienced racism in Korea. I could have asked, but I looked it up. It really moved me, especially this part: “I found the cause. It was because I continued to wait for someone to have a negative reaction to my presence, and I was literally mentally and physically repelling it before I had a chance to examine anyone’s reaction at all.” Because although I am caucasian, I relate to this. Fear of rejection. I feel it in certain situations especially and it’s been triggering a lot of introspection for me. Anyway, loved this article. Thank you for sharing!
Hi thank you for posting your thoughts about your experience, ive travelled over the world to different countries and I’ve faced racism comments and slurs and to be honest I find it amusing, I mostly laugh it off and this always angers the the person saying the racist comments. I don’t know but I dont take it offensive non watsoever. And by the way am a jamiacan
Oh gosh I really like South Korea but because I am skin different I think I may be isolated i know how speak some of their language and can sing some of their songs I watch their movies and browse about their actors and actressesI really wish that one day I will be there and I pray I will be treated well I love South Korea💗💞💕❣️💟
I see everyone really wants to go to Korea…
I’ve myself have always want to stay or maybe live in Korea,ever since when I was a kid,still believes I’m gonna go there someday. I don’t think anything can change my mind. I just love everything about them down to their lifestyle.
It’s hard to say
Wow this really helped. I love Korea and I wanted to change my mind because of racism. I’m a very dark Imolite of Nigeria, west Africa and I thought going there for high school would be the worst.
I really like the place their people no matter how they behave non chalently or lackdasical i still like them their all handsome and nice while looking at them i just feel like schooling there but i dont know their language and their food but i can cope with that thanks for your speech am greatful cause you removed fear from my body
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Annyeonghaseyo(Hello)My name is Daniel Benita,I’m from Nigeria,and I would really love to go to South Korea one day,I really love everything about South Korea to the extent that my mom even calls me Miss Korea. I love their Language I’m learning how to speak it small small,I really wish and hope that I go to South Korea one day and get married to one of them because South Korea is my dream country. Saranghae ❤
This article helped
Am a Nigerian girl who loves kdrama
I also hope to go there.
But i think we all need to boost our self esteem.
Hi I’m a south African girl who also loves south Korea, their food, k-dramas and the culture as well. I really want to go there, and I’m aware that racism is probably there. I have my own fears and I’m really trying to not let other people’s opinions change my mind about going to teach there. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m taking a leap of faith and hope I learn more and grow as well.
Am a south Africa girl i really like their ways i mean the way they do am a fan to their drama and all the rest it gives me so much happiness to see their behavior
I really like this people am just afraid of their discrimination thanks for sharing your experience with us at lest i can still come there thanks babe ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Omg me too 🥺 but I have an Asian friend who wants to go with me when we get older
Hello, I have dreams to go there too…and hopefully I will I just hope they accept me since am nigerian…I really love that country…especially for their music and culture…
Am a Ghanaian and my dream country is Korea I always want to go to Korea but because am a black i feel discouraged that I may be criticized about my color. And after watch and reading this am encouraged to go to Korea
Racism against Black people in Korea is mainly taken from Hollywood’s version of Black people. This is not likely to change any time soon, especially since there are so few Black people in Korea so most people wouldn’t even have experience with them but only draw upon what they see in US news and entertainment which often presents a biased view of Black people. People need to stop thinking racism and prejudice is a specific Korean issue. A Korean or Asian person in Uganda also get stared at, called “Ching chong” and get rude slanted eye gestures.
Am planning on going to korea to teach am from nigeria tho.although have been hearing a lot about racism there but i will still take my stand as long as i still have passion for korea. I would like it if some korean people hit me up so we could become friend before coming and i also need some advice.whatsapp 08105783020.
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I am Nigerian who just started dating a korean andhe asked if i would rather live in the US or Korea in future. i freaked out and avoided the question because in as much as i love Korean culture, i am terrified that it might be horrible to stay in Korea due to racism(I didn’t tell him this). This post helps us a lot. Thanks, i can now be more open minded when Oppa asks again
Am a Ghanaian and since lower primary I had this great passion and love for Koreans and hope to attend college there buh after knowing that the racism rate is high am really scared buh that the same time I know I have the courage to stand them when I make it there some day.
And also am a Muslim will they accept me. Am very scared but when I think of the idea of going there I become happy and strong and a very good feeling.
I am a Korean and studied in the U.S.
Because I studied race relations the hardest during those years, I see things a bit differently from most others as far as how South Korea sees blackness.
And, I just want to say a big “Thank You” for being fair on how my country sees it.
It is rare to find a person like yourself and takes a lot to be fair and open-minded as a person of color.
I can say this not only because I’ve studied the subject most seriously but because being an Asian in west, we have our own struggles – othering, demasculinization, un-representation by the media, etc.
I found this page, while doing research for my YouTube channel – focused racism against Asians and sometimes about racism – people need to be educated about the true definition of racism when they discuss it.
Thank you once again for being fair.
I hope that you keep staying around for long.
Am from Nigeria, I mean happy you share your experience with us because I wanted to go to Korea too but I don’t know how it will look like there because of my skin colour. Thanks I will go there someday to fulfill my dream
Do you still live in south Korea ?
How old were you when you moved to South Korea
Do you see other color skin in Korea
I’m 13 but I want to go to Korea in the future and that’s way I’m asking all these questions
Well that’s all I had to ask thank you for you time
Wow, I came about this page because I simply searching for successful black people in Korea. But this article was such a blessing instead.
Anyways I am a university student in Botswana ,Africa, and I’m wondering how hard would it be for me to get a teaching job abroad in South Korea?
I love their food so much and I’m currently on level 2 of intermediate Korean Language.
In my extended Korean family in Seoul, a foreigner is a foreigner. No one of different color would be treated any different. They are thrilled to have great foreign teachers!!❤️
In my extended Korean family in Seoul; a foreigner is a foreigner. No one of different color would be treated any different.
Thank you so much for sharing your ideas.🙏🙏
I love Koreans…i love Korea
🖤 Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. It has helped a lot.
I’m a Muslim guy from Nigeria and my dream about visiting Korea (my dream country) is growing everyday. I love this country more than any country else even my own country. As long as I can speak a little bit Korean and understand their culture. I watched their dramas and movies a lot just because of the love I have for the country and the people living there. I would love to visit Korea someday but I don’t know how they will react to my skin color since I’m black. I really want to make friends with Koreans and marry a Korean woman if it’s possible. But OMG! I’m really scared!
Wow Abdul you are also a fan of their movies and Soap Operas? I am too and I am full blooded Naija! Krome!
I also intend to visit one day! I love their culture,constant show of respect, their appreciation of family and commitment to family! Its all so much like home in the Real Nigeria. Krome!
Dont be,just be confident of how you are,am also nigerian but i love south korea and i dont care of what they think of me
OMG😃
We from the same country….and we have the same wish😊
I also dream of getting married to a Korean man someday….. hopefully…
I’m a nigerian too! I love korea so much I can’t Even explain it. The love i have for the kpop idols and kdrama actors makes me love all korean people and korean culture. My dream is to move to korea and work there and also go to fansigns.
Oh hello please I dream of going to the country and I have learnt that racism is not really practiced there which is good, I am still very young and I still have the strong will of going there.
O my goodness, we have the same name and we both have the same thoughts, I really want to go to college there and develop a lifestyle but I’m too scared.
Me tooo.
well, I have recently come to love south korea. I have come to love there food, fashion, technology and I think they are very talented. More so I have been curious of what its like in South Korea also in terms of job opportunities because one day I would like to visit. I hope that if one day I get to really go there, it shall be positive. I believe we are all human beings, flesh and blood. We should treat each other with love and respect.
I am a Nigerian ,I also love South Korea I love they movies and I love to travel to that place someday.
I am also a black girl I am a Ghanaian I would love to go there is my dream country but I don’t know what they would say about my colour cause I am black
hey, i am a Nigerian. i have loved south korea and korean people since i was a little girl. i have never been there but i dream to visit that country someday. from my point of view, korea has a very minimal racist level and they look like really nice people. there are black people just like us you live there and love it..
I am a Malaysian currently studying in South Korea. I have been here for more than 3 years, and i have to tell you that most of the korean have are afraid of foreigners, as they are afraid they can’t communication with you or they just not want to get out from their comfort zone to mingle around with people other than their own race.
Thank you for sharing, would you recommend one to study there based on your experience with them? I’m considering applying there but I’m afraid they may be racist
Hello, I’d like to get in touch with you. How do I contact you?
Hey! Am from Ghana and I love to visit korea one day because is my dream country since ever I learned to know them better. I love their culture, and movies and also their music( k popo). But sometimes I think of what would it be like to be the only black walking down the street in the morning with only white people around me and starring at me . sometimes I really get scared but I hope that would not be the case when I visit there.
I read the article and I was happy to find it. I also watched your video. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I am a Black man from America. I studied mechanical engineering. Currently I work in software. Specifically I have skills in automated testing and automotive mechanics.
Since I work in software, I was imagining I could work in Korea, so long as I had internet. How realistic is it for me to find software work? Here where I live it is easy if you have the skills. Officially I have an associates degree and 5+ years software work experience.
I’ve heard Seoul is extremely vain, and selfies may be submitted with resumes. They wont hire you if they think youre ugly. Is that true? seems harsh.
As far as generally existing – I have dreadlocks down to my shoulders. I’m 6ft, 195lbs (183cm, 88kg) with a mesomorph body type. I am nicely muscular and I’ve been solicited to, for modeling. (I am not bragging, ive been told i am attractive for years by many people from different backgrounds)
Which makes me expect a lot of attention if I were to move there
I like fast/loud cars. 3D printing and CAD design. Martial arts, Biking, playing Gears of war on xbox, and working out at a gym. How likely is it i can maintain the things I like? – Probably depends on my income? Because me opening a shop to build/engineer things is a dream.
I still need to learn korean. I strongly worry about that difficulty and not knowing would compound the racism there lol
Because racism is quite common here and I am OVER IT – i’ve noticed some white men are just scared/intimidated and insecure within their own hearts and some of those men project their fears and expectations on to me. Which can lead to a negative interaction. (maybe it is a human male thing, but ugh it happens so often).
How is it interacting with Korean men? Because in my elementary, junior high, and high school and college, I noticed a common denominator with mean kids. Would-be bullies could be nasty-racist behind my back, but never blatantly to my face. I am an anti-bully. I googled stuff and I will be physically larger than most of the average locals. So I wonder if I should expect a lot of deeply passive-aggressive racism with Korean men/women?
I have a half-korean girlfriend who’s mother side of the family lives there. So we would have some sort of backup, but I would rather have my own space because the family who ive never personally met might be racist too lol. How easy is it to find property?
I noticed hotels that were like 30-50 US_dollars a day, and for around $2,100 usd I could fly there, stay for nearly and month, check out the city and make a decision?
I am not leaving america to escape from anything. I know racism exists all over the world. I only want to go to Korea because it would mean the world to my half korean girlfriend who lived in korea as a child. shes 28 now, (im 29) and weve been together for 6 years. she wants to live there for at least a year.
Ive traveled over seas to VISIT parts of the Caribbean, the UAE, Ghana and South Africa. I welcome the culture shock but I feel like I might actually miss america? but not at the same time
Thanks for reading!
TLDR: Considering moving to Korea because of a longterm relationship. I currently work in software, How hard is life is going to be in South Korea for a smart, tall, and fit black male who’s spouse is half korean?
Well not to say it’s gonna be easy but a good experience
Rukia
Am from Uganda it has been always my dream and will always be my dream to go to South Korea and have my studies but my greatest fears were the way they will treat me while in Korea
hello, i’m half jamaican and half british and i’ve always wanted to be able to go to somewhere in Seoul and have my own bakery but I guess i’m just kind of scared to start somewhere new and learn a new language. I am young now but any encouragement or advice..?
Nothing to lose, besides a bit money :D. But in all seriousness, if you feel strongly about this, go for it. Better to go for it now than regret later. And remember, you only live one life 🙂
I’ll just say go with how you feel if its what you want don’t let your fear make you decide i know learning the people and something new is pretty hard and stressful but you have to sacrifice anything if its worth it ,at start it might be rough but things will turn around.Just make your best choice and let it ride.
you just inspired me so much
I am really happy about this…… So, is it necessary to learn the language fully? I am a Nigerian girl and I need a fellow black person to support me
I’m with you my friend. I’m Nigerian too and gosh i love Korea. We are on the same page. Its not necessary to learn the language fully. Just learn the basics and when you move there,you get more knowledge…
Let’s learn together, precious. I love the language so much and I believe using the language to interact with someone on daily basis is the fast way to succeed
Hi, I am also from Nigeria too I also love Korea too. Perhaps can we study the language together? Can I have your fb username so we could learn together
Hey
I’m Nigerian too, I also wish to study in south Korea and it would be nice to have someone to share this journey with.
My number WhatsApp number is 09025700026
Hi, I’m Beemnet and I’m a black girl that is in love with koeea.
I have an aunt and uncle that lives in south Korea but my aunt said that its bad here.
My uncle told me that he applied to be a teacher but they failed him and when he asked why, they said that many parents and students don’t want black teachers. Is that true?
Did many parents hate black peoples? 😔😢
I am Nigerian ,i really wish to play professional football in South Korea someday.But i don’t know much about the country,if there is anything like racism being practiced there,someone should please enlighten me
Ok so am Nigerian and I really think it will be a great experience visiting Korea and perhaps study there like seriously they have one the best medicine schools and it’s been my dream any Korean out there to talk to please email me orevautehwe@gmail.com I am serious
Am a Nigerian and would really like to practice medicine at South Korea. What do you think?
Can somebody tells me if South Koreans are interested in learning French?
I also want to visit that beautiful country
Hi i’m french and i want to go study in korea but i don’t know
if with a student visa you can study Korean and study for a job in Korea at the same time?
Hi, I loved your article. I’ve been looking for kindergarten schools to work at recently and I’ve had some korean co workers tell me, “Be careful because korean principals usually want white teachers, not black.” All I could was nod and try to keep a blank face.
Hi
I’m a black girl from Ghana and I have always loved everything about Koreans but I have always wanted to know what it feels like to be in South Korea.
More precisely being a black.
I want to know what most Koreans think about blacks.
여보세요 (hello in korean)
I have always wanted to move to South Korea because I’ve always admired Koreans especially because of their beautiful features. So I wanted to know what it would be like if I moved there because I am Native American. In the future I hope I marry someone Korean, Asian, or Cambodian. (A lot of them are cute and these people are apparently my type. They are the only type of people that appeal to me. This might cause me to be single as a Pringle for the rest of my life)
P.S. I don’t know Korean yet, but Korean is one of the easiest languages to learn.
I’m a student living in Korea. To be honest, there are quite a lot of older people who are still racist.
Maybe probably they think we are not cute sensitive and normal humans i don’t really know how to speak their language i just want to school there thats why i want to know if they are okey with black people 🙄🙄🙄i do travel to other places there is nothing like unwanted discrimination am very happy
Cause u made my day wit ur experience and also another stuff i fear is their food i mean we don’t eat same stuff so how did you cope with it i really wanna learn your language
Hey I’m also a Ghanian girl and I really want to pursue my education in South Korea.
My name is Melissa and i am a black girl from South Africa. I have been in South Korea now for 1 month (i arrived on the 16th of August.2019) and i am loving it so far. It was abit scary at first but i have to admit i am one strong person, i don’t let ugly stares break my spirit because i believe ignorance is a choice & if you choose to be ignorant that’s on you. I have had wonderful people come up to me and ask me where i am from etc…and others who stare with abit of shock i don’t mind, do you honey and i’ma do me. So long as i know that i am in your country legally and i am not here to break the law i’m good. I am teaching English here and if you ask me we all need each other. I have heard some Korean kids telling me that them learning english will enable them to go study in America and in the UK. So there is really no need for rude people. We are all helping each other out. It also helps if you are a teacher and you have a good agent and my agent Julie she is very caring, prompt and reliable so it makes life bearable. When i first arrived i didn’t have any friends but i have since met 3 American white guys who are extremely kind and fun to be around so those are my friends in this country. I have also met some Korean girls and boys who i hangout with they are very open minded, kind and definatly not racist. We call ourselves the English squad and our Korean friends say we help them alot because they want to improve their English. I live in Iksan City Jeollabuk-do province. Here is my whatsapp number if you are also around SK +27 784 862 133 hit me up and let’s make life easier for one another since we are far from home. My Kakao id is MelissaZar. Ps. I also do understand those Koreans who have not seen a black person in their life, i fully understand but be open don’t be rude to people. Huge gratitude to those who aren’t rude because in South Africa we also have a huge chinese community and we don’t treat them with disrespect.
I’m South African too🤩I want to study in South Korea and I was always scared I would be blasted with harsh comments but you showed me what I needed to see thank you 🌸
Thank you Anyssa, I want to visit South Korea but was worried how I would be accepted as a black women in a country that prefers lighter skin tone. I am now more motivated to take the trip and feel that it won’t be more scary than living in Ohio. There are many racist areas here, mostly in the country/farm areas.
Am also planning to come and stay in South Korea. How is life and are jobs easy accessed for foreigners. Am born and raised in Africa. Someone to kindly advise.
I’m a Liberian, from Monrovia Liberia, my Country have a free visa on arrival in South Korera, but I’m so afraid about how who to speak with or speak to when I get to south Korea , because I have no relatives, Friends and anyone that I know in South Korea, so I left Liberia and I’m having in Abuja Nigeria right now, but my dream is for me to still travel to south Korea, so believed Dear Friends, Koreans, and especially Black African that are living in south Korea, here is my WhatsApp phone number, +2347033115066, my Instagram page is Sytekonfashion, my Facebook name is Prince Augustus Tarty, please I need a Friend in South Korea, that will inform me about some very important things about south Korea OK,
My country does not appear on countries eligible to teach in South Korea, does this mean I don’t stand a chance to teach English?
Hi Natascha,
Unfortunately, those are the countries from which the E2 visa is awarded, which you need to legally work in Korea. If you want to teach elsewhere we can help, email us at travelabroad@greenheart.org!
while i havent visited south Korea yet, i have known some south koreans. while i dont know if they way a person acts here in the U.S. is the same way they’d act in there own counrty i have had positive experiences . Actually my best friend in college was a boy “Jay Woo” from south korea. I learned so much about the country that we aren’t taught here and, so much about his experience with other south koreans born here in the U.S. Now we did have some “so so” experiences people looking as us weird and black guys making jokes and even where he toke some lip from other koreans for hanging out with a black girl but no one ever said anything to me.I personally feel like the same type of things would happen in south korea too and, it not that big of a deal to me. Nevertheless he never stopped hanging with me and although he was shy and even more shy about his english i can say that he and others i’ve met have made me want to visit. I can say for sure it is better to go with or know a korean person out there, or make friends quickly. there are in fact a lot of gangs (mostly students) who don’t minds starting trouble in certain areas. for those of you who don’t speak korean best you start practicing and learning some key word especially from that refer black or foreign people/ person or negative remarks so that you are better aware of your surroundings but thats with any foreign country where you don’t speak the language . Again this is my opinion and no i haven’t personally went yet. i would be open to getting group together to go , so if any one is interested on making that happen my ig is below.
Natural_ten
I don’t think the right word is “trying not to be racist” it’s act on it. But as the time will pass and has past. I think now there are people more accepting and acknowledging about foreigner and and people from all races. I don’t live in korea but someday I want i just wanna move and live there and share my opinion and that “korean are racism” everywhere in the media we can make scrap that. So that people who wanna follow there dreams like me won’t have to hesitate and research research research.
To everyone wondering should I go there,
I did the same thing search everything. Will korea be safe for me? Oh will i ever make friends? Or will I be lonely forever and ever? Will I find an Oppa oh
Dramaqueen 🙄
Now I’m gonna tell you 1 thing you are reading other people’s experiences not yours, cuz yours is not theirs cuz yours is goin’ to be different. Remember that Ok!
Now Peace to everyone enjoy life l Sure do ✌🏽🤪
I’m south korean and my opinion can’t represent all korean, but It seemed that you guys need some help or imformation. It was unusual to see foreigners in our country since a long time ago because of its geographical and historical reasons. So when we see foreigner, it is kind of interesting and new even just seeing them just because it is not usual, and we get curious about them but this curiosity often is in a positive manner. Lots of people around the world now is coming to Korea so it is less severe than past, but the population mainly is focused on cities, usually Seoul. And people’s tendency is not something that can change so fast. What I want to say is that we don’t generally differenciate and judge people with their skin colors. Some may, but at least for me and for people around me, we will try as hard as we can not to be racists. And we even know that it’s one of the most controversial issues.
I would agree with you. There are some that can be, some are not. Depending on how they look at you. Even here in the Philippines, we sometimes are curious on the looks of the foreign tourists. We also admired people with white complexity. But at the end of the day, it is still how you carry yourself, whether you’re black, you’re white and etc.
Am a Nigerian one of the Africa country I want to learn how to speak Korean. I love Korean so much and it my dream country please can you help me out
Same here maybe we could team up I d love to learn the language and study Derek maybe we could team up kindly email me orevautehwe@gmail.com
Aaaaw ur sooo
sweet
My daughter loves the culture and for her 21st birthday this December I’m planning a trip for us. Any tip you can offer?
Many people in South Korea haven’t seen a black person In real life, hence the looks. Most Asian countries aren’t a melting pot like the West.. And btw, Koreans have their OWN standards of beauty…. Japan and South Korea have preferred pale skin since antiquity….
I want to go and study in South Korea for my high school years. But I do not know if I could. Of if it was a good idea. I’m not from African decent but I am Latina.
Any advice???
I need a job here in south Korea
This is really an eye opener because I also want to move to south Korea but I’m wasn’t sure about how people will act round me since I’m a black girl…. And south african
Thank u
I’m two days in and absolutely hating it. It may be that I’m having separation anxiety from my husband (we are in two different cities) or that everyone stares, all the time. It’s a huge adjustment for someone from South Africa. My one friend lasted 3 months and then left. I don’t know if I’ll be staying for long, I’m giving myself a month to see, but I can tell you this. If you come, come mentally prepared and open-minded. Also, if you have a friend or someone also keen to come, come with them. It’s easier to navigate Korea with someone else.
Hi, we in May 2019, did you go to Korea?
I’m a Korean American teen girl, who is currently living in Korea. I was born in America, so I have both experiences of living in america and korea…and I can clearly see the difference between the two. First of all, I apologize for how the man treated you..that wasn’t necessary at all, and the people who just watched the whole scene. I do love and support korea, but I’m really not happy about the racism here. That’s one thing I hope would decrease sooner. There are a couple of people who gave up on living in korea because of the mistreatment they had in where they lived, thinking Korea is racist. But you were the opposite! You stayed strong and didn’t let yourself lose confidence easily. And I thank you so much for that. I just wish people wouldn’t think that Korea is overall a racist country because of the mistreatment they got by some close-minded people. Some Koreans are like this because they’re not familiar with non-koreans in their country, mostly due to Korean history, which is sad. Other countries like America have less racism compared to Korea, since they had more immigrants and foreigners involved. The way the students approached you is actually hilarious… can’t imagine how awkward it would’ve been! Unlike me, kids here have little knowledge about non-asians, since they usually only see them in movies or on the internet. Fortunately, Korean students today are putting effort and learning more about foreigners, how to respect and accept them. I really hope more people come into Korea and help wipe out this embarrassing existence of racialism.
Well said
Man is always moved by what he hears and sees. With the experiences of others, one can decide on steps to take. Thus, my questions have always been “what is life in Korea all about?” job opportunities, treatment of of other race “Africans”, culture cum tradition,food and religion. Those are the key factors that one would think about before the idea of visiting South Korea matures. I would love to know more about how South Koreans accommodate other race and how it affects an individual from enjoying his stay. Thanks.
I’m a black woman from South Africa and I’ve recently found my love for Korea. I would love to travel there and get to see the way they live, their culture and just basically the food. At the moment I’m still studying but reading this article has helped in easing my doubts and fears although they are still present but now I’m more definat with my decision and will still persue my dream