Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Seoul accepting of differences?

"Yes, there is a lot of diversity in Seoul. The city is home to people from all over the world, including many expats from the United States, Europe, and other parts of Asia. People in Seoul are generally accepting of differences, and the city is known for its vibrant and diverse culture," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Seoul, Korea.

"Koreans are the best and the worst. An outsider may think they are cold, stoic, uncaring and a bit rude....but this is just not true, in my mind. Here's a story: in my building the older security guard would just look at me as I came in the door. I thought it was kind of rude...no wave or smile or word...but later I heard from a Korean friend that that is just how he should react to me, a foreigner. How can he say anything? If he made a gesture he might offend (we all know how some movements are respectful in some countries but an insult in other parts of the world). So, he did his best to be respectful by doing nothing. Later he started to salute me as I came in, which was fine...I did a little bow back and within a few months he actually cracked a smile. That anecdote aside, most Koreans are fairly outgoing, when they need to be. Most are deathly afraid of trying out 'their poor Engrish' and usually take a backseat in conversations. They are not prone to dispute things with a foreigner (we are usually larger and have an incredible grasp of English and usually no knowledge of Korean, which gives us a huge advantage....or disadvantage depending on your viewpoint). Koreans think a few things about foreigners (Westerners in particular, especially from the US). They are dirty (Koreans are some of the cleanest people around), they smell even though Koreans sweat it rarely smells...which is odd given their daily intake of garlic), they are unfaithful (Westerners divorce...but many Koreans, according to a study cheat on their spouses as well, but they don't divorce), and they will be gone soon (many foreigners are in Korea for a few days or months or years, and then go home. So don't be too surprised if you feel like a new guy in a Vietnam platoon--where no one recognized your existance until you are around for a couple of weeks--it'll pass and they will warm up to you: or you'll go home... Koreans are, on the face of it, homogeneous. They have similar fashions, only a few deviants (unlike, say, Seattle) and with the clear-cut emphasis on family and work for the sexes it is not odd even to see same-sex parties, gatherings and (where they are mixed parties) mini-cliques. Under the surface, and after some time, many find that Koreans can be very, very different from one another--and why not? they are just like people anywhere: they want to fit in and be themselves as well. Religiously, Korea is basically Protestant/Presbyterian (that big church I mentioned is Presbyterian). A few Roman Catholics and many more Bhuddists (especially in the South city of Pusan). Korean church-goers can be pretty aggressive (read: fervent) in their beliefs, but all, I believe, respect your beliefs. No problems here," commented one expat who made the move to Seoul, Korea.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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