K-Alien

Life in Korea from a Foreigner’s Perspective

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  • Korean Men and Handwashing: The Dirty Truth Behind Korea’s Clean Reputation

    So Why Don’t They Wash Their Hands?

    One of the most shocking and disturbing things I’ve noticed living in Korea is Korean men’s tendency to skip washing their hands after using the bathroom. Koreans are famously hygienic — showering twice a day, brushing teeth after every meal. Yet somehow, the one moment it matters most? Soap optional. I’m not making a bizarre accusation. This is based on my own observation, and as it turns out, the data backs me up.

    Young man in dark hoodie looking confused at his hands in bathroom mirror with question marks thought bubble
    AI generated image

    Many restaurants in Korea fail to grasp the importance of having soap in the restroom. And many places still offer those blackened, mystery bar soaps instead of liquid soap — you know the ones. They feel icky, but honestly, we all know all you need is to lather them up to wash away invisible bacteria. Have you seen those funny-looking bar soaps at public subway bathrooms? I feel repulsed using them sometimes, and yet I still do — because that’s the point.

    The situation improved vastly after COVID, but even now, many restaurants still fail to stock soap in their bathrooms. Shame on you!!!

    I’ve long tried to uncover the psyche behind this. Does Korea only pretend to be hygienic? Would they skip the shower if no one could tell the difference? I assumed nobody had studied this — but turns out, someone has. And the numbers are wild.

    According to a survey by Korea’s Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 87% of Koreans said they wash their hands properly after using the toilet. Sounds great, right? But when KDCA workers actually watched 2,000 people at public restroom basins, only 28% used soap. The rest just rinsed with water and called it a day. The gap between what Koreans think they do and what they actually do is staggering.
    When asked why they don’t wash properly, over half said they simply never developed the habit. Nearly 30% said it was too bothersome. And 5% blamed the lack of soap — which, as we’ve established, is sometimes a fair point.

    So there’s your answer. It’s not that Koreans are secretly unhygienic. It’s that handwashing with soap was never drilled in as a non-negotiable habit the way showering or teeth-brushing was. COVID nudged things in the right direction, but old habits die hard — especially the ones that involve doing nothing.

    Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go wash my hands.

  • Job Interview in Korea: How I Blew an Offer at a Top Company

    What Foreigners Need to Know About Korean HR and Hiring Culture

    I want to share a story about one of the biggest job interview failures I have had in Korea. At the time, I was still new in Korea and I was still struggling to fully assimilate into the culture. One day, a headhunter approached me with an opportunity at one of the biggest companies in Korea. I wasn’t actively looking, but I thought it might be fun to try. Even if I failed, it would at least make for a good story to tell friends over Chimaek. So I decided to go for it.

    The process started off surprisingly well. My first interview was with the hiring manager, conducted in English, and I felt like I did extremely well. The second round was with the head of the department, also in English, and once again, I nailed it. At that point, I felt confident things were moving in the right direction. Then I was told there would be a final interview with HR. That struck me as a bit odd, because in most global companies, HR screening usually happens at the beginning, not at the end. Typically, HR doesn’t dive deep into the role itself—they just check things like salary expectations and coordinate the next steps. So I assumed this final round would be more of a formality.

    Young man confidently sitting in a job interview with four serious interviewers around a table
    AI generated Image

    The first two interviews had been conducted over the phone, but HR asked me to come into the office for the final round, which was about an hour away. I was slightly frustrated that they boss me around but decided to go along with it. When I arrived, I was surprised to see not one, but three HR interviewers waiting for me. Even then, I wasn’t nervous. If anything, I underestimated the situation. As the interview went on, I started to feel increasingly frustrated. The questions they asked felt more suited for a junior candidate, such as how I deal with conflict with a manager. By that point, I found myself answering rather unenthusiastically. In my head, I was thinking, “Let’s just get this over with. The hiring manager likes me, the department head likes me—just ask about my salary and give me the offer.”

    Eventually, they asked if I had any questions. For some reason, I decided to ask, “I’m interested in working overseas. How soon can I apply for an overseas role or assignment?” The atmosphere in the room shifted immediately. I could see their expressions change, even though they remained professional in their response. Then they asked if I had another question, and instead of recovering, I made things worse. I asked, “Is it true that your company requires intensive overtime?” At the time, I didn’t fully realize how negatively that would be received. Looking back, I can admit that I was immature in how I handled that moment.

    Not long after the interview ended, I received a call from my headhunter, and he was furious. He told me I had managed to ruin something that was essentially already closed. All I had to do was not mess it up, and I would have gotten the offer. That was when it really hit me.

    What I failed to understand at the time was how hiring decisions often work in Korean companies. In many cases, HR is not just an administrative function—they are one of the most powerful decision-makers in the hiring process. It’s not the hiring manager or even the department head who decides. HR plays a critical role in determining whether a candidate is ultimately hired. If I had understood that earlier, I would have approached the interview very differently and with much more respect.

    At the same time, the experience made me reflect on a broader difference in hiring philosophy. In many global companies, candidates are primarily evaluated based on their competency and how well they can perform the job. In contrast, many Korean companies place significant weight on character, attitude, and cultural fit instead. While I understand the reasoning behind that, I can’t help but feel that it can sometimes discourage hiring people who challenge ideas or speak up, which may limit organizational growth in the long run.

    In the end, it was a tough lesson, but a valuable one. If you’re preparing for an interview with a Korean company, take every stage seriously, especially HR. It’s not just a formality, and how you present yourself in terms of attitude and alignment can matter just as much as your skills. I hope sharing this experience helps someone avoid making the same mistake I did.

  • The Most Dangerous App in Korea: Food Delivery

    Shall we Chimaek tonight?

    One of the biggest joys in Korea is the food delivery service. You can get anything from K-food, fried chicken and even sushi. The list is endless and they are available till dawn. You can even order your favorite soju and beer from the delivery restaurant together with food. Many Koreans enjoy a variety of cuisine at their fingertips in the comfort of their homes.

    Korea had delivery services long before the smartphone came to rule the earth. They used to distribute yellow pages or flyers of delivery restaurants to your mailbox (physical mailbox). Surely choices were limited and they were usually Korean Chinese food, jokbal (pork legs) or junk food franchises. Delivery used to be free with restaurants operating their own fleet of delivery men.

    With the delivery apps, the market grew significantly and added a variety of options previously not available. In order to penetrate the newly created market, delivery apps gave out discounts which only expedited changes in dining habits. Corona delivered the final blow, when this was the safest method of procuring necessary sustenance without encountering an infectious host.

    Fried chicken is undoubtedly the most popular delivery choice. Korea is often called the Republic of Fried Chicken, with over 600 brands and more than 30,000 outlets serving tiny Korea. KFC has a similar number of outlets worldwide, which gives you an idea of Koreans’ love for fried chicken.

    Just like I did, newcomers will get hopelessly addicted to the weekend ordering frenzy, and you will quickly gain a pound or two. Especially those mega carb-packed tteokbokki and chimaek are notorious for causing obesity and need to be taken in moderation. If you are sharing a flat, it is especially hard to resist when your roommate glares at you and asks whether you want “chimaek” tonight.

    Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to burn unwanted calories which I may cover later. For now, indulge yourself in some of the fabulous joys of Korea.

  • Why Cars in Korea Are Mostly White, Silver, or Black

    You can have any color as long as it is White, Silver or Black

    One of the first things you will notice on the road in Seoul is that all cars have a similar dull color. It’s either White, Silver, or Black. The reason behind this is very shocking and interesting, as this reflects how Koreans live their lives.

    A car is the second-biggest investment or expenditure behind housing for most Koreans. Therefore, many Koreans are prudent when it comes to buying a car. While this is similar elsewhere, Koreans go way too extreme and prioritize resale value above all else. When buying a brand new car, most of us would choose our favorite color, but Korean people choose color that will retain the highest resale value which is White, Silver and Black. This was shocking to me.

    Based on recent news, white represented a whopping 32%, while gray/silver accounted for 31%, followed by black at 16%. It is very rare to see red, blue, or yellow cars in Korea. In addition, most Koreans choose to purchase top-of-the-line models for the same reason. As a result, most cars on the street have panoramic sunroofs, oversized dashboard LCDs, and climate-controlled seats.

    You would think that affluent Koreans would think differently, but no. Luxury cars are no exception. All Porche, Mercedes and BMW on the street are also White, Silver and Black in color. Another fun fact is that Korean loves diesel engine for economic reasons. They can afford luxury cars but they want them in Diesel to save on gas which I thought was ironic.

    Koreans are very cost-conscious and financially prudent people. Most Koreans save a significant portion of their income for the future and live frugal lifestyles. I used to ride a lot of cabs back home. I would ride them when I am tired or just to avoid sweating on hot muggy days. My habit continued in Korea as well as the Cab fare in Korea is quite reasonable but most Koreans ride cabs for emergencies only. They use public transportation whenever possible to save money, and they are very disciplined about this.

    I think there is a very good explanation for this phenomenon. Korea was hopelessly poor right after the Korean War, which started in 1950. After the war, Koreans worked tirelessly day and night, living a very disciplined and frugal lifestyle for a better tomorrow. This dedication allowed Korea to escape from war-torn poverty in such a short time, but this prudence is ingrained deeply within Koreans, and it is still visible in their lifestyle today.

  • Working hours in Korea

    Visibility over productivity

    [Source: AI-generated image]

    One of the most frustrating things about working in Korea is the culture of staying late in the office. You are expected to remain at least an hour after the end of official working hours.
    Appropriate number of hours will depend on your industry, the size of the company but most importantly the boss you report to.

    My boss would stay late — up to 8 or 9 pm every day — as if he didn’t want to go home. He would watch baseball games from 6:30 when the work officially ended. I knew he wanted me to stay late and have dinner, and work with him afterward. It seems he wanted to stay at work as long as possible, where he was the king of the jungle and he wasn’t getting the same respect at home. In Korea, when you have a meal with your boss or elders, the youngest has to perform a pre-meal ritual of placing chopsticks and a spoon under a napkin for your elders and pouring tea. They even have to order for seniors so having a meal with subordinates can make you feel like a medieval King.

    One time, I couldn’t take it any longer and I asked to leave at 7pm. He frowned and mumbled that perhaps he wasn’t giving me enough work to do.

    That’s right folks. You are expected to come 30 minutes early and stay 2–3 hours past the official working hours. Koreans will usually wait quietly for the first colleague to be brave enough to take action. Once the first guy gets all the stigma, other lemmings will follow. And yes, don’t expect a positive appraisal if you are one of those people who leave early. You don’t have to accomplish much during these hours. It’s usually an email and then dinner with alcohol and then get back to the office for another email and you can head home leaving your boss completely satisfied. It’s usually accompanying your boss to dinner that makes him happy.

    I didn’t have a family back then so I actually enjoyed the alcohol and dinner so it wasn’t such a bad experience for me, but many of my colleagues just wanted to go home. Interestingly, they were very persevering and very used to this.

    Fortunately, this trend is changing. Top corporations in Korea introduced mandatory PC shut-down policy after working hours a few years ago and it is slowly becoming the norm in Korea. Finally, the concept of work-life balance is setting its roots in Korea.

  • Top 5 Places in Seoul Locals Don’t Want You to Know

    K-Alien’s Top 5 Must-Visit Places

    You don’t need another website telling you to visit tourist traps like Myeongdong or Hongdae. Instead, I want to share secret places that locals truly enjoy. These are the top 5 spots I personally enjoyed the most.

    1. Hangang River (Cruise / Bicycle Ride)

    The Hangang River runs across Seoul and is surrounded by beautiful parks, yet it’s not included in typical tourists’ must-visit lists. I put the Hangang River at the very top because it is, one of the most underrated spots in Korea. Set aside at least half a day for this, ideally in the afternoon. Book a river cruise and enjoy a relaxing 40-minute ride with stunning views of Seoul’s skyline. Inside the boat, you can buy a small cup of anchovies to feed the seagulls trailing behind. Don’t worry—they won’t bite the feeding hand. Kids absolutely love it, and even adults get a thrill when the birds snatch the fish right from your fingertips. After the boat ride, stop by a bicycle rental shop and rent a bike. Korea has some of the best riverside bike tracks. Ride along the dedicated bike track and enjoy the breeze. Once the sun starts to set, head to Mapo area nearby for its famous pork BBQ.

    Seoul Skyline from from the Boat
    1. Gwangjang Market

    Local markets are always fun to explore. Seoul has many but Gwangjang Markets is one of the most popular destination. Market offer all kinds of things from clothing, shoes to kitchenware but street food is most popular. But be aware, like many other markets in the world, prices aren’t set in stone. Permanent shops surrounds makeshift stalls in the center and usually these temporary stalls don’t have a fixed price(or set amount for that matter). They don’t sell anything expensive so feel free to enjoy the experience but those feint-hearted can visit the permanent stores.

    1. Namsan Hike

    Did you know that you can actually hike to Namsan tower? Oops, first thing first. Namsan is a mountain you can see from Myeongdong with that iconic tower at its peak. It also is a famous tourist site by it self and most people will ride a cable car to the top of the Mountain. But not you. You will want to shed some of those calories accumulated from days of devouring greasy street food and fried chicken. It is about 30 minute hike(at most) from cable car station and the hike will offer you stunning view of the city. Once you are at the top, storm the convenience store and grab that Shin ramen and replenish the lost calorie .

    View from the the peak of Namsan
    1. National Museum of Korea(Yongsan)

    If you would like to know more of Korea beyond K-POP and Idols, visit the national museum of Korea located in Yongsan. Just 30 minutes away from Myeongdong by public transport, the museum offers huge collection of historical artifact and exhibitions. Easy half day for history enthusiast. The entrance is stunning with ceiling so high and it gives your leg a jolt starring at it. There is also a small food court but I suggest you fill your belly else where. Yongsan I-Park mall is near by and it offers good choices of restaurants and plenty of shopping.

    National Museum of Korea
    1. Korean Sauna (Jjimjilbang)

    Your trip is nearing its end and you are exhausted. It is time to relax and rejuvenate. Head to any jjimjilbang or Korean Sauna nearby for a fully immersive bathing experience. It feel intimidating at first because of the language barrier, but most jjimjilbangs run in almost the same way. Pay at the counter and you’ll get a locker key (usually a numbered bracelet with a key or an RF device) and a set of clothes to change into. Once changed, enter the main hall and start your relaxation ritual by exploring various hot and cold rooms. The mini-mart offers a surprisingly good selection of Korean snacks, but you have to try the boiled eggs and sikhye (a sweet fermented rice drink). When you’re comfortably full, grab one of the sleeping mats and take a nap in the warm main hall. For the final stage, head into the bathing area, endure a 10-minute steamy hot sauna, and then enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot tub. You must get butt-naked in the bathing area but don’t worry. You will make it out alive.

  • Housing options in Korea

    What the Heck is an Officetel?

    Hopefully, you already have a temporary place arranged when you landed, and now it’s time to look for something more permanent, at least for the time you’re here. When I first arrived, I stayed at a place called Co-op Residence, which was something between a hotel and a motel. It catered to people looking for slightly longer-term lodging than a few days, and while it wasn’t luxurious, it had a comfortable vibe.

    I was lucky enough to have my company pay for an agent to help me find housing, but don’t worry if you don’t. There are plenty of apps such as “Zigbang” and “Dabang” that make the search process much easier. You may still need your Korean friend’s help to navigate the app and to sign the lease agreement due to the language barrier.

    Once you start searching, you’ll need to decide what type of accommodation you want. The easiest and most common option is the “officetel.” I know….the name sounds strange at first and it takes time getting used to. An officetel is basically a studio unit inside an office building, usually located on the main streets near subway stations. They come with lots of convenient amenities nearby and are perfect for singles in their 20s and 30s. Surprisingly, they’re not the most expensive option, for reasons I may cover someday.

    A common Officetel found throughout the main streets of Seoul

    Officetels usually come with full built-in appliances: a washing machine, air conditioner, and central heating. You also get a stove, ventilation hood, sink, and your own private bathroom (of course). Rent depends heavily on location, but when I lived in the Mapo area back in 2013, I paid about $700, which I thought was very reasonable at the time.

    There are other choices too, such as the classic “one-room,” which is much cheaper but often located farther from subway stations in densely packed residential neighborhoods. These buildings are usually older, smaller, and built in a red-brick style, nothing fancy. While Korea is generally safe, officetels tend to offer better security, often with a guard stationed at the entrance. Another benefit of one-room is that its utility bills are much cheaper, about half of an officetel’s utility bill and it may include shared internet.

    Typical residential street in Seoul where most “One-room” buildings are located

    Whatever type of accommodation you choose, you’ll quickly notice that rent in Korea is generally much cheaper than most major cities around the world. However, units are smaller and soundproofing is a chronic problem due to cheaper materials used during the construction. You may want to choose a higher unit so that you can open the windows frequently for ventilation without worrying about dust and bugs.

    My recommendation is to start with an officetel first and explore other types of accommodation as you get used to living in Korea. Also, rent is slightly negotiable. You can even increase the deposit to reduce the monthly payment. There is even an option called “Jeonse,” which is a rental payment option where you pay a large deposit and no monthly rent, but I suggest you stick with the normal monthly rental at first, as there is a risk of not getting your deposit back.

  • Hoesik: Korean Workplace Bonding

    Time to Let Bygones Be Bygones

    [Source: AI generated Image]

    Now let’s talk about the good things in the Korean workplace. Korean companies often hold team or department dinners called Hoesik to celebrate small wins or to strengthen teamwork and create a more collaborative environment. The frequency depends largely on how alcoholic your boss is. For a few unfortunate (or fortunate) souls, this is a twice-a-week event. It usually starts with a BBQ dinner accompanied by plenty of Somaek (soju + beer cocktail), followed by “Chimaek” (fried chicken and beer) at another venue. Your boss will call for a “Geonbae” (cheers) throughout the night, and everyone is encouraged forced to bottoms up their drinks.

    Depending on the occasion, it may be a time for your boss to unleash the fury he has been bottling up, or a time for subordinates to vent about whatever has been weighing on them throughout the week. It’s usually work-related, and almost anything said or done during a Hoesik is forgiven. This is the time when Koreans truly let bygones be bygones. You’re encouraged to speak openly about what’s been bothering you, and you will often get a heartfelt, alcohol-fueled apology in return. Sometimes things get emotional, crying and quarrels are not unusual. It’s always a memorable event, no matter which direction it takes.

    As midnight approaches, the group usually splits into those who want more drinks and those who simply want to go home. If your boss is someone who likes to drink late into the night, it’s strongly encouraged to stay until he calls it a night. This is when the real, unspoken appraisal begins. Loyalty is measured by how late you stay by his side. Those who leave early are viewed as selfish and not a team player. After the third round, the Hoesik usually ends—officially, at least.

    Despite how fun or horrifying the Hoesik was the night before, no one brings it up the next morning. Everyone goes about their day as if all the screaming and crying from the night before never happened.

    Sadly, younger Koreans are less enthusiastic about these rituals, and they are increasingly being replaced with alcohol-free lunches or movie outings instead. Seriously—how are we supposed to bond without an alcohol-fueled emotional breakdown session?

  • Understanding Korean Workplace Culture as a Foreigner

    What It’s Really Like to Work in a Korean Office as a Foreigner

    [Source: AI generated Image]

    Yes! You’ve heard of it: seniority-based hierarchy. Your boss is always right. And if you challenge that rule, you’ll learn the consequences quickly—just as I did.

    Working in a global company, I assumed things would be different. More open-minded, less rigid, and free from the army-style culture of “I say jump, you say how high.” I thought this culture only applied to traditional Korean companies. But I was wrong.

    Typical branch offices of global companies in Korea have about 20–30 employees and are often led by middle-aged Korean men who have completed mandatory military service. Their leadership is heavily influenced by their experience, strictly top-down, with no questions allowed, and any disobedience inevitably followed by consequences.

    It took me nearly two years to fully grasp and accept this office culture. My seniors and bosses weren’t intentionally trying to give me difficult time. They were simply repeating what they had learned from their own seniors and bosses. This way of working has been passed down for generations.

    Defiance won’t make you look bold or revolutionary. It will only label you as a rebel who “doesn’t fit in Korean workplace culture,” and the consequences can be seriously damaging to your career.

    And don’t rely too much on internal compliance team or confidential ethics hotline. I’ve seen brave young employees try to challenge entrenched management circles, only to find themselves quietly pushed out—compensated, but still gone.

    It will be tough at the beginning. But eventually, you, too, will gain a junior or subordinate under your care who follows your direction without question—and that’s when you’ll feel that you are now part of the vicious cycle.

    But here is the good news: Korean work culture is changing quickly with the influx of the MZ generation. They bring in more open-minded, free-spirited and efficiency focused mindset to the office. With Generation Z now joining the workforce, I expect this shift to only accelerate.

    In the meantime, If you’re just starting out and struggling, I can only offer three words of comfort:
    “Time will pass.”