koreans

So pre-Covid, my family and I would return to Korea every year to visit my mother-in-law, first in Jangyu, and later in Haeundae, Busan.

Over the years, I’d gone from loving Korea, to developing what I felt was a more balanced view (like with all places, there are pros and cons), and still having a very positive view of the country. Looked forward to our visits every year.

I mean, in general the people were polite and friendly, it was safe (alone nighttime walks in winter were awesome) and clean, especially the restrooms.

But just two days in Incheon and I was already considering heading back home. That’s how irritated I was. And we’ve actually planned to stay here for the whole month!

*Hill overlooking Haeundae Beach in Busan*

I’ll talk about the weather and architecture a bit later, but the most drastic change is the attitudes of the people here.

I mean damn! In general, the negative aspects seems more pronounced here for some people, from minor things like not returning the traditional greeting, to even rude staff.

Now again, I’ve only been here for two days, and I have met kind and friendly people here. But by and large, the people here seem… colder.

I get that I’m still learning Korean, but in Busan and hell, other countries, when the locals see that you’re putting in an effort to speak their language, they perk up! Really seem to appreciate it.

Here, even the sales staff seem… annoyed? Like I’m wasting their precious time.

And bizarrely, it’s been only the women. The men have been by and large friendly and I don’t know what to make of it. It’s just strange and hopefully over time, as I interact more and better understand the culture of this city, maybe (eh, likely) my view will change.

The difference is jarring and maybe I’m still adjusting to it. The literal non-stop rain has not helped, that’s for sure.