What Is the Korean Mentality Like? 

Hello there, I’m writing to you from Seoul — specifically from the International Seon Center, a famous Buddhist temple.

I’ve been here for just over a week now, exploring different spots and trying to understand the local society. Even during my vacations, I comfort myself by thinking that I am still in “work mode,” in a way.

I think this is because I am a psychologist. Quite a useful excuse, don’t you think?

With the limited time I have right now, I’ll focus on the Seoul part for now.

First off, Koreans have more in common with Poles in terms of mentality than one might expect. One reason could be that Korea sits between two major powers, Japan and China. Historically, both nations aimed to dominate it, which is similar to Poland’s historical struggles with Germany and Russia.

According to the United States Institute of Peace, the Korean Peninsula has long occupied a geopolitical linchpin position. This position is situated between larger continental and maritime powers.

This historical background fostered Korean national pride, crucial for the nation’s survival. According to Shin, Freda and Yi (1999), a strong sense of ethnic homogeneity still shapes Korean identity on both sides of the border. Traditional values and daily customs are highly valued in Korea and still influence how they view Westerners.

On one hand, our distinct features, fair skin, and large eyes fascinate them. Furthermore, they eagerly follow Hollywood movies and admire American actors. On the other hand, they may view us as lacking in tradition, almost like barbarians.

How Do Koreans Treat Westerners?

Tourists are generally treated warmly in the streets — smiles and greetings are common. However, in the day-to-day grind, it might become clear that being a Western foreigner is not quite the same as being Korean. And it never will be.

Who Are the Ajummas?

Korean families are deeply traditional and often multi-generational. An unwritten rule is that the oldest woman has the most influence within the family.

According to Moon and Abidin (2020), in Mediated Interfaces: The Body on Social Media, the ajumma figure occupies a distinct and respected position. This position is within Korean family and social life as an older, matriarchal presence. People call elderly women “ajummas,” and you’ll often spot them on the streets by their colorful clothing.

As mentioned, Koreans tend to be quite nationalistic, so mixed marriages aren’t always well-received. According to Han (2007), Korea Journal, the country’s self-image as ethnically homogeneous is a more recent construction.

This is more recent than most people assume. Yet it still shapes attitudes toward outsiders today.

Families often voice their objections to such unions. A Korean woman marrying a foreigner usually hopes for travel opportunities or a boost in social status.

Meanwhile, Korean men are said to be passionate lovers due to their confident nature (a friend told me this, by the way!). However, they might not always make the best husbands. This is because foreign wives often find themselves in a subordinate role right after the wedding.

According to Kim (2012), Asian Social Work and Policy Review, foreign wives in Korea often have to actively build coping strategies. Furthermore, they must do this while establishing a positive social identity within these unfamiliar family structures.