Racism in Korea

Hello All! It’s Schyzcism again :)

I’m not sure if there are a lot of people who would like to visit or live in Korea.
However, it does seem interesting to address this issue.

Korea is said to have a very homogenous population.
Over 90% of the population are said to be ethnically Korea.
Although the origin of Korean people are debated, people who simply just step outside can see that there is very litle diversity in this country, regarding appearance, skin color and language.

Thus, if you are not from East Asia be prepared for attention!

In Korea foreigners, especially Westerners regardless of race are very rare....
And I guess racism stems out of this unfamiliarity, along with a huge impact of HOLLYWOOD.
Korea has remained very segregated from the whole world for a very long time, even to its’ neighboring countries like Japan or China.
This is mainly due to its geographical placement, as a peripheral part of even a

China centured East Asia.

The first experience of Korea opening up was sadly colonialism... and harsh treatments of colonial powers.
After that period came the Soviet and US military rule. .. which by hearing it can give you a sense that it couldn’t have been pleasant.


Therefore, for many Koreans foreigners are somewhat hostile beings.
Also, Koreans watch a big deal of Hollywood movies, where racism is very much depicted.
This really gives a negative image on colored people, even though Koreans are part of it.

And These Days...

I believe it is safe to say that many Koreans especially young people have much much more contacts with foreigners via traveling, studying abroad and even more foreigners coming to Korea.
The society is maturing I guessss.. in a way...
However, I do think there are still racist veiws towards all foreigners.

Common racism you can encounter is mainly coments about your looks,
including skin color, prominent features, body image
This is common, as to Koreans it is very natural to comment about others appearances.

Many may say
oh, you gained weight......! or your nose is.....

This gets mixed up with racism and you may be recieving comments like

you’re really white/black/dark...
These comments are actually improving as racism issues are popping up as a global issue and Korea is trying to open up to the world.

The bigger problem is that Koreans are not inclusive to foreigners.
Korean people do not accept foreigners as a part of “KOREA”
They might accept you as their neighbor.

But...

still you cannot be fully assimilated or be a part of Koreans.
People will see you as foreign or alien as long as you look differently .

So be fully prepared before you come

I have said that Korean people are opening up .
But still many people don’t see foreigners as long-dwellers.
However, I can assure you that if you show your love toward Korea and passion to be apart of Korea,
Koreans will open up fast and accept you!!!

Best of LUCK to all those Korea lovers!