A Koreaboo’s Guide to Seoul
Don’t: stalk your favorite celebrities at their houses
Celebrities are allowed to have privacy too, and while you think you’re just being a good fan by showing up to see them, please don’t! They have every right to feel safe in their own home and away from prying eyes. So if you know where they live, DO NOT GO.
Do: Take a stroll down Hallyu K-Star Road AKA K-Pop Road
This is a fun walk to do if it’s not humid and 90 degrees Fahrenheit outside. This road has a map to all of the different entertainment agencies and you can take pictures outside of them, granted you keep a safe distance. This is a great way to see where the magic happens without overstepping your boundaries as fans. If you really want to give something to your favorite idol, give them privacy. However, if they’re a idol like BigBang’s Seungri and own a store, you may be allowed to drop off gifts there.
Don’t: Call all of the boys you meet Oppa or girls Unni
While you may think that calling the guys you meet Oppa and the girls, Unni, please don’t! It’s not cute and can be a complete turn off. They aren’t the men or women from your dramas who may like being called Oppa and the term is meant for close friends or significant others, which it’s pretty much viewed as typical Koreaboo activity.
Do: Ask them what they would be preferred to be called
In Korea, like the USA, people have names and nicknames that they prefer to go by, such as having a Korean name and an “English” name that serves the purpose for foreign people, such as a guy named Seung Hyun preferring to be called Kevin by his American friends. It does not hurt to clarify this if you’re ever not sure. This way you can still be friends with them without being overly familiar.
Don’t: wear fan clothes in public
Unless you’re going to a concert, you’ll be hard pressed to find someone else wearing a BigBang or BTS t-shirt with accompanying face mask. This will not only make you stand out as a foreigner when meeting new people, but it could also lead to you being a target of scammers.
Do: Wear clothes that make you feel and look good
In Korea, they are very fashionable and the clothing is cheap. The more you dress in the style of the country, the more you’ll fit in and be less of a target. If you want to wear K-Pop merchandise you can always wear K-Pop socks with your regular clothes, but leave the fan clothes for the concert.
Don’t: Show Cleavage
In Korea, cleavage is still considered something that should be covered. In America and other countries, we may not have these views but we should strive to still follow their customs. While you may want to look your best and show off your assets, try to be a little more conservative up top, legs, however, are more acceptable.
Do: Wear clothes that cover you up well
South Korea is home to some of the best fashion in the world, and as a Korean media fan you know this. Take a stroll in Hongdae or Myeongdong and pick up some awesome Korean fashion for affordable prices. I have found so many clothing items that I fell in love with in Seoul that I’ve worn overseas. If you don’t have any clothes that fit this style requirement, a good tank top under any busty shirts does the trick.
Don’t assume everyone is in love with Korean pop culture as you are
While you may think Koreans are just as in love with their idols as you are, 6 times out of 10 they’re not. While it is their culture, they can and do have different interests outside of their own idols. I have friends who are Korean that will cite Coldplay as their favorite band over any of the Korean groups. This can be creepy at times and should be avoided.
Do: Treat them as a person with their own interests
I can promise you if you talk to them as a normal person they’ll be more likely to want to be friends with you and help you if you at least treat them as a person first, and as a Korean native second. While this may seem controversial, we as foreigners need to understand that just because something is Korean doesn’t mean that Koreans have to necessarily like it, same as Americans.
Bonus:
These are such useful tips! I’ve been to Korea, but I hope to visit one day. I just love that most of these tips can be applied to any foreign country you decide to visit.
Such wonderful advice for those visiting Seoul. Thanks for sharing.
A good reminder for those who don’t think this is common sense. Especially in Asia where respect and privacy are seen in a different way. Good read!
Great post. Not only South Korea but any other country in the entire world have the same rules I guess.
This is an excellent list! I’d love to go one day. It seems like such an interesting place.
Love reading posts that involve traveling, they make me want to get back to it! Nice read, loved it!
🙂 lovely post! It makes me laugh! I am so hooked by the Korean culture! Some of the tips were totally worth reading!