What Foreigners Really Experience in Korea: Five Culture Shocks That Will Surprise You
Moving to a new country is always filled with excitement, curiosity, and a fair amount of cultural adjustment. Korea, with its advanced technology, deep-rooted traditions, and unique daily customs, can surprise even the most seasoned travelers. Whether you're relocating, studying abroad, or simply visiting for a few weeks, you’re bound to encounter practices that leave you puzzled, laughing, or even slightly confused. After living in Korea for over a decade, I’ve not only experienced these culture shocks myself, but I’ve also seen countless friends and newcomers go through the same bewildering, yet often charming, experiences.
One of the most important things to remember is that cultural norms are not universal. What might be considered unusual or even inappropriate in one country can be perfectly acceptable—and even preferred—in another. This is especially true in Korea, where everyday situations like eating at a restaurant, using a public restroom, or receiving a compliment can unfold in ways that surprise foreigners.
In this blog post, I’ll take you on a lighthearted, insightful, and sometimes hilarious journey through five of the biggest culture shocks that foreigners commonly experience when they arrive in Korea. From toilet paper on dining tables to compliments that sound like insults, these cultural quirks highlight just how fascinating and diverse human behavior can be around the world. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even nod your head in recognition if you've experienced some of these yourself.
This guide is designed to help you not only understand these cultural surprises but also appreciate them for what they are—part of the vibrant and dynamic experience of living in Korea. Whether you're planning your first trip, currently adjusting to life here, or just curious about Korean culture, this is for you.
Let’s dive in and explore these uniquely Korean culture shocks that will stay with you long after your trip ends.
Toilet Paper on the Dining Table Isn’t for the Bathroom
One of the first shocks that almost every foreigner encounters in Korea happens not in a historical palace or at a traditional festival—but right at the dining table. Imagine walking into a Korean restaurant, settling in for a delicious meal, and then noticing a full roll of toilet paper sitting casually in the middle of the table. Your immediate thought might be: “Is this a joke?”
In most Western cultures, toilet paper is strictly reserved for one very specific use—bathroom hygiene. The sight of it near food triggers immediate discomfort, even disgust. But in Korea, tissue rolls are widely used as a multipurpose cleaning tool. They function as napkins, hand wipes, and even quick clean-up options for spills. Importantly, these are always fresh, new rolls—not something reused from the bathroom.
The logic is actually quite practical. These tissue rolls are soft, affordable, and easy to store. Many small restaurants or street vendors simply don’t have room or budget for separate boxes of napkins. This utility-focused approach can make perfect sense once you get used to it.
Interestingly, this cultural norm extends beyond the dinner table. Giving a roll of toilet paper as a housewarming gift in Korea is considered thoughtful and symbolic—it means “things will roll smoothly” in the new home. While a gift like this would seem bizarre, or even offensive, in the West, in Korea it’s a gesture of goodwill and humor.
Over time, many expats grow accustomed to using toilet paper in this way, even adopting the habit at home. I now use tissue rolls instead of napkins because they take up less space and are always available. Still, when sending photos of meals to friends abroad, I make sure to remove the roll before snapping the picture—they’d definitely raise their eyebrows!
Items Left Unattended? Trust Is Real in Korea
When walking around Korean cities, one thing that amazes newcomers is how safe and trusting the environment feels. You’ll often see stacks of merchandise—everything from fruit to toilet paper to electronics—left outside stores without any security guard in sight. But even more surprising? People leave personal items like laptops, wallets, and smartphones unattended in cafes or libraries and confidently walk away.
In many parts of the world, leaving valuable belongings in a public space, even for a moment, would be unthinkable. Theft is a real concern, and in some cities, you’d be lucky to return and find your seat, let alone your phone. But in Korea, the sense of public trust is backed by something powerful: an extensive network of security cameras. Surveillance is everywhere, acting as both a deterrent and a safety net.
I remember once leaving my laptop in a Seoul library for over an hour while I stepped out for lunch. I returned to find everything untouched. Stories like this are common among foreigners in Korea. One friend left their phone in a subway station restroom and came back hours later to find it not only recovered but charged and documented at the station office.
This societal trust is one of Korea’s hidden treasures. However, the downside is that it becomes second nature. Many expats have had rude awakenings when they travel back home or to countries with higher theft rates and forget that this level of public safety is not universal. So, while enjoying this security bubble, don’t forget to adjust your behavior when traveling outside Korea.
The Mini Towel Mystery in Korean Bathrooms
Another surprise that hits almost immediately—often within the first night—is the towel situation in Korean homes, hotels, or Airbnbs. You step into the bathroom after a shower and look around for a nice, fluffy bath towel. Instead, you find a small towel barely larger than a face cloth. Your first thought: “How am I supposed to dry my whole body with this?”
In the West, especially in countries like the U.S., U.K., or Australia, the idea of using such a tiny towel post-shower would be absurd. Bath towels are big, thick, and cozy, meant to wrap around the entire body. The small towel is reserved for hands or face only.
But in Korea, the small towel reigns supreme. Koreans prefer these compact towels because they’re easier to wash frequently—often after just one use. Large towels take up more space in washing machines and need longer to dry, which isn’t ideal in small urban apartments. The minimalist approach is about practicality and efficiency.
Still, many foreigners never quite get used to it. Even after years in Korea, I always keep a few large towels for comfort, especially during winter. That said, I’ve also come to appreciate the quick-drying, easy-to-launder nature of Korean mini towels. Now I use them for my hair or for travel, where packing light makes all the difference.
Compliments That Sound Like Insults to Foreigners
One of the most amusing, and potentially awkward, culture shocks is the way Koreans give compliments—especially about physical features. If you're watching Korean TV or interacting with locals, you’ll often hear praise like: “You have a small face!” or “Your eyes are so big!”
At first, these remarks can feel strange or even offensive. In many Western cultures, commenting directly on someone’s body parts, especially on first meeting, is a major faux pas. It can come off as superficial or inappropriate. Compliments in the West tend to focus on general appearance (“You look great today!”), personality traits, or talents.
In Korea, however, such comments are genuine and often intended as high praise. A “small face” is considered a standard of beauty, suggesting delicate and photogenic features. Big eyes and a high nose bridge are also considered attractive. These traits are admired and frequently discussed openly in both media and casual conversation.
It can definitely cause confusion. I once ignored a friendly Korean student who complimented my facial features, thinking they were being sarcastic or inappropriate. It wasn’t until later that I learned their remarks were genuine and culturally normal.
The key here is understanding intent. Once you realize that such compliments are meant to make you feel good, not uncomfortable, it becomes easier to respond graciously and with a smile. Just remember to explain the cultural difference if your foreign friend looks horrified when you tell them they have a small head!
The “Smurf Soap” in Public Bathrooms
Public restrooms in Korea are generally clean and well-maintained, but one detail tends to catch foreigners off guard—the infamous blue bar soap mounted on a metal rod by the sink. This solid, cylindrical soap often gets nicknamed “Smurf soap” by expats due to its odd appearance and color.
For those unfamiliar, using a shared bar of soap in a public place seems unhygienic. What if it's covered in germs, hair, or dirt? Many people prefer liquid soap dispensers, which feel more modern and sanitary. Understandably, seeing this strange blue soap can trigger hesitation.
However, this soap bar is actually more hygienic than you might think. It was originally developed in France in the mid-20th century and became popular in Korean schools and train stations. Unlike soft soap bars that dissolve easily, the Smurf soap resists wear and doesn’t retain moisture. That means it harbors fewer bacteria than standard soap bars.
Though it's being phased out in many places in favor of liquid soap, it remains a nostalgic and quirky element of Korea’s public hygiene culture. Once you get past the initial “ick” factor, it becomes one of those things you grow fond of. Many expats, like myself, now view it with affection, recalling our first confused encounter with it as a right of passage in adapting to life in Korea.
Related Questions (FAQ)
Why do Koreans use toilet paper instead of napkins at restaurants?
Toilet paper is versatile, economical, and easy to store. It’s a practical choice, not a hygiene issue—new rolls are always used.
Is Korea really safe enough to leave valuables unattended in public places?
Yes, Korea has a strong public surveillance system and low theft rates, making it surprisingly safe to leave items briefly unattended.
Why do Korean hotels only offer small towels?
Small towels are easier to wash frequently and dry faster. This fits well with the Korean lifestyle, especially in space-limited homes.
Are Korean compliments about appearance meant to be sarcastic?
Not at all. Compliments like “small face” or “big eyes” are genuine and considered very flattering in Korean culture.
What is the blue soap in Korean restrooms?
It’s a type of wall-mounted bar soap, often called “Smurf soap.” Though it looks odd, it's surprisingly hygienic and economical.
Can I give toilet paper as a housewarming gift in Korea?
Yes! It symbolizes smooth beginnings and is a common, meaningful gesture. Just don’t try it in the West—it may not be well received!
Do Koreans find it strange if foreigners don’t understand these customs?
Not usually. Most Koreans are understanding and appreciate when foreigners make the effort to adapt or learn.
Is it rude to refuse a compliment in Korea?
It’s better to accept compliments with gratitude. Excessively rejecting compliments may be seen as insincere or awkward.
