Originally Posted by
chamade
Interesting how perceptions vary so widely. I've always thought Koreans were much more welcoming than the Japanese.
Indeed. I also have spent a lot of time in Korea (and even more in Japan), and I find that Korean-style xenophobia is unique in its virulence.
Superficially, they can be quite open and friendly (and a lot of fun), but their national ideology is a combination of pride, self-reliance, and fighting spirit that is structurally not conducive to accepting foreign influence or advice.
Doing business in Korea is a spectacular PITA.