What Do Indians Think About Korea? A Korean Local’s Honest Perspective
As a Korean living in Korea, one of the most interesting changes I’ve noticed over the past decade is how often India comes up in everyday conversations about foreigners. This wasn’t always the case. For a long time, Koreans associated foreign countries mostly with the US, Europe, or neighboring Asian nations. Today, India is part of the conversation — and that curiosity goes both ways.
So what do Indians actually think about Korea? The answer isn’t one simple opinion. It’s a mix of fascination, surprise, misunderstanding, admiration, and very real questions about daily life. Let’s unpack it from a local Korean point of view, based on what I see, hear, and experience.
First Impressions: K-Culture Is the Gateway
For many Indians, their first exposure to Korea comes through K-pop, Korean dramas, and Korean films. This is especially true among younger generations and students.
Korea is often perceived as:
- Stylish and modern
- Emotionally expressive through storytelling
- Technologically advanced
- Trend-setting in fashion and beauty
Korean dramas in particular resonate strongly because of their emotional depth, family themes, and slow-burn romance — elements that feel familiar yet refreshingly different to Indian audiences.
That said, many Indians are aware that entertainment is not real life. Curiosity often turns into deeper questions once people consider studying, working, or traveling here.
Korea as a Modern but Disciplined Society
One thing Indians frequently comment on is how organized and disciplined Korea appears.
From an Indian perspective, Korea often feels:
- Extremely punctual
- Rule-oriented
- Clean and efficient
- Fast-paced
Public transportation, digital systems, and infrastructure leave a strong impression. Many Indians admire how smoothly things function — but also wonder whether life feels too rigid.
As a Korean, I understand this reaction. Our society values efficiency and harmony, sometimes at the cost of flexibility. This contrast is one of the first cultural differences Indians notice.
Education and Career Perceptions
India places enormous value on education, so it’s no surprise that Koreans universities attract attention.
Many Indians see Korea as:
- A strong destination for STEM and research
- Academically intense
- Competitive but rewarding
- More affordable than Western countries
At the same time, there is curiosity about pressure. Indians often ask whether Korean students are overworked, whether campus life allows balance, and how international students are treated socially.
From what I see locally, these concerns are valid — but the reality is more nuanced. Korean education is demanding, but support systems for international students have improved significantly in recent years.
Social Life: Friendly but Hard to Break Into
This is where opinions often become mixed.
Indians generally perceive Koreans as:
- Polite and respectful
- Helpful in public settings
- Reserved in social situations
Many Indians notice that Koreans don’t easily open up at first. Friendships take time, and small talk is less common than in India. This can sometimes be interpreted as coldness, though it’s more about cultural boundaries than personal distance.
Once trust is built, however, relationships often become deep and long-lasting. Indians who stay in Korea longer tend to understand this shift better than short-term visitors.
Food: Curiosity, Love, and Adjustment
Food is always a big topic.
Indian impressions of Korean food include:
- Very spicy but flavorful
- Heavy use of fermented dishes
- Less vegetarian variety in some areas
- Strong communal eating culture
Many Indians are curious and enthusiastic about trying Korean food, but daily adaptation can be challenging, especially for vegetarians. Over time, students and residents often find a balance — cooking at home, discovering regional dishes, or finding Indian restaurants in larger cities.
From a Korean perspective, we’re slowly becoming more aware of dietary diversity, but there’s still room to grow.
Work Culture: Admiration with Caution
Indians often admire Korea’s work ethic, innovation, and global companies. At the same time, they are cautious about long working hours and hierarchical corporate culture.
Common thoughts include:
- Korea is ambitious and driven
- Work environments seem intense
- Respect for seniors is strong
- Team loyalty is important
For Indians used to flexible work styles or expressive communication, Korean workplaces can feel formal. However, many also see them as structured and professionally rewarding.
Perceptions of Safety and Lifestyle
Korea is widely seen by Indians as:
- Very safe
- Comfortable for solo travelers
- Easy to navigate
- Highly digital
This perception is accurate. Safety is one of Korea’s strongest advantages, and many Indians feel comfortable here even on their first visit.
However, some also wonder about emotional well-being in such a fast society — a question Koreans ourselves increasingly ask.
How Indians View Korean People Themselves
This is perhaps the most important point.
Overall, Indians tend to view Koreans as:
- Intelligent and hardworking
- Fashion-conscious
- Emotionally reserved but sincere
- Family-oriented
There is curiosity about cultural homogeneity and how foreigners fit into society. Some Indians worry about being visibly different, while others see Korea as becoming more open and multicultural.
From inside Korea, I can say this: the country is changing. Slowly, imperfectly, but genuinely.
Where Misunderstandings Come From
Misunderstandings usually arise from:
- Different communication styles
- Unspoken social rules
- Media stereotypes on both sides
- Short-term exposure
Indians who spend more time in Korea often report that their opinions become more balanced — less idealized, but also more appreciative.
Final Thoughts from a Korean Local
So, what do Indians think about Korea?
They see a country that is modern yet traditional, efficient yet emotionally complex, welcoming yet reserved. They admire its achievements, question its pressures, and remain deeply curious about its people.
From my perspective, this curiosity is mutual. Indians bring warmth, intellectual depth, and global awareness to Korean campuses and workplaces. The relationship between the two cultures is still developing, and that’s what makes it interesting.
Korea is not perfect. Neither is India. But when curiosity replaces assumptions, real understanding begins.
And that, more than any drama or pop song, is what truly connects us.
Is the Korean Skincare Routine Good for Sensitive Skin? A Real Korean Perspective