Living in the UK, traveling around Europe, and meeting people from so many different countries, I’ve realised one thing: cultural differences can hit really hard. There are plenty of things here that surprise me as a Korean. But honestly, I’m also the one surprising Europeans all the time! Today, I want to talk about the top three things Europeans get shocked about Koreans, based 100% on my own experience.
1. Breakfast is basically the same as lunch or dinner
My Spanish and Scottish flatmates still haven’t gotten used to seeing me eat rice, meat, or even pasta at 8 AM. To Koreans, breakfast is the source of power you need to get through the day. When I was in high school, my mum would grill the best Korean beef for breakfast. My dad? He eats soup, rice, and savoury side dishes (ban-chan) almost every morning.
Meanwhile, my boyfriend is Italian whose go-to breakfast is… cookies dipped in coffee.
In Korea, that’s not breakfast. That’s dessert.
2. The “Fast, Fast, Fast” culture
Wifi isn’t the only thing that’s fast in Korea. Everything is. We’re obsessed with finding the quickest way to do anything. Koreans will always tell you how to make something faster, even if you didn’t ask.
I actually love the “slow life” in Spain and Italy. They’re my favourite countries to relax in. But live there? I don’t think I could. I’m too impatient to embrace that lifestyle. I can’t keep making eye contact with staff for 10 minutes just to order food or pay.
In Korea, every restaurant table has a button. You press the bell → the waiter comes.
Now we even have tablets and card machines so you can order and pay without having to wait for waiters.
So yes, when I’m in a slow-moving line at an airport or restaurant, I get frustrated deep inside and my European friends find it hilarious.
But honestly… I’m proudly impatient. Happily spoiled by Korea’s speed.
And here’s a tip:
If there are multiple queues at the airport, choose the one with Koreans in it. That line will move the fastest. Guaranteed.
3. We’re Obsessed With Appearance, not Just Skincare
My uni friends and colleagues in Europe are always surprised that I wear makeup every day.
From my perspective, it’s not a “full face” – just eyebrows, eyeshadow, eyeliner, shading, and lipstick. It takes me maybe 10 minutes. I never thought that meant I “care a lot” about my appearance. But in Europe, daily makeup isn’t as common, so to them, I look like someone who’s very appearance-conscious.
Did I feel weird about it at first? Yes. I felt “extra,” like I couldn’t be as chill as Europeans. But now? I actually enjoy being seen as someone who puts effort into looking good. It’s funny because I never thought of myself that way in Korea – it was just normal. But here, people notice it, and I’ve grown to like that part of how I come across!
Still, I’m not entirely proud of this part of Korean culture. There’s a fine balance between wanting to feel confident in your appearance and remembering that your inner beauty matters more. And when you come from a culture where “looking good” is deeply expected… that balance isn’t always easy.
Living in Europe has taught me that cultural differences aren’t just interesting. They’re fun, confusing, shocking, and sometimes even comforting. And while Europeans often find these Korean habits surprising, they’re a part of who I am and how I grew up. I love sharing these moments because they remind me that culture isn’t something you leave behind. It follows you everywhere.
If you’ve noticed other funny differences between Korea and Europe, let me know! I’d love to hear your experience too.
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