Korea is known for its hospitality, high-tech services, and exciting K-culture. But for many foreigners living here long-term, there’s another side—subtle, often unspoken discrimination.
From being refused entry to bars, denied apartments, or stared at on public transport, expats face exclusion in ways that aren’t always obvious, but deeply felt.
This guide is here to unpack the reality, share real experiences, and offer practical tools to help you handle these situations with confidence.
Table of Contents :
- Where Discrimination Happens: Real Situations
- Why It Happens: Cultural & Social Background
- How Foreigners Cope: Stories from Reddit & Expats
- What You Can Do: Practical Coping Tips
- Legal Protection for Foreigners in Korea
- Is It Getting Better?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where Discrimination Happens: Real Situations
Discrimination in Korea often appears as subtle exclusion rather than direct hostility. Based on real expat accounts, here are the most common situations:
🔵 Housing
Non-white foreigners often get turned down for apartments, even when they speak Korean and have stable jobs. Some agents openly say, “Landlord prefers Koreans.”
💡 Tip: Use foreigner-friendly realtors like Ziptoss, and always ask for written reasons if denied.
🔵 Clubs and Bars
Certain clubs in Gangnam or Itaewon enforce “no foreigners” rules. Bouncers might cite vague “safety policies,” even if you're with Korean friends.
💡 Tip: Ask calmly for a written reason. It won’t always work, but it often shifts their response.
🔵 Job Market
Even qualified foreigners are excluded from roles outside teaching. One expat recalled being asked in an interview, “You don’t look American. Are you really from there?”
🔵 Public Spaces
Foreigners, especially Black or Southeast Asian individuals, report being stared at or avoided on buses and subways. Some are even filmed without consent.
💡 Tip: Filming someone without permission is illegal—ask them to delete it immediately.
🔵 Services
Outside major cities, hospitals may treat foreign patients as “inconvenient.” One Redditor shared a doctor blaming their symptoms on “foreign bacteria.”
Why It Happens: Cultural & Social Background
To understand discrimination in Korea, you have to start with the myth of the “ethnically homogeneous nation.” For decades, Korean education emphasized the idea of a pure, unified Korean identity. Foreigners—even Korean-born ones—were seen as “others” by default.
This mindset is changing, but slowly. While immigration is increasing, Korea is still adjusting. Most people aren’t intentionally hateful; rather, they’re unfamiliar or uncomfortable with what’s unfamiliar.
There’s also a double standard. White Westerners are often treated as "cool guests" while Southeast Asians or Africans may face deeper bias—especially in workplaces or housing. This creates a “tiered” system where not all foreigners are seen or treated equally.
Even media plays a role. Foreigners are often portrayed as either dangerous criminals or comic relief in dramas and news. This reinforces stereotypes and makes daily life harder for those trying to live normal, respectful lives in Korea.
How Foreigners Cope: Stories from Reddit & Expats
Not every foreigner reacts the same way when facing discrimination in Korea. Some let it slide, hoping it was a one-time thing. Others speak up—or even walk away from the situation entirely. Here are real coping strategies shared by expats online:
🔵 Avoidance
Many choose to ignore the problem altogether. A Reddit user shared how she was denied entry to a hair salon in Busan. She simply thanked the owner and left—too shocked to respond. “It wasn't worth the emotional energy,” she said.
But over time, repeated avoidance can wear people down, making them feel invisible or unwelcome.
🔵 Calm Confrontation
Others take a more active approach. One expat shared how he was denied a seat at a nearly empty restaurant. Instead of leaving, he politely asked, in Korean, “Is there a reason foreigners are not allowed?” The staff stumbled, apologized, and eventually seated him. Speaking Korean, even a little, often changes the dynamic.
🔵 Relying on Locals
Several expats reported better outcomes when Korean friends intervened on their behalf. One Black Canadian shared that a Korean colleague made a call to a landlord who initially refused her. Once a fluent Korean voice vouched for her, the offer came through.
🔵 Mental Health First
Dealing with low-key racism regularly can lead to anxiety, insomnia, or loss of self-esteem. Expats on r/KoreaExpat recommend resources like mental health hotlines (e.g. Mental Health Korea, Seoul Counseling Center) and community groups for people of color and LGBTQ+ residents.
What You Can Do: Practical Coping Tips
You don’t need to become a social justice warrior overnight. But having tools ready can help you feel less powerless. Here are some concrete, everyday ways to protect yourself and respond smartly.
Useful Korean Phrases
Memorize a few key lines:
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“이건 외국인 차별 아닌가요?” (Is this discrimination against foreigners?)
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“그 이유를 서면으로 받을 수 있을까요?” (Can I get that reason in writing?)
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“경찰에 신고하겠습니다.” (I’ll report this to the police.)
Even just trying to speak Korean often shifts the interaction from awkward silence to dialogue.
Helpful Apps
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Papago: Best for fast, nuanced Korean-English translation.
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Emergency Ready App (by the Korean Ministry of Public Safety): Multilingual alerts and emergency services.
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KakaoTalk Open Chat: Many local expat support groups gather here for quick help or advice.
Reporting & Escalating
If you feel you've been discriminated against:
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File a report with the National Human Rights Commission. Their site offers English services, and you can file complaints online.
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Contact local expat legal help desks (e.g., Seoul Global Center, Korea Legal Aid Corporation).
Always document incidents: take screenshots, photos, or voice memos when possible. This isn’t just for justice—it’s for your own peace of mind.
Legal Protection for Foreigners in Korea
Korea doesn't yet have a comprehensive anti-discrimination law covering race, nationality, and appearance. A bill has been proposed multiple times but never passed due to political and religious pushback.
That said, there are still ways to seek legal support:
Existing Legal Avenues
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The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) can investigate cases of bias in housing, employment, education, or services.
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Labor offices can mediate if your employer discriminates based on race or nationality.
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Consumer Protection Centers may help in cases of unjust service denial.
However, be warned: enforcement is inconsistent, and many cases are dismissed unless well-documented.
Where to Get Help
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Seoul Global Center offers free legal counseling in English.
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Korea Legal Aid Corporation supports vulnerable groups, including migrants.
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Korea Support Center for Foreign Workers can help non-white foreign laborers who face frequent discrimination.
Though the legal system is still catching up, speaking out, documenting incidents, and showing persistence often makes a difference.
Is It Getting Better?
Yes—and no.
The reality is that discrimination still happens in Korea. But there are also signs of real progress, especially among younger Koreans, international companies, and certain public institutions.
Growing Awareness
According to a 2024 survey by the Korean Institute for Multicultural Studies, over 60% of Koreans under 35 support stronger anti-discrimination laws. Young people in cities like Seoul and Busan are generally more accepting of diversity and even speak out online when they see unfair treatment.
Redditors have shared recent positive experiences, like taxi drivers refusing to overcharge foreigners or landlords welcoming tenants from Southeast Asia. These may seem small—but they show shifting attitudes.
Workplace Changes
More Korean companies—especially in tech, finance, and global retail—are adopting diversity training and English-friendly policies. Samsung and Naver now run mentorship programs for foreign interns, while startups in Pangyo openly seek multicultural teams.
Community Support
There are also growing grassroots movements. Expats have formed support networks on KakaoTalk, Facebook, and Meetup, focused on anti-racism education, language exchange, and legal rights.
Some Korean citizens are joining these efforts. In 2025, a student group at Yonsei University launched a campaign called “Korea for Everyone,” promoting inclusion through workshops and YouTube stories featuring non-Korean residents.
No society changes overnight. But piece by piece, Korea is becoming more open—not just to K-pop fans and tourists, but to real neighbors and community members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I take legal action if a business refuses to serve me because I’m a foreigner?
Yes, but it’s not straightforward. Korea lacks a comprehensive anti-discrimination law, so legal outcomes depend on the situation. However, you can report the incident to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. They may launch an investigation if your case involves clear discrimination in services or housing.
Q2. Are foreign women treated differently than men in terms of discrimination in Korea?
Yes, many report a different set of experiences. Foreign women, especially women of color, often face both racial and gender bias. Some have shared issues with street harassment, dating stereotypes, or being treated dismissively in healthcare settings. It’s a layered experience that's underrepresented in mainstream discussions.
Q3. Does my visa type affect how I’m treated in Korean society?
Indirectly, yes. Those on working visas (E-series), especially manual labor or entertainment visas, may face more suspicion or social stigma than those on D-2 (student) or F-6 (spouse) visas. Some landlords or employers ask your visa type before offering services, assuming your status reflects your trustworthiness or “social class.”
Q4. Can I get help if I don’t speak Korean and face a discrimination issue?
Absolutely. Services like the Seoul Global Center offer English assistance for legal and daily-life problems. There are also multilingual support hotlines, like 1345 (Immigration), and free legal counseling at city-run support centers. Even if your Korean is limited, don’t hesitate to speak up—support does exist.
Q5. Are there areas in Korea where foreigners generally feel more accepted?
Yes. Seoul neighborhoods like Itaewon, Haebangchon, and parts of Hongdae are known for diversity and inclusivity. Outside Seoul, cities like Busan (Seomyeon, Gwangan), and Jeju have growing international communities. These places tend to be more open-minded, especially where universities or global companies are based.
Having lived in Japan for nearly 20 years, I understand what it’s like to face bias simply for being different. When people found out I was Korean, some treated me with less respect—often based on old colonial attitudes. It was painful, but I also met many kind people who helped me move forward. The good always outweighed the bad.
So to those experiencing discrimination in Korea, I want to say: I’m truly sorry for what you’ve gone through. It’s not fair, and it shouldn’t happen. But just like anywhere, there are good people here too. I hope you meet them. I hope you build meaningful connections and find moments of warmth that make your time in Korea better.
You’re not alone—and I’m cheering for your journey ahead.
