What took the most "getting used to"

[DWAEDGIMORIGUKBAP]

I haven't met a single american here with that lee greenwood 'i love the usa' moral superiority complex against anyone else.

then again, i haven't met any soldiers and very few if any true southerners (who also predominate in military).

like i said before, very very few of 'those' to be found in any expat (and backpacking for that matter) groups.

they tend to stay in the 'home of the ahemm.. brave.. and the land of the ahemm... free.. with their hillrod friends driving their pickups, drinking beer and huntin' varmints.

Meh, I know a few Southerners and they are very nice people, not all gung ho uber nationalist at all.

[0mnslnd]

To answer the OP's question - what takes the most getting used to is getting Koreans to get used to you.

I've been here for 3 years and am about to start at a new school for 2 days a week together with my old one. I am dreading all the same old boring questions I expect to be most definitely asked.

Once everybody is kind of used to you (at least in the workplace) they will still ask random predicted questions from time to time, but less at least. And less stares in the cafeteria, from most adults at least.

Once everybody is kind of used to you, you'll feel more at ease.

[SpaceRook]

If you go to a pizza joint, you have to get whatever you order. If you ask to add olives or whatever, for example, expect a blank stare, even if you/Korean friend asks in Korean. if you ask for an order, for example, without mushrooms , expect a response like "but it comes with mushrooms." I remembered this halfway through typing this response since I remember the utter confusion some friends of mine got trying to get a splash of milk in their americano.

I have rarely had this problem yet I keep hearing of it being ubiquitous (sorry), so clearly I'm doing something very different to most expats. Maybe they see the look of sheer confusion and desperation on my face and take pity for me? I've heard my accented Korean sounds sad so that could be it. Or more likely, my request is always no token meat so they could be afraid its a health/religious thing. Actually, some people do show some genuine to completely over-the-top concern on that request so it could well be they're afraid of killing or condemning me or something. Mushroom allergies are uncommon but not rare so you could say you can't eat them and they must be removed rather than you'd like them removed. Get a Korean friend to teach you some cheesy new lines to stretch and knead out the truth and ham your ordering up a bit...

I've said this before, but I'll say it again: service in non-Korean restaurants is uniformally bad.  It is rare for any foreign restaurant staff to actually understand the basics of western dining:

- You are supposed to bring out ALL the food at the same time.  (Anyone in the restaurant industry can cook any food.  But cooking 5 different dishes and having them finish at the same time?  That takes skill.)
- If you order more than 2 things, something will be forgotten.  Ordered the breakfast burrito and a side of sausages?  Something will not make it.
- Customizations are the best way to get exactly what you don't want.
- Your food will be thrown out if you don't speak up quickly enough for a doggie bag.

I worked in kitchens from sports bar to fancy schmancy as a teenager up to my 20s, and rule number one is always make every plate for a table ready at the same time.  Seriously, over-cooked, under-cooked, not as pretty; as long as they're all ready together. And it's way harder than you imagine.  That's why a full restaurant of small tables is always better than a few big parties (and tips should reflect this-always tip the kitchen staff if the food is good!).  I would say this comes from our culture's standard that you don't start eating until everyone has been served.  Whether or not that's still observed (and I can see with certain people I know here from other areas of North America it's not), that's the standard.  However, with Korean culture I can see how the whole thing confuses them.  It's usually a shared meal so it's more like courses than individual servings.  Besides, if you go to a typical Western restaurant here the food has been cooked for hours.  It's just heated up (not just McD's either).

Oh, I imagine it being pretty hard.  I worked in a kitchen, and that is why I respect good restaurants.  I resent the fact that western restaurants in Korea think it is as easy as making a bunch of dishes sequentially and shoving them out the kitchen door.  Western food is individualized AND eaten simultaneously.  If you can't do that, you have no business preparing western food.  Running a western kitchen is chess and these guys are playing checkers. 

[TheWB18]

It took a while to get used to the weather pattern in Gangwon-do...

What weather pattern?

The only thing that's been really tough is the high price/low quality of all kind of good drinks.  Coffee is W4,000 for a small cup; beer is either Hite/Cass/Max that tastes like piss or else it's W4,000 for a little can of Amstel or W6,000 for a Guinness at a bar, and those are the only options; whiskey is 30,000 a fifth and terrible; and beyond that, there's soju and bad Chilean wine, or else overpriced "French" wine.

Oh, yeah, and why's every hot liquid got to be served boiling?  Soup needs to be hot, but it doesn't need to come to the table still bubbling.

[adm]

Something I still have not gotten used to is the general negativity of all things Korean by the other foreigners here. Foreigners get mad at Koreans for generalizing the behaviour of all NETs, and then generalize the behaviour of Koreans. There are good and bad people in all countries and cultures. There are good and bad manners as well. I think the most important thing is not to get sucked in to the negativity of others. People seem to be over "venting" about everything Korean, but there are so many wonderful things here, the same as any place. Good luck for when you arrive!

[Frozencat99]

Something I still have not gotten used to is the general negativity of all things Korean by the other foreigners here. Foreigners get mad at Koreans for generalizing the behaviour of all NETs, and then generalize the behaviour of Koreans. There are good and bad people in all countries and cultures. There are good and bad manners as well. I think the most important thing is not to get sucked in to the negativity of others. People seem to be over "venting" about everything Korean, but there are so many wonderful things here, the same as any place. Good luck for when you arrive!

I think that in some minor ways, NETs can do so more easily since Korea culture is so heavily focused on collectivism... so its easier to make said generalizations.

At the same time, I agree with what you're saying. The complete rejection of aspects/the entirety of Korean culture makes me wonder why people come here (but then I remember money exists).

[releitse88]

All the staring can really get to me at times. I live in a rural area so most people here have never seen a foreigner before. I definitely understand why they stare, but that doesn't mean I feel comfortable with it

Also, the last-minute changes of everything can be quite irritating, but after some time you sort of learn to expect it.

Lastly, the food isn't my favourite. I was just in Thailand and Malaysia for vacation eating the most wonderful, flavourful food. Coming back to Korean food has been quite lack-luster. But that's just my individual tastes.

Overall, it's not like it's unbearable. Just put up with it and accept it the way it is. Life is a lot less stressful that way.

[TheWB18]

Something I still have not gotten used to is the general negativity of all things Korean by the other foreigners here. Foreigners get mad at Koreans for generalizing the behaviour of all NETs, and then generalize the behaviour of Koreans. There are good and bad people in all countries and cultures. There are good and bad manners as well. I think the most important thing is not to get sucked in to the negativity of others. People seem to be over "venting" about everything Korean, but there are so many wonderful things here, the same as any place. Good luck for when you arrive!

I think that in some minor ways, NETs can do so more easily since Korea culture is so heavily focused on collectivism... so its easier to make said generalizations.

At the same time, I agree with what you're saying. The complete rejection of aspects/the entirety of Korean culture makes me wonder why people come here (but then I remember money exists).

Well, I think it's fairly normal for people to reject a lot of what they see in a given society in which they are living, not out of hatred or disgust but out of frustration, not necessarily with a given culture alone but with culture and human existence in general.

So if I were to complain about ajummas pushing people in line, it's a safe bet I'd also complain about Americans talking on their cell phones loudly on buses.  It's just, well, we're all in Korea, and what we share in common is being a) from the English-speaking world and b) new to Korea. 

I mean, honestly, if you complain about Korea you probably complained a lot at home too; if everything's roses in Korea it was probably the same at home.  If this is not the case, then you have either left behind or arrived in a country where you probably shouldn't stay. 

[nickster13]

The thing that took the most getting used to for me, was the relative lack of freedom.
Yes you might say we as foreigners can do anything, we can do this, that and the other thing. But as a geography major i like to think physically and metaphysically, i have had to cope with less freedom.Firstly, Everywhere is extremely crowded. I dont like it, but i tolerate it.
More importantly, I feel more trapped into a path. I have expectations by everyone to act a certain way(all the time) and to operate at a certain level not because its the nice thing to do, but because its the only thing to do. Ex:If you study this, you become this, if you go here, you have to see this, it feels all very regimented. With Koreans on vacation, they plan the whole itinerary based on a book and go to the famous sites. When i was out east near Donghae i went to a big cave, and inside i had to follow a narrow walkway the whole way, and go at the same pace as everyone else. I guess you could say that this is my metaphor for Korea itself. I feel like I am more or less expected to follow a path, and a one deemed logical by Koreans at that.
Not that theres anything wrong with Korean mentality, but hey i wasnt raised this way, hence our discussion:)

[orangeman]

Something I still have not gotten used to is the general negativity of all things Korean by the other foreigners here. Foreigners get mad at Koreans for generalizing the behaviour of all NETs, and then generalize the behaviour of Koreans. There are good and bad people in all countries and cultures. There are good and bad manners as well. I think the most important thing is not to get sucked in to the negativity of others. People seem to be over "venting" about everything Korean, but there are so many wonderful things here, the same as any place. Good luck for when you arrive!

I think that in some minor ways, NETs can do so more easily since Korea culture is so heavily focused on collectivism... so its easier to make said generalizations.

At the same time, I agree with what you're saying. The complete rejection of aspects/the entirety of Korean culture makes me wonder why people come here (but then I remember money exists).

Well, I think it's fairly normal for people to reject a lot of what they see in a given society in which they are living, not out of hatred or disgust but out of frustration, not necessarily with a given culture alone but with culture and human existence in general.

So if I were to complain about ajummas pushing people in line, it's a safe bet I'd also complain about Americans talking on their cell phones loudly on buses.  It's just, well, we're all in Korea, and what we share in common is being a) from the English-speaking world and b) new to Korea. 

I mean, honestly, if you complain about Korea you probably complained a lot at home too; if everything's roses in Korea it was probably the same at home.  If this is not the case, then you have either left behind or arrived in a country where you probably shouldn't stay.

I have to agree.  There are definitely people who complain about Korea specifically too much, but in general it's not anymore than people complaining back home.  After being here for several years I went back home for a year last year.  My family, friends, co-workers and classmates all complained about everything all the time.  Politics, the roads, the weather, pop culture, clothes, 'kids these days', jobs, their cars, other people, stores, service, on and on and on.  The ones who complain the most, by far, were the teachers I know.  But you know, no one called them "Anti-Canadian" there.  In Korea, if you merely have a bad day at work you're suddenly anti-Korean to some people (just read some of the threads on dave's to see what I mean).  No one wants to be around someone who complains all the time, but no one wants to be around the rose coloured glasses, gee wiz, ain't life grand!  guy all day either.  And no one wants to be told they must love every last thing about a country in order to stay (while the other guy gets to pretend to be some sort of Korean guru). 

[Yegob]

Something I still have not gotten used to is the general negativity of all things Korean by the other foreigners here. Foreigners get mad at Koreans for generalizing the behaviour of all NETs, and then generalize the behaviour of Koreans. There are good and bad people in all countries and cultures. There are good and bad manners as well. I think the most important thing is not to get sucked in to the negativity of others. People seem to be over "venting" about everything Korean, but there are so many wonderful things here, the same as any place. Good luck for when you arrive!

I think that in some minor ways, NETs can do so more easily since Korea culture is so heavily focused on collectivism... so its easier to make said generalizations.

At the same time, I agree with what you're saying. The complete rejection of aspects/the entirety of Korean culture makes me wonder why people come here (but then I remember money exists).

I wasn't aware of most aspects/entirety of Korean culture when I came here, though I had a general idea and did some reading up on it before coming.

I came here because I wanted international teaching experience (one reason I've never worked in a hagwon, that doesn;t count) for a future possible move into licensed teaching in international schools and the public school pay here was the best outside of the Middle East, where one cannot get in as a complete beginner. The vacations also offered the opportunity to do some desired travel around SE Asia.

I WAS interested in learning about Korea and Korean culture, that's just an innate intellectual curiosity I have about everything I'm not familiar with.

NOW, that I am indeed fairly fully familiar with it, I think I'm entitled to reject certain of its aspects and be decidedly unenthusiastic about it in its entirety in the same vein some Koreans may feel about the US and other Western countries for e.g. (though this doesn't apply to your stereotypical Korean Sentry uber nationalist pure racial blood moron, but to Koreans who have spent time in the US and become familiar with US customs and culture, yet feel it's not for them.)

ps.. posters just above me make excellent points. The "freedom" angle is particularly interesting.  Now extend it to almost all Korean social mores and what you will find remarkable is their remarkable LACK of freedom, Koreans are constantly constricted up by family/societal and cultural "obligations" that are inter related, whereas the core of Western philosophy throughout the ages has been individual freedom at its core (so long as we're responsible for our actions and don't actively harm other individuals in our pursuit of it)

this is diametrically opposed to the Korean outlook/societal mores, hence the inevitable cultural clash and the inevitable discomfort of most Westerners here. (btw, the ones who claim to be really happy here also shamelessly get to play their "I'm waygoogin" card to get out of a variety of what would otherwise be supper annoying Korean social trappings)

[jimmyeatworldwar]

Something I still have not gotten used to is the general negativity of all things Korean by the other foreigners here. Foreigners get mad at Koreans for generalizing the behaviour of all NETs, and then generalize the behaviour of Koreans. There are good and bad people in all countries and cultures. There are good and bad manners as well. I think the most important thing is not to get sucked in to the negativity of others. People seem to be over "venting" about everything Korean, but there are so many wonderful things here, the same as any place. Good luck for when you arrive!

this is exactly what i feel. very well put.

I think that in some minor ways, NETs can do so more easily since Korea culture is so heavily focused on collectivism... so its easier to make said generalizations.

At the same time, I agree with what you're saying. The complete rejection of aspects/the entirety of Korean culture makes me wonder why people come here (but then I remember money exists).

Well, I think it's fairly normal for people to reject a lot of what they see in a given society in which they are living, not out of hatred or disgust but out of frustration, not necessarily with a given culture alone but with culture and human existence in general.

So if I were to complain about ajummas pushing people in line, it's a safe bet I'd also complain about Americans talking on their cell phones loudly on buses.  It's just, well, we're all in Korea, and what we share in common is being a) from the English-speaking world and b) new to Korea. 

I mean, honestly, if you complain about Korea you probably complained a lot at home too; if everything's roses in Korea it was probably the same at home.  If this is not the case, then you have either left behind or arrived in a country where you probably shouldn't stay.

[chasmmi]

Not owning any keys.

I am used to having a front door key, back door key, window key, room key and wrok locker key or bunched together like a janitor's ring.

Now I have a wallet in one pocket and a phone in the other. 6 weeks in and I still look for my keys now and again (each day...).

[TheWB18]

Not owning any keys.

I am used to having a front door key, back door key, window key, room key and wrok locker key or bunched together like a janitor's ring.

Now I have a wallet in one pocket and a phone in the other. 6 weeks in and I still look for my keys now and again (each day...).

One of my favorite things here.  At home, 8 keys; here, 0 keys.  Makes me feel free.

[tesoljon]

There are a few things that I still have trouble with:

...
2. Spitting: I haven't gone a day without hearing haaaaawwwwwk pffft.  I even live on the 5th floor of an apartment building, and I can hear that sound when I am in my apartment watching tv. 
...

Eww! I admit, I'm a spitter. Better out than in. But I don't spit in the middle of the sidewalk where someone is likely to step in it. I use a drain or into the dirt on the side.

Don't know if it was mentioned, but I still question the 'pull' or 'push' suggestions labelled on doors.  I used to laugh at the characters who pushed when they were supposed to pull and vice versa...but life is a comedy.  Now, I'm in a perpetual state of contemplation when I approach a door.  Sometimes it says 'push' and I push, but I'm really supposed to pull...and other times it says 'push' so I pull, thinking I'll win the battle of pride, but turns out I have to really push...karma, sweet karma

I've never looked at a door and thought about its mechanics as much as I have in my life. 
 
« Last Edit: February 05, 2012, 09:16:56 pm by WorkingTitle3484 »

What about the double doors that are occasionally locked, but only on one side and not always the same side?

[woman-king]

Something I still have not gotten used to is the general negativity of all things Korean by the other foreigners here. Foreigners get mad at Koreans for generalizing the behaviour of all NETs, and then generalize the behaviour of Koreans. There are good and bad people in all countries and cultures. There are good and bad manners as well. I think the most important thing is not to get sucked in to the negativity of others. People seem to be over "venting" about everything Korean, but there are so many wonderful things here, the same as any place. Good luck for when you arrive!

I think that in some minor ways, NETs can do so more easily since Korea culture is so heavily focused on collectivism... so its easier to make said generalizations.

At the same time, I agree with what you're saying. The complete rejection of aspects/the entirety of Korean culture makes me wonder why people come here (but then I remember money exists).

NOW, that I am indeed fairly fully familiar with it, I think I'm entitled to reject certain of its aspects and be decidedly unenthusiastic about it in its entirety in the same vein some Koreans may feel about the US and other Western countries for e.g. (though this doesn't apply to your stereotypical Korean Sentry uber nationalist pure racial blood moron, but to Koreans who have spent time in the US and become familiar with US customs and culture, yet feel it's not for them.)

ps.. posters just above me make excellent points. The "freedom" angle is particularly interesting.  Now extend it to almost all Korean social mores and what you will find remarkable is their remarkable LACK of freedom, Koreans are constantly constricted up by family/societal and cultural "obligations" that are inter related, whereas the core of Western philosophy throughout the ages has been individual freedom at its core (so long as we're responsible for our actions and don't actively harm other individuals in our pursuit of it)

this is diametrically opposed to the Korean outlook/societal mores, hence the inevitable cultural clash and the inevitable discomfort of most Westerners here. (btw, the ones who claim to be really happy here also shamelessly get to play their "I'm waygoogin" card to get out of a variety of what would otherwise be supper annoying Korean social trappings)

Very well said.
Going from a culture that celebrates individual freedom, independence and personality responsibility to a hierarchical, collectivist Confucian one is, quite simply, really challenging for the vast majority who attempt it.  I think there are trade-offs that make it worth it for some people--financially, socially, whatever--and we've all met the Waygooks who really seems to thrive more in Korea's Confucian culture than in the West.  The expectations and responsibilities of Western culture are difficult for some people even if they grow up in it--though I'd agree that even foreigners who declare they love it here, by virtue of being foreigners, aren't really experiencing life the same way Koreans do. 

I, personally, have learned that I just really like Western culture.  It suits me.  It makes sense to me, and it's the culture I want to spend the rest of my life living in.  I've had good experiences in Korea and certainly don't hate the country or people, but I don't think having opinions about it, or having some personal preferences, is an inherently negative thing.  I can understand being annoyed by people who are always ragging on Korea without any attempt to be even-handed or remember to appreciate the good experiences they've had or good Korean people that they know--but I've honestly met very few foreigners like this.  Even people who really dislike it here generally try to put a decent face on it and always express things they also enjoy in Korea, even if, like me, they feel fundamentally incompatible with its culture.

[Frozencat99]

Something I still have not gotten used to is the general negativity of all things Korean by the other foreigners here. Foreigners get mad at Koreans for generalizing the behaviour of all NETs, and then generalize the behaviour of Koreans. There are good and bad people in all countries and cultures. There are good and bad manners as well. I think the most important thing is not to get sucked in to the negativity of others. People seem to be over "venting" about everything Korean, but there are so many wonderful things here, the same as any place. Good luck for when you arrive!

I think that in some minor ways, NETs can do so more easily since Korea culture is so heavily focused on collectivism... so its easier to make said generalizations.

At the same time, I agree with what you're saying. The complete rejection of aspects/the entirety of Korean culture makes me wonder why people come here (but then I remember money exists).

NOW, that I am indeed fairly fully familiar with it, I think I'm entitled to reject certain of its aspects and be decidedly unenthusiastic about it in its entirety in the same vein some Koreans may feel about the US and other Western countries for e.g. (though this doesn't apply to your stereotypical Korean Sentry uber nationalist pure racial blood moron, but to Koreans who have spent time in the US and become familiar with US customs and culture, yet feel it's not for them.)

ps.. posters just above me make excellent points. The "freedom" angle is particularly interesting.  Now extend it to almost all Korean social mores and what you will find remarkable is their remarkable LACK of freedom, Koreans are constantly constricted up by family/societal and cultural "obligations" that are inter related, whereas the core of Western philosophy throughout the ages has been individual freedom at its core (so long as we're responsible for our actions and don't actively harm other individuals in our pursuit of it)

this is diametrically opposed to the Korean outlook/societal mores, hence the inevitable cultural clash and the inevitable discomfort of most Westerners here. (btw, the ones who claim to be really happy here also shamelessly get to play their "I'm waygoogin" card to get out of a variety of what would otherwise be supper annoying Korean social trappings)

Very well said.
Going from a culture that celebrates individual freedom, independence and personality responsibility to a hierarchical, collectivist Confucian one is, quite simply, really challenging for the vast majority who attempt it.  I think there are trade-offs that make it worth it for some people--financially, socially, whatever--and we've all met the Waygooks who really seems to thrive more in Korea's Confucian culture than in the West.  The expectations and responsibilities of Western culture are difficult for some people even if they grow up in it--though I'd agree that even foreigners who declare they love it here, by virtue of being foreigners, aren't really experiencing life the same way Koreans do. 

I, personally, have learned that I just really like Western culture.  It suits me.  It makes sense to me, and it's the culture I want to spend the rest of my life living in.  I've had good experiences in Korea and certainly don't hate the country or people, but I don't think having opinions about it, or having some personal preferences, is an inherently negative thing.  I can understand being annoyed by people who are always ragging on Korea without any attempt to be even-handed or remember to appreciate the good experiences they've had or good Korean people that they know--but I've honestly met very few foreigners like this.  Even people who really dislike it here generally try to put a decent face on it and always express things they also enjoy in Korea, even if, like me, they feel fundamentally incompatible with its culture.

Sadly I've met (directly and indirectly) way more negative foreigners than I would care to know. If you disagree with Confucian culture, that's one thing. If you consistently rag on every single 'fault' that comes up in your life and attribute it to Korean culture, just... ugh. I prefer Western culture myself but I know its entirely futile to try and analyze their culture with different lenses on.

[tommypatt]

Biggest thing for me by far is accomodation and buildings.

I live in a small apartment which is fine, but it's not out of choice but what I've been given to live in. I knew I was going to live in a place like this before I came out so I honestly have no complaints, but what I didn't realise is the way almost the entire population live in the same type of accomodation.

I still can't get used to the idea that everyone lives in variations on these apartments, and more than this all towns and cities are all full of these huge tower blocks that all look the same - it was a real surprise to me. All towns and cities for the most part all look identical, just different sizes.

I think the point I'm getting at is that Korea as a country has wealth now and people have nice cars, gadgets and so on, but when it comes to accomodation it's normal for people to cram themselves into these tiny (and lets be honest, ugly to look at) tower blocks like sardines, often with the wall of next doors apartment as a view, and no gardens, yards etc.

That leads me on to my 2nd thing - almost no green space anywhere within a town or city. Thats another thing I really struggle with.

Not so much a complaint as an observation. I love Korea a lot but when I leave I'll not miss the urban sprawl.

[justanotherwaygook]

Biggest thing for me by far is accomodation and buildings.

I live in a small apartment which is fine, but it's not out of choice but what I've been given to live in. I knew I was going to live in a place like this before I came out so I honestly have no complaints, but what I didn't realise is the way almost the entire population live in the same type of accomodation.

I still can't get used to the idea that everyone lives in variations on these apartments, and more than this all towns and cities are all full of these huge tower blocks that all look the same - it was a real surprise to me. All towns and cities for the most part all look identical, just different sizes.

I think the point I'm getting at is that Korea as a country has wealth now and people have nice cars, gadgets and so on, but when it comes to accomodation it's normal for people to cram themselves into these tiny (and lets be honest, ugly to look at) tower blocks like sardines, often with the wall of next doors apartment as a view, and no gardens, yards etc.

That leads me on to my 2nd thing - almost no green space anywhere within a town or city. Thats another thing I really struggle with.

Not so much a complaint as an observation. I love Korea a lot but when I leave I'll not miss the urban sprawl.

Lots of people, yes, but not everyone.  There are different kinds of housing, including houses, multiple-family houses, officetels, "villa" etc.

And there's a reason people cram themselves into these tiny apartments.  It's one of the most densely populated countries in the world.  If everyone lived in a house, there'd be no room for farms, parks or what bit of countryside there is.

[tesoljon]

Biggest thing for me by far is accomodation and buildings.

I live in a small apartment which is fine, but it's not out of choice but what I've been given to live in. I knew I was going to live in a place like this before I came out so I honestly have no complaints, but what I didn't realise is the way almost the entire population live in the same type of accomodation.

I still can't get used to the idea that everyone lives in variations on these apartments, and more than this all towns and cities are all full of these huge tower blocks that all look the same - it was a real surprise to me. All towns and cities for the most part all look identical, just different sizes.

I think the point I'm getting at is that Korea as a country has wealth now and people have nice cars, gadgets and so on, but when it comes to accomodation it's normal for people to cram themselves into these tiny (and lets be honest, ugly to look at) tower blocks like sardines, often with the wall of next doors apartment as a view, and no gardens, yards etc.

That leads me on to my 2nd thing - almost no green space anywhere within a town or city. Thats another thing I really struggle with.

Not so much a complaint as an observation. I love Korea a lot but when I leave I'll not miss the urban sprawl.

Lots of people, yes, but not everyone.  There are different kinds of housing, including houses, multiple-family houses, officetels, "villa" etc.

And there's a reason people cram themselves into these tiny apartments.  It's one of the most densely populated countries in the world.  If everyone lived in a house, there'd be no room for farms, parks or what bit of countryside there is.

I'm actually glad I'm in an officetel and not a villa - at least I have an elevator!

I know S. Korea has codes for building energy efficiency, but they could really be front-runners in green building and incorporating green spaces into their buildings. My officetel is split down the middle (to give everyone a window, I guess), but there's nothing to look at other than into the apartment across the way. Why couldn't they make the roof of the split area a nice little park thing? I've seen a couple buildings with rooftop gardens, but not many. Or like that building in Bombay that has floors dedicated to plants?