bob Hertz I was born in America but don’t consider myself American because where I come from it’s considered full of myself or disrespectful to where my family comes from. I also feel like I don’t fit in because of it, I also think this country is crazy lol
@bob Hertz Hey Bob. I still feel pretty American. I would say I still feel pretty American. I never thought I felt Korean because I'm reminded daily I'm not Korean lol.
I'm sure sometimes "foreigner" IS used as an insult in korea. like when its used to discriminate. Like "whats that foreigner doing here in this club". But Its not an insult when used like "oh, there are foreigners here".
Yeah, I wish they talked more about instances when 외국인 is actually used in a negative way--because it does happen--instead of suggesting it's just in one's head.
I think maybe it's kinda curiousity that they are very surprised that someone from another country having different facial features actually knows about their culture
@@dibyadash3356 Hmmm well, my Korean friends have told me that Korean will say very rude things and they know it’s rude then try to pretend like they didn’t understand what they did wrong
Mike had y'all shook. It must be hard for long-term residents that feel like they will always be seen as a tourist. Conversations like this help both sides understand each other. 잘했어요! 💜💜💜
Paul Djerassi yea it’s the same here in America. I don’t think most ppl would call someone foreign. They may ask are you from here or say this is so and so from whatever country.
I gotta say, after 11 years of living in Korea and speaking Korean fluently, I still don't like being called 외국인 or foreigner. That being said, I don't say anything because I don't want to make trouble. Honestly, I think Koreans just don't care how other people feel and just speak as they do without considering others' feelings, if they're not part of their group or their race. Perhaps they have no motivation to change because they feel justified by the differences. If you live here, you just seem to have to accept it or you'll be angry or depressed all the time. I try not to let it bother me, but really, it does. Culture shock, I guess. I'm sorry, I just spent the last 20 minutes stuck in a taxi with a driver who kept pressuring me to teach him English and it was a ride that I paid for, just to be put upon the whole time and I'm not feeling too happy about that right now.
Let me clarify, if you point at someone and call them "Foreigner" it's like pointing at someone in america and calling them "immigrant". You don't know that person, and quite frankly to point at anyone and make statement about their race, or status in that country is rude. So, yes Americans will be offended because aside from racist, or ill mannered people we don't do that. We don't point at someone and said, "OH, Korean people even come here." that's rude. No one's being "sensitive", because if someone pointed at you ever day and pointed out you weren't american, and your Korean you'd get irritated at some point.
I've noticed a lot of hypocrisy about it in Korea. I know some Koreans who don't live in Seoul and they feel comfortable speaking out loud about foreigners or even pointing and they also use the excuse it's because it's so rare but when the same people traveled outside of Korea for the first time to areas that are homogenous and were stared at. They were so offended and angry to be treated the same way they treat foreigners
It's quite easy in Poland: if you live in Poland, speak Polish, feel Polish and drink vodka - you're Polish! even if you were born in Korea (but for real if you don't drink you still Polish ;)
Here in Philippines have many foreigners living here like americans,Italians,Japanese and most of them actually are koreans..Here in my city were im living most of foreigners living here is Koreans and Japanese because these foreigners have businesses here.and we have place here called "korean town",..most people there is Koreans they have businesses here like hotels,restaurants,manufacturing company..so they live near there business areas...but we filipinos we never called them foreigners. Maybe aside from that Philippines is not that strick to foreigners living here.
Honestly I totally agree with the huge cultural shock I got when Koreans just kept calling, '이 외국인~~' because it was like, 'a...right...I'm just the foreigner...', because even like my landlord still calls me the foreigner even though I have lived there for three years and I've told him my name many times....ㅠ.ㅠ I mean I understand why Koreans just use foreigner to call out to clearly foriegn looking people but still kinda feels like a stab. I get called foreigner mainly by strangers and service workers so technically I shouldn't really be offended, but it still just 😣.
Wow...that's a deep topic when you look at the word and not the intended meaning. Im still coming for a visit Foreigner or not, because Korea seems to be an awesome place to experience in person.
I have a travelers heart. It never bothers me to be considered foreign, I don't expect to be accepted, however I would live the most everywhere. Enjoy life
I live in Toronto and I don't call new Canadian people foreigners or know people that do. Immigrant myself.. many years ago. Maybe before but not today.
@Veronica Wo Exactly! The thing I'm used to is people saying things like this or that person is Jamaican, Irish, Japanese, Brazillian, South African, Iranian etc. Not used to just hearing ppl calling one another simply "foreigner". Which sounds like a lazy euphemism at best. . . At worst, much worse.
I saw some Korean video, where a Korean comes in another country more specifically Vietnam. And he says in Korean "I am going to interview foreigners" do Korean even call local people foreigners when they are not in their country ? like is it normal ? 😂 (EDIT : I just finished the video and you answered my question lol) Great video Rachel !
What's funny is that here in the USA, there are neighborhoods where all Asians, Chinese and Korean alike live. And they STILL call Americans foreigners! 😂😂🤣🤣😅
I think the translation of "non-Korean" or "non-native Korean" makes more sense. Especially considering you use the word 외국인 even when visiting other countries. I do agree with MiKole that the word "foreigner" does have a bit of a negative connotation in the West. It has that nuance of exclusion or "otherness" to it. While I wouldn't blame any stranger in Korea for referring to a non-Korean person as 외국인, I think once you meet them and especially if they're your friend/coworker you should make the effort to at least refer to them by their nationality. On the same note, I would implore people visiting Korea not to be offended if they hear Koreans refer to them as 외국인. There's literally no way for them to know where you're from, how long you've been in Korea, etc. They're just using the most obvious descriptor for you. Also when you understand that Koreans almost never use pronouns like he/she/they, that's another reason you might hear it a lot when people might be talking about you or foreigners in general.
As an American with parents and grandparents from different countries it always freaky frustrating when I hear people here in America call them “ foreigner.” But I can definitely see how it’s used differently in Korea
I think Mike has made some fair points on some foreigners’ reactions. Speaking for myself, I am a foreigner (아일랜드 사람 입니다) in the country I live in (벨기에). I’ve always been around foreigners too and have never felt attacked when called one. When in Korea and called a 외국인. .. 뭐... 그래.. 외국인 있잖아요 There’s nothing offensive about what’s plainly true. I tend not to read into words more than what those words mean. It makes life easier ^_^ Thanks for sharing this though, it’s a reminder that so many people think differently :)
Thanks for posting this Rachel. Ignorance gains acceptance when questions are never asked. More Korea puts itself on the map. The more this question will be asked.
Lol the top of Mike's head is transparent. I feel like (especially with the older generation). How people will never be fully Korean. Korea has been through a lot of hardships and survived a lot. Which is why Koreans are so proud to have Korean blood.
Interesting topic.. I don't think I'd ever be 'offended' by being called a foreigner in a different country - I would generally assume they were referring to ethnicity and not citizenship.. *especially* if I lived in a ethnically homogeneous society like Korea or Japan ...
I also lived in Korea for 5 years, speak fluent Korean, married a Korean, and I will say this: when the word 외국인 is used to exclude and dehumanize another person, it is racist/xenophobic and therefore problematic. There are lots of negative experiences that I have had and so have my friends because we were 외국인. Yes I stayed for 5 years because the good outweighed the bad. But, the fact that there aren’t discriminatory laws in Korea poses a problem. When businesses can outright forbid you from entering because you are a 외국인 that is problematic. The word 외국인 is used often by the people of power who in this case are Korean, to ostracize people by perpetually belittling them. Often time the word is used to point out that you are different, you aren’t one of us (part of society). When Koreans want to say you’re part of society they call you Korean. They’ll say “omg you eat chicken feet! You’re Korean. Omg you like soju, you’re Korean.” I’ve had Korean people who were close to me make a point of telling other Korean people, that I was Korean. And they treated me more warmly. Why? Because Korean people have 정, and when you’re considered Korean, it’s much easier for Koreans to treat you like a human being. On the flip side when they criticize you for being different, you’re a foreigner. I’ve had to have long conversations because pointing out differences is fine. If someone said to me, “When I was in America, I saw that people were overweight.” That’s better than, “외국인 are overweight.” The whole world outside of Korea is 외국. There are other countries that also have skinny populace. Finally, the word 외국인 has been used to ostracize mixed Korean children who grow up in Korea. Or children in general who were born and raised in Korea, but don’t ‘look’ Korean. I had a student who was mixed talk about the difficulties he went through in his school because the kids made fun of him for being a 외국인 even though he was born and raised in Korea. They ostracized him for not being Korean enough. So, whenever the word 외국인 is made to make the other person feel belittled, it is derogatory. Which is even why my professors a Seoul national university didn’t call us 외국인. They always talked about our country of origin when making statements like, “Maybe you have experience with this because you’re American, Chinese, Japanese, etc.” It made class more inclusive than divisive because it’s not about mentioning that you are different that’s the problem. When you walk around in korea and you’re not Korean, you know you’re different. It’s about making the other person feel like they are different to the point that they don’t belong, and if it’s making ‘foreigners’ feel like that, regardless of your intentions, it is problematic. And, instead of telling them, that word isn’t bad we just use it to make you feel like an outsider but trust us it’s not derogatory except when it is, that’s problematic. Listen to when people make a complaint, and listen to how you can make the future generations of Koreans more aware of the systemic discrimination in Korea. And lastly, I didn’t have much problems with the word 외국인 because my friends who cared about me, they had all studied abroad and didn’t think it was important to make me feel like the other, like an outsider. They didn’t use the word 외국인 towards me, to describe me. To them I was Ian from America. And that was fine by me.
Shawn Thorington sorry. I just rant about it because whenever you tell Koreans that they’re being xenophobic/racist/discriminatory, they quickly dismiss how your feeling like in this video and say that you’re just sensitive. I’ve been told by many Koreans that there’s no discrimination or racism in Korea like the USA because all Koreans are the same. So then I have to point out, clearly the racism isn’t against Koreans, but against people who aren’t Korean. Then when they think about it, they realize there is racism in Korea and xenophobia. It’s like words that are used offensively only affect the targeted groups. And regardless of the intentions of the person saying them they could be offensive. It’s like oh you’re too sensitive. Well was I too sensitive when there was a sign at the restaurant that said “외국인 금지” or the club that also said that? Or the time the woman in a convenience store refused to sell us water and threw our money back at us and said she would never sell to 외국인? Or the drunk man in train that called me a dirty 외국인 while I was with my wife and friend who are both Korean. The negative connotation is there whether Koreans want to admit or not. Sorry responding for responding to your comment about my rant being long with another long rant. It was not my plan. Lol
When I was in korea studying abroad I never felt like an outsider and I never felt upset being called a foreigner because that’s what I was. I absolutely loved being in South Korea and instantly fell in love with the korean peoples warm caring hearts. I can’t wait to go back to South Korea.
I did not take offense to it(in English or Korean) Korea used to be known as the Hermit Kingdom... I was accepted well enough but not completely but it did not bother me!! Many Koreans are nationalistic and I was okay with it!!
Hahahaha... yes... lets all hold hands and be united!! Great video!! When I ever get the chance to travel to Korea... I won't feel bad if I am called foreigner. 👍🏽
Conversations like these need to happen way more. Not being offended by the other side but asking questions and answer honestly,so that there are no misunderstandings. Great Video! (And oooooh I played the foreigner card so much 😂😂 it might be selfish but sometimes, it is good to have it 🙈)
I date a Korean girl. I’m English and we met at work in America. I’m really anxious as to how I’ll be accepted when I meet her family. Your TH-cam channel has gone a long way to put me at ease. Thanks for the great content
'I've lived with Koreans my whole life and I never feel so accepted because language and other things.' If you've lived with Koreans your whole life (in Korea I assume), shouldn't you be able to speak the language?
Foreigner kind of means “unwanted stranger” or “illegal alien” when used casually in English. It it ok when used in fact-based language like “University student population has 15% foreign students”.
Hello Rachel you beautiful woman! So good to see you again! I made it back in one piece from work. And im checking my comms and bingo there you are. It brought a smile to my face seriously. If i ever met you in person i would be so tempted to give you a big hug. You stay beautiful have a great day.
There's nothing offensive about the word "Gaijin". Just like in any language, it can be used as an insult, the same way the English word "foreigner" can be an insult too, depending on the intent. Some Japanese just use the word because it's shorter than "Gaikokujin".
It's simply that Korea is still a homogenous society. In Europe and the USA we are used to different races being born in our countries, so we're used to identifying people by nationality rather than just race. Korea hasn't gotten that far yet. It's nothing to be offended by IMHO. It's simply that they haven't been introduced to enough people who aren't racially Korean, but are Korean born and Korean citizens. The naturalization laws in Korea aren't much different than the USA. But the fact remains that there aren't enough racially mixed people in Korea for them to acknowledge a person who isn't 100% Korean, as a Korean. If they start to encounter more races *born* there, I'm sure perceptions will change.
And with westerners, you can't really tell where they are if you haven't had a proper conversation with them, I live in Sweden and if I met an American person that spoke the language or was just in a situation where I had to refer to them, without knowing their names, I would be stumped and wouldn't know how to refer to them.
Great video! This demonstrates why a word doesn’t really matter so much. It is the intention behind the word which varies not only between cultures, but people. I think it also shows why trying to understanding a culture and not always assuming the worst is important.
That’s exactly the same when I lived in Taiwan. I was always the foreigner. When they came to America, they still called us foreigners. I say, “ I’m not the foreigner here. You are.”
My country is also a homogeneous (in terms of nationality) country so it’s very common to just go “oh there’s a foreigner” or like “is he foreign” and just throw that word around lightly, theres this saying that basically means abide by the rules of where u stand so if you’re in a country that uses that term lightly or often learn not to get offended but if you’re in a country where that is considered rude then don’t do it.
I feel like it's mainly the americans that feel offended. Im from europe and a lot of people immigrate to germany and no one expects to be called german or something
I think it's funny how well he hit the nail on the head. When you meet someone it is respectful to find out who they are and care about them. Instead of describing them by who they are not you should try to describe them by who they are.
This really is an interesting topic, since I think as an European, I think differently from MiKole. If I would live 20 years in Korea, speak fluent Korean, work and pay taxes etc, I would still be Finnish, because that is my native culture/language and background. Ofcourse I wish I would have same civilrights and be treated the same infront of the law etc. as the "native Koreans", but I don't think it would be important to me to be taken as a Korean. In my adult life I have lived in Denmark, Tanzania and Israel and I have always been foreigner in those countries while still accepted as part of the society. So living in an another country would not change me being Finnish and that is why I would not mind being taken as a foreigner in a cultural sense. (Why my English is so bad today.. Sorry for all the mistakes, hope the main point was to be understood..)
I think the problem is when you aren't accepted as a Korean, you could be denied jobs and even entrance into certain restaurants and stores. While it might not be a major problem, you can never truly feel included. And if you want to live there for 20 years, get married, and have children, that creates even more problems.
@@GenerationNextNextNext You know, I came to think of the time I left to live at the contryside in Tanzania. People were telling me how I'd propably die because of Malaria, AIDS, dirty water etc. I did not (I had Malaria, but I did not die of it) and I had really good time there. Then - few years later - when I left to Israel, everyone were telling me, I was propably going to die, because that was the time when the 2nd Intifada of the Palestinians was ending and there had been lots of suicide bombings in cafes and busses around the coutry the past years. My stay in Israel became almost 4 years, I did not die and I had really interesting time living there, travelling around the country from the Druze villages of Golan to the Palestinian territories in the West Bank. Now when going to Korea, people are warning that Koreans could be rasists towards forgeiners. Well, where ever you go in the world you'll find individual idiots, but in South Korea there are about 60 millon people. Can't all be rasists. I've learned to concentrate on the positive stuff in life!! :)
Interesting topic. I like this kind of videos too, it's cool to see you guys talking about different subjects like this. I understand what Mike said about the word "Foreigner" having a potententialy offensive meaning but I also understand Rachel when she says it's kinda in his head. I think both are right and it all depends who you have in front of you. Some Koreans being very closed minded (a lot of elders but not all of them, of course) and others being very foreigner friendly (like Rachel and Jina). Having said that, even among Koreans who're opened to foreigners, it's common for them to make some misteps and say things that can sometimes be taken the wrong way because Korea having so many foreigners is a new phenomenon. It can sometimes be quiet difficult to have the right approach toward someone who's not from the same country.
I think that while we do call everyone "Americans" in America, we still have a similar word for foreigner that we use to describe people all the time which is "immigrant." Anyone that came here from other countries are immigrants but we use this word specifically to describe "outsiders that we don't want here" so I think that's where the offensive meaning for foreigner comes from. Usually it's associated with racism because we don't generally call European immigrants "immigrants."
I will be more hurt if someone called me a non Korean. I'd rather they call me a foreigner. I think it's because even in our country we use the word foreigner without any hatred. It's just that you are stating a fact. There's no feeling attached. But if someone says that person is not a Sri Lankan, that can be in an offensive way sometimes.
I would never take it as an insult because really that is what I am.I left my country once and went to Egypt.( 13 years ago).I understand that many countries hate Americans but we are not all alike as far as race.A lot of us are open minded and want to travel to different countries to see the sights and learn the history and admire the beauty.So kudos to those who are able to do that .And for those who come here,you will find that most of us are hostile and welcome you.We might be hard to find but we are here.And for those who come to America,well like these three we do welcome you at any age or race. Thanks
I'm a person born in Central America who moved to the U.S. very young and became a U.S. citizen; I support President Trump's immigration policy and "the wall", so No, building the wall doesn't make President Trump a racist.
This is amazing! I feel him because it's gotta be difficult to be called as a foreigner even when you are Korean in everything you do and even culturally talking too... here in my country and in almost every country, people don't use really much that word... but yeah, of course I understand for Korean, saying to someone foreigner it's just like when you say someone is tall or small, it's just describing with no bad intention at all :D thanks for this amazing video because now if someday I go to Korea I don't feel bad about it
It’s just a matter of one party (Americans in this case) associating the word with Nationality, while the other party (Koreans in this case) associating the word with ethnicity. That’s why it’s so important to learn the culture before being offended. That way you know the intent.
My wife was born and raised in Korea. She is a little darker than the average Korean. When we were there last summer everyone would call her a foreigner (외국사람), despite being ethnically Korean and not even speaking English until she was 16. I felt offended for her, but they judged her on her appearance and got it wrong. They would even be commenting about how amazing her Korean is for a foreigner.
I feel like we can sum this up as this: Korea is a nation-state. The vast majority has the same history and similar future due to homogeneity. You cannot be Korean because being Korean in Korea, describes your ethnicity and nationality. Not one or the other, BOTH. In America: This country is on stolen land. Non-Indigenous Americans do not have a right to tell people that they can't be American. Honestly speaking, colonizers or descendants of [colonizers or: White Americans] can't reject or extend claims to citizenship (although they do all the time). Therefore, calling some foreigner in USA (especially when claim has been made by White Americans), has often been routed in racism. We try to avoid the term, and use tourist, international XYZ, etc..
Regardless of how someone feels, you’re still intentionally separating yourself from others when you make it a point to say that an outsider is behaving a certain way. And it doesn’t necessarily need to be said that a “foreigner” is doing/saying something. Just say that person or their name is doing/saying something. And because “foreigner” is so ambiguous and also used as a derogatory term by the government, why not try to better distinguish by using other words that might more accurately describe what you mean? This way, you get your message across without someone potentially misinterpreting it’s meaning.
I think it also comes from the history of Korea, - it was a closed country for centuries with no (or almost none) immigration. At the oposite side of USA which is by it's creation, a country based on immigration. - Korea has never been a colonisator country but rather a colonized one : It's normal to name the invaders as "foreigner" to show they aren't from Korea.
I am so grateful for this video. I'm aware the term is not meant to be exclusionary. However, I don't think it's entirely benign either. At least I'm more aware of why it never sat right with me.
As a Swedish person living in America heres my observation. Americans never say foreigner in a positive way which is why the English word probably stung, but the Korean word I think is more like how African Americans will never get rid of the "African" nametag even if many generations was born here. In Sweden there was the descriptive word of dark or dark skinned in a non offensive way, and I as a non American (so far) see the word foreigner as just a descriptive word just like white, black, asian, middle eastern etc is descriptive words to me. It's quite human nature to describe what sets people apart.. like if there would be a buddhist country and a Christian family became neighbours they would be described as the Christian's most likely. Same with red haired boy, Muslim girl, or in this case, foreigners. :)
My husband often uses 외국인 when we travel outside of Korea, which cracks me up. When we visited America, I teased "now you are the foreigner!", and he told me "aaah, being called 외국인 is not fun!' . It's never bothered me personally~ I guess if it really bothers you, you could call yourself 미국인, 영국인, 충국인, etc.? 미국인이에요!
I get both sides of this conversation and I think this is ultimately a cultural thing. Like. I’m a Hispanic-American, and I’ve visited many different countries. I’ve found that (in my personal experience) Asian countries tend to easily call people foreigners. It’s never bothered me because I understand that it’s not meant to be derogatory. But, here in the US, if someone implies that I’m foreign because of my race it is usually a form of racism or xenophobia. Americans rarely call someone “foreigners”. We might label someone as an immigrant, but that’s usually it. And because we’re a melting-pot country, you can’t tell based off of someone’s looks or the language they speak whether or not they’re “foreign” and typically the people who do point it out are racists or are trying to exclude (typically non-white) people from society. I think these conversations are important. Understanding the social context of both the US and Korea can help avoid misunderstandings.
This is a hard topic. In Australia it is rude because it implies a separation from society and non-acceptance of a person. However, it can be used as a non-offensive term depending on the context (we prefer to say this person is from xyz country instead). It is also highly offensive to call any Australian citizen a foreigner in their own country. It is nice to hear that this meaning isn't the same for Koreans. Thank you Rachel for tackling a difficult topic.
As an American, what he is basically saying is...if you call someone foreigner what we hear is "you don't belong here". For instance if I have a korean American friend and we are hanging out with a korean and they do something rude they may say "oh he's a foreigner" which we are then like "oh okay", so in our head we think he doesn't understand and he's going back to his country so he gets a pass. Another instance, if you plan on becoming a citizen and do something rude we may say "he's fresh off the boat". This is kind of rude but it's basically saying he's becoming one of us but just hasn't learned our ways yet. Either way they are both forms of pointing out that someone is "different" and in America we prefer to see all people the same and equal.
I love that Rachel is willing to talk about things like this. Always happy to see the beautiful Jina and I think that many men are jealous of Michael lol
Very good topic. My husband was born and raised in Korea. Just decades ago, Korea was 3rd world country, not a destination vacation place. Korea had a vision and goal to become global and they have succeeded, however, for some, it is still new to them to have non-koreans or 'foreigners' in their neighborhoods. If you know Koreans, they are quite literal so I do not believe it is meant as a bad thing in general when the word foreigner is used. In 2017 we stayed in Suwon, not typical vacation place, but the locals were kind. It was nice to be away from touristy area.
America's very mixed but they're also very insular and very patriotic (in parts very nationalistic) - so they're not used to foriegners, as opposed to US citizens of different ethinicities in most of the country - excepting large cities. They probably take it more personally because of this. In terms of whether it's an insult or not depends on how it's used.
Great content!!👍😊 I think Korea’s beginning to embrace foreigners more. Immigration will continue to be important in the 21st century to Korea. When a nation goes through a process of immigration it redefines national identity, like the USA, or Australia. It doesn’t deplete culture, it expands it and when done well celebrates difference. Traditional concepts of national identity by blood or kinship are replaced by national identify defined by place, birth or chosen sovereignty.
I'm a Korean American who mostly grew up in America. I also lived in Chile 🇨🇱. But always had Korean friends so I thought I understood the culture and the people. I speak Korean in my house never English or Spanish. But when I came to Korea and lived for a few years boy oh boy I began hating the Korean people. I can't believe I used to defend Koreans all the time when other Americans used to ridicule and say bad things about Korea. For reference, both my parents are full Koreans and I was born in Korea and lived 4 years before my parents immigrated to Chile due to my father's job as a Korean embassy secretary. Both my parents have big eyes and long eye lashes; with big natural double eyelids. So like some dragonbal episode me as the son came out with stronger physical features to the point where I look mixed between a Korean and a westerner; so does my sister to some extent but I came out the most mixed looking. Because of this fact alone I've gotten to experience what other Asian foreigners might experience in Korea and it's really ugly. Sometimes I wish I was born full westerner like a Caucasian rather than a Korean that looks mixed. My experiences with Koreans in America has mostly been like almost family but the Koreans IN Korea are like demons I'm not exaggerating. They live in this bubble thinking they're the perfect human beings. Not remembering that without plastic surgery they don't really look that hot or without the help of other countries during the war they would still be ultra poor colonized by Japan. I hope Koreans would just be a little more humble but they are similar to Americans right after WW2 when it became a super power and world cultural influencer. I don't want to bad mouth my own ethnic race but it has not been a good experience overall in Korea.
In Germany, we definitely have the word "Foreigner" (Ausländer) but it has a very slight negative connotation to it. It's more common to just say "Guests" (Gäste). You're coming to visit our country, therefore you're our guest. However, Germans have the same problem as Koreans. Most will not think of people that immigrated to Germany as "Germans" if they don't look German. It's not right, it's something we should change, but that's sadly the way it is (for the most part) right now.
Not sure if it's just me but in the UK 'foreigner' isn't a that common word anyway because we don't really class people like that, we'd call people where they are from, so Korean, French, American, etc. But it also doesn't have a negative tone to it that I guess it does in America? Maybe it does have more to do with the political situation in that country as well, because calling someone an 'immigrant' here, for example, would be quite rude and have a negative tone regardless of when it is used. Interesting video :)
a question i have is: if someone was born and raised in Korea, someone white, would they be called korean? like they have the citizenship, lived there all their lives, so they would be korean in my eyes
Awesome video Rachel! I now feel it is okay to be called a foreigner. If another American does it though, we gonna have some problems...
bob Hertz I was born in America but don’t consider myself American because where I come from it’s considered full of myself or disrespectful to where my family comes from. I also feel like I don’t fit in because of it, I also think this country is crazy lol
Hi mike please notice me
@@ashleyzheng2244 Hey Ashley haha
@bob Hertz Hey Bob. I still feel pretty American. I would say I still feel pretty American. I never thought I felt Korean because I'm reminded daily I'm not Korean lol.
Cecilia well that’s too bad ur American
I'm sure sometimes "foreigner" IS used as an insult in korea. like when its used to discriminate. Like "whats that foreigner doing here in this club". But Its not an insult when used like "oh, there are foreigners here".
Yeah, I wish they talked more about instances when 외국인 is actually used in a negative way--because it does happen--instead of suggesting it's just in one's head.
No foreigners allowed in this Club( Itaewon). They dont mean it but they are actually racists and discriminatory against all foreigners
I know! They kept disregarding his thoughts and feelings then tried to blame him
I think maybe it's kinda curiousity that they are very surprised that someone from another country having different facial features actually knows about their culture
@@dibyadash3356 Hmmm well, my Korean friends have told me that Korean will say very rude things and they know it’s rude then try to pretend like they didn’t understand what they did wrong
Mike had y'all shook. It must be hard for long-term residents that feel like they will always be seen as a tourist. Conversations like this help both sides understand each other. 잘했어요! 💜💜💜
In Ireland its usual to say Hi where are you from ?,the word Foreigner would be considered rude or hostile .
Paul Djerassi yea it’s the same here in America. I don’t think most ppl would call someone foreign. They may ask are you from here or say this is so and so from whatever country.
same in france
I gotta say, after 11 years of living in Korea and speaking Korean fluently, I still don't like being called 외국인 or foreigner. That being said, I don't say anything because I don't want to make trouble.
Honestly, I think Koreans just don't care how other people feel and just speak as they do without considering others' feelings, if they're not part of their group or their race. Perhaps they have no motivation to change because they feel justified by the differences.
If you live here, you just seem to have to accept it or you'll be angry or depressed all the time. I try not to let it bother me, but really, it does.
Culture shock, I guess.
I'm sorry, I just spent the last 20 minutes stuck in a taxi with a driver who kept pressuring me to teach him English and it was a ride that I paid for, just to be put upon the whole time and I'm not feeling too happy about that right now.
Let me clarify, if you point at someone and call them "Foreigner" it's like pointing at someone in america and calling them "immigrant". You don't know that person, and quite frankly to point at anyone and make statement about their race, or status in that country is rude. So, yes Americans will be offended because aside from racist, or ill mannered people we don't do that. We don't point at someone and said, "OH, Korean people even come here." that's rude. No one's being "sensitive", because if someone pointed at you ever day and pointed out you weren't american, and your Korean you'd get irritated at some point.
I've noticed a lot of hypocrisy about it in Korea. I know some Koreans who don't live in Seoul and they feel comfortable speaking out loud about foreigners or even pointing and they also use the excuse it's because it's so rare but when the same people traveled outside of Korea for the first time to areas that are homogenous and were stared at. They were so offended and angry to be treated the same way they treat foreigners
It's quite easy in Poland: if you live in Poland, speak Polish, feel Polish and drink vodka - you're Polish! even if you were born in Korea (but for real if you don't drink you still Polish ;)
So the word is not inherently bad, but depending on the tone can be used in a derogatory manner and to belittle a persons position in the society
A LOT of Korean words have different meanings based on tonality.
I read the title and thought someone replied to my comment and I felt attacked for a second 😂😂
Lmao same!
ROFL
Here in Philippines have many foreigners living here like americans,Italians,Japanese and most of them actually are koreans..Here in my city were im living most of foreigners living here is Koreans and Japanese because these foreigners have businesses here.and we have place here called "korean town",..most people there is Koreans they have businesses here like hotels,restaurants,manufacturing company..so they live near there business areas...but we filipinos we never called them foreigners.
Maybe aside from that Philippines is not that strick to foreigners living here.
Honestly I totally agree with the huge cultural shock I got when Koreans just kept calling, '이 외국인~~' because it was like, 'a...right...I'm just the foreigner...', because even like my landlord still calls me the foreigner even though I have lived there for three years and I've told him my name many times....ㅠ.ㅠ I mean I understand why Koreans just use foreigner to call out to clearly foriegn looking people but still kinda feels like a stab. I get called foreigner mainly by strangers and service workers so technically I shouldn't really be offended, but it still just 😣.
Wow...that's a deep topic when you look at the word and not the intended meaning. Im still coming for a visit Foreigner or not, because Korea seems to be an awesome place to experience in person.
Neno Snipeslookalike agreed. Korea and Japan seem like great places to visit. Those are two cultures I want to experience before I die.
@@FUBAR956 same thoughts exactly.
I have a travelers heart. It never bothers me to be considered foreign, I don't expect to be accepted, however I would live the most everywhere. Enjoy life
Imagine if Koreans were called "Foreigners" everywhere they went around the world... ???
They are...
Sometimes...sometimes not. In Canada, we can’t tell just by looking, if a person is foreign or not.
I live in Toronto and I don't call new Canadian people foreigners or know people that do. Immigrant myself.. many years ago. Maybe before but not today.
DonKJB - if you’re Canadian, you’re Canadian. Only visitors to Canada are foreigners.
@Veronica Wo Exactly! The thing I'm used to is people saying things like this or that person is Jamaican, Irish, Japanese, Brazillian, South African, Iranian etc. Not used to just hearing ppl calling one another simply "foreigner". Which sounds like a lazy euphemism at best. . . At worst, much worse.
I saw some Korean video, where a Korean comes in another country more specifically Vietnam.
And he says in Korean "I am going to interview foreigners" do Korean even call local people foreigners when they are not in their country ? like is it normal ? 😂 (EDIT : I just finished the video and you answered my question lol)
Great video Rachel !
What's funny is that here in the USA, there are neighborhoods where all Asians, Chinese and Korean alike live. And they STILL call Americans foreigners! 😂😂🤣🤣😅
Tess W 😂 😂
@@tessw9744 Hahaha really 😂😂😂
Anna Krasoso 😂😂 Forrest. What the heck
Yes they do call locals foreigners! Ha ha ha
"Hey Rachel! You'll always get accepted in our hearts!! ❤"🤣
Thanks for this video 💛 We can blame translation for this one. I agree "non-korean" leaves much less room for misinterpretation.
I think the translation of "non-Korean" or "non-native Korean" makes more sense. Especially considering you use the word 외국인 even when visiting other countries.
I do agree with MiKole that the word "foreigner" does have a bit of a negative connotation in the West. It has that nuance of exclusion or "otherness" to it. While I wouldn't blame any stranger in Korea for referring to a non-Korean person as 외국인, I think once you meet them and especially if they're your friend/coworker you should make the effort to at least refer to them by their nationality.
On the same note, I would implore people visiting Korea not to be offended if they hear Koreans refer to them as 외국인. There's literally no way for them to know where you're from, how long you've been in Korea, etc. They're just using the most obvious descriptor for you. Also when you understand that Koreans almost never use pronouns like he/she/they, that's another reason you might hear it a lot when people might be talking about you or foreigners in general.
As an American with parents and grandparents from different countries it always freaky frustrating when I hear people here in America call them “ foreigner.” But I can definitely see how it’s used differently in Korea
Foreigner is a great band of country rock.
In My country they see a Korean and they say Hola Chinito.
Ha! Doesn't that mean "Hello China man." ?
@@tessw9744 Yes.
@Stan_exo Itsgood4urhealth Ignorance?
@Stan_exo Itsgood4urhealth Who make the rules?
I think Mike has made some fair points on some foreigners’ reactions.
Speaking for myself, I am a foreigner (아일랜드 사람 입니다) in the country I live in (벨기에). I’ve always been around foreigners too and have never felt attacked when called one.
When in Korea and called a 외국인. .. 뭐... 그래.. 외국인 있잖아요
There’s nothing offensive about what’s plainly true. I tend not to read into words more than what those words mean. It makes life easier ^_^
Thanks for sharing this though, it’s a reminder that so many people think differently :)
외국인
daphy the alien indeed. Thank you ^_^
@@AndreaJF 천만에요
"Words Only Have The Power If You Give Them!"
- Mike, The Wise.🤓
Thanks for posting this Rachel. Ignorance gains acceptance when questions are never asked. More Korea puts itself on the map. The more this question will be asked.
Lol the top of Mike's head is transparent.
I feel like (especially with the older generation). How people will never be fully Korean. Korea has been through a lot of hardships and survived a lot. Which is why Koreans are so proud to have Korean blood.
Interesting topic.. I don't think I'd ever be 'offended' by being called a foreigner in a different country - I would generally assume they were referring to ethnicity and not citizenship.. *especially* if I lived in a ethnically homogeneous society like Korea or Japan ...
I also lived in Korea for 5 years, speak fluent Korean, married a Korean, and I will say this: when the word 외국인 is used to exclude and dehumanize another person, it is racist/xenophobic and therefore problematic. There are lots of negative experiences that I have had and so have my friends because we were 외국인. Yes I stayed for 5 years because the good outweighed the bad. But, the fact that there aren’t discriminatory laws in Korea poses a problem. When businesses can outright forbid you from entering because you are a 외국인 that is problematic. The word 외국인 is used often by the people of power who in this case are Korean, to ostracize people by perpetually belittling them. Often time the word is used to point out that you are different, you aren’t one of us (part of society). When Koreans want to say you’re part of society they call you Korean. They’ll say “omg you eat chicken feet! You’re Korean. Omg you like soju, you’re Korean.” I’ve had Korean people who were close to me make a point of telling other Korean people, that I was Korean. And they treated me more warmly. Why? Because Korean people have 정, and when you’re considered Korean, it’s much easier for Koreans to treat you like a human being. On the flip side when they criticize you for being different, you’re a foreigner.
I’ve had to have long conversations because pointing out differences is fine. If someone said to me, “When I was in America, I saw that people were overweight.” That’s better than, “외국인 are overweight.” The whole world outside of Korea is 외국. There are other countries that also have skinny populace.
Finally, the word 외국인 has been used to ostracize mixed Korean children who grow up in Korea. Or children in general who were born and raised in Korea, but don’t ‘look’ Korean. I had a student who was mixed talk about the difficulties he went through in his school because the kids made fun of him for being a 외국인 even though he was born and raised in Korea. They ostracized him for not being Korean enough.
So, whenever the word 외국인 is made to make the other person feel belittled, it is derogatory. Which is even why my professors a Seoul national university didn’t call us 외국인. They always talked about our country of origin when making statements like, “Maybe you have experience with this because you’re American, Chinese, Japanese, etc.” It made class more inclusive than divisive because it’s not about mentioning that you are different that’s the problem. When you walk around in korea and you’re not Korean, you know you’re different. It’s about making the other person feel like they are different to the point that they don’t belong, and if it’s making ‘foreigners’ feel like that, regardless of your intentions, it is problematic. And, instead of telling them, that word isn’t bad we just use it to make you feel like an outsider but trust us it’s not derogatory except when it is, that’s problematic. Listen to when people make a complaint, and listen to how you can make the future generations of Koreans more aware of the systemic discrimination in Korea.
And lastly, I didn’t have much problems with the word 외국인 because my friends who cared about me, they had all studied abroad and didn’t think it was important to make me feel like the other, like an outsider. They didn’t use the word 외국인 towards me, to describe me. To them I was Ian from America. And that was fine by me.
I can't believe I read your paragraph, you had a lot on your mind.
Shawn Thorington sorry. I just rant about it because whenever you tell Koreans that they’re being xenophobic/racist/discriminatory, they quickly dismiss how your feeling like in this video and say that you’re just sensitive. I’ve been told by many Koreans that there’s no discrimination or racism in Korea like the USA because all Koreans are the same. So then I have to point out, clearly the racism isn’t against Koreans, but against people who aren’t Korean. Then when they think about it, they realize there is racism in Korea and xenophobia.
It’s like words that are used offensively only affect the targeted groups. And regardless of the intentions of the person saying them they could be offensive.
It’s like oh you’re too sensitive. Well was I too sensitive when there was a sign at the restaurant that said “외국인 금지” or the club that also said that? Or the time the woman in a convenience store refused to sell us water and threw our money back at us and said she would never sell to 외국인? Or the drunk man in train that called me a dirty 외국인 while I was with my wife and friend who are both Korean. The negative connotation is there whether Koreans want to admit or not.
Sorry responding for responding to your comment about my rant being long with another long rant. It was not my plan. Lol
@@ianpolitano07 Guess they have their own flaws in Korea too, heard Japan is similar.
Shawn Thorington agreed. Unfortunately, it’s hard to fix these problems when people are in denial.
"You'll never be Korean." That's Asia, very rigid. Great people! But rigid.
That's how i felt here the past six months as a exchange student😭
When I was in korea studying abroad I never felt like an outsider and I never felt upset being called a foreigner because that’s what I was. I absolutely loved being in South Korea and instantly fell in love with the korean peoples warm caring hearts. I can’t wait to go back to South Korea.
I did not take offense to it(in English or Korean) Korea used to be known as the Hermit Kingdom... I was accepted well enough but not completely but it did not bother me!! Many Koreans are nationalistic and I was okay with it!!
Interesting topic and I can see both sides. I agree, words only have the power we give them. Great point and summary.
Hahahaha... yes... lets all hold hands and be united!!
Great video!!
When I ever get the chance to travel to Korea... I won't feel bad if I am called foreigner. 👍🏽
As a foreigner in Korea I get my share of stares. Especially when I travel to the areas outside of Seoul. It's like "what are YOU doing here?"
Bro same. I went hiking with my husband out in the middle of nowhere and the stares were next level.
I have seen people think foreigners in korea are intruders
Pretty outfit, Rachel! I love the sunflowers, too!
Conversations like these need to happen way more. Not being offended by the other side but asking questions and answer honestly,so that there are no misunderstandings. Great Video!
(And oooooh I played the foreigner card so much 😂😂 it might be selfish but sometimes, it is good to have it 🙈)
I date a Korean girl. I’m English and we met at work in America. I’m really anxious as to how I’ll be accepted when I meet her family. Your TH-cam channel has gone a long way to put me at ease. Thanks for the great content
How did it go? I hear Asians are intense
love your videos rachel
I feel the same way as Mike is talking about. I've lived with Koreans my whole life and I never feel so accepted because language and other things.
'I've lived with Koreans my whole life and I never feel so accepted because language and other things.'
If you've lived with Koreans your whole life (in Korea I assume), shouldn't you be able to speak the language?
@@kentubuchi6899 No because it hasn't been in Korea.
@@TexTexier Oh, ok. I was stunned for a second.
In indian also we say hey your a foreigner that dosent means to separate you from our society it just a new thing for us and we get excited
Foreigner kind of means “unwanted stranger” or “illegal alien” when used casually in English. It it ok when used in fact-based language like “University student population has 15% foreign students”.
Great topic! Love to learning more about Korean culture :)
Hello Rachel you beautiful woman! So good to see you again! I made it back in one piece from work. And im checking my comms and bingo there you are. It brought a smile to my face seriously. If i ever met you in person i would be so tempted to give you a big hug. You stay beautiful have a great day.
Well on the opposite I've heard often, "What kind of Chinese are you?" I am Korean descent. "So Korean Chinese" LOL :)
The Korean word for foreigner seems a lot more innocent than the Japanese word: Gaijin, which is pretty offensive.
There's nothing offensive about the word "Gaijin". Just like in any language, it can be used as an insult, the same way the English word "foreigner" can be an insult too, depending on the intent. Some Japanese just use the word because it's shorter than "Gaikokujin".
Seems similar to “Gaijin” in Japanese..
Sometimes totally offensive but often just meant to mean not Japanese..
Come to Sweden There are you Swedish even if you are a tourist. The swedish goverment says that
Hahah.. Även om man kommer från Finland eller bara om man kommer någonstans långt ifrån?? :)
@@kpt002 speciellt om man kommer långt borta ifrån
@@santahansen395 Det tänkte jag också..
This is awesome! It's so cool to learn about the differences in American and Korean culture regarding the word "foreigner."
It's simply that Korea is still a homogenous society.
In Europe and the USA we are used to different races being born in our countries, so we're used to identifying people by nationality rather than just race. Korea hasn't gotten that far yet. It's nothing to be offended by IMHO. It's simply that they haven't been introduced to enough people who aren't racially Korean, but are Korean born and Korean citizens. The naturalization laws in Korea aren't much different than the USA. But the fact remains that there aren't enough racially mixed people in Korea for them to acknowledge a person who isn't 100% Korean, as a Korean. If they start to encounter more races *born* there, I'm sure perceptions will change.
And with westerners, you can't really tell where they are if you haven't had a proper conversation with them, I live in Sweden and if I met an American person that spoke the language or was just in a situation where I had to refer to them, without knowing their names, I would be stumped and wouldn't know how to refer to them.
We R all the same! I have never judged anyone on where they R from! Love U Rachel! U have the cutest voice! ❤️❤️❤️
Great video! This demonstrates why a word doesn’t really matter so much. It is the intention behind the word which varies not only between cultures, but people. I think it also shows why trying to understanding a culture and not always assuming the worst is important.
That’s exactly the same when I lived in Taiwan. I was always the foreigner. When they came to America, they still called us foreigners. I say, “ I’m not the foreigner here. You are.”
Great video Rachel! Keep up the good work!
My country is also a homogeneous (in terms of nationality) country so it’s very common to just go “oh there’s a foreigner” or like “is he foreign” and just throw that word around lightly, theres this saying that basically means abide by the rules of where u stand so if you’re in a country that uses that term lightly or often learn not to get offended but if you’re in a country where that is considered rude then don’t do it.
it's like Rachel gives the girly, cute, simple vibe but Jina gives like a bad girl, cool, savage vibe lmao
I feel like it's mainly the americans that feel offended. Im from europe and a lot of people immigrate to germany and no one expects to be called german or something
I think it's funny how well he hit the nail on the head. When you meet someone it is respectful to find out who they are and care about them. Instead of describing them by who they are not you should try to describe them by who they are.
This really is an interesting topic, since I think as an European, I think differently from MiKole. If I would live 20 years in Korea, speak fluent Korean, work and pay taxes etc, I would still be Finnish, because that is my native culture/language and background. Ofcourse I wish I would have same civilrights and be treated the same infront of the law etc. as the "native Koreans", but I don't think it would be important to me to be taken as a Korean. In my adult life I have lived in Denmark, Tanzania and Israel and I have always been foreigner in those countries while still accepted as part of the society. So living in an another country would not change me being Finnish and that is why I would not mind being taken as a foreigner in a cultural sense. (Why my English is so bad today.. Sorry for all the mistakes, hope the main point was to be understood..)
I think the problem is when you aren't accepted as a Korean, you could be denied jobs and even entrance into certain restaurants and stores. While it might not be a major problem, you can never truly feel included. And if you want to live there for 20 years, get married, and have children, that creates even more problems.
@@GenerationNextNextNext I'll be going to Korea in a month, so I quess I'll have to see what happens.. :)
@@GenerationNextNextNext You know, I came to think of the time I left to live at the contryside in Tanzania. People were telling me how I'd propably die because of Malaria, AIDS, dirty water etc. I did not (I had Malaria, but I did not die of it) and I had really good time there. Then - few years later - when I left to Israel, everyone were telling me, I was propably going to die, because that was the time when the 2nd Intifada of the Palestinians was ending and there had been lots of suicide bombings in cafes and busses around the coutry the past years. My stay in Israel became almost 4 years, I did not die and I had really interesting time living there, travelling around the country from the Druze villages of Golan to the Palestinian territories in the West Bank. Now when going to Korea, people are warning that Koreans could be rasists towards forgeiners. Well, where ever you go in the world you'll find individual idiots, but in South Korea there are about 60 millon people. Can't all be rasists. I've learned to concentrate on the positive stuff in life!! :)
Interesting topic. I like this kind of videos too, it's cool to see you guys talking about different subjects like this.
I understand what Mike said about the word "Foreigner" having a potententialy offensive meaning but I also understand Rachel when she says it's kinda in his head. I think both are right and it all depends who you have in front of you. Some Koreans being very closed minded (a lot of elders but not all of them, of course) and others being very foreigner friendly (like Rachel and Jina).
Having said that, even among Koreans who're opened to foreigners, it's common for them to make some misteps and say things that can sometimes be taken the wrong way because Korea having so many foreigners is a new phenomenon. It can sometimes be quiet difficult to have the right approach toward someone who's not from the same country.
Love the title, a bold statement!
I think that while we do call everyone "Americans" in America, we still have a similar word for foreigner that we use to describe people all the time which is "immigrant." Anyone that came here from other countries are immigrants but we use this word specifically to describe "outsiders that we don't want here" so I think that's where the offensive meaning for foreigner comes from. Usually it's associated with racism because we don't generally call European immigrants "immigrants."
REALLY interesting topic. Being a Korean American, I can understand both sides.
I will be more hurt if someone called me a non Korean. I'd rather they call me a foreigner. I think it's because even in our country we use the word foreigner without any hatred. It's just that you are stating a fact. There's no feeling attached. But if someone says that person is not a Sri Lankan, that can be in an offensive way sometimes.
I really love the intro of the video because it was so funny
ItsJinaKim!!! I love you guys so much!
I would never take it as an insult because really that is what I am.I left my country once and went to Egypt.( 13 years ago).I understand that many countries hate Americans but we are not all alike as far as race.A lot of us are open minded and want to travel to different countries to see the sights and learn the history and admire the beauty.So kudos to those who are able to do that .And for those who come here,you will find that most of us are hostile and welcome you.We might be hard to find but we are here.And for those who come to America,well like these three we do welcome you at any age or race. Thanks
I believe the connotation of foreigner in Korea is the same as immigrant in America.
“Your a foreigner” “oh thank you what a lovely complement”
I'm a person born in Central America who moved to the U.S. very young and became a U.S. citizen; I support President Trump's immigration policy and "the wall", so No, building the wall doesn't make President Trump a racist.
This is amazing! I feel him because it's gotta be difficult to be called as a foreigner even when you are Korean in everything you do and even culturally talking too... here in my country and in almost every country, people don't use really much that word... but yeah, of course I understand for Korean, saying to someone foreigner it's just like when you say someone is tall or small, it's just describing with no bad intention at all :D thanks for this amazing video because now if someday I go to Korea I don't feel bad about it
It’s just a matter of one party (Americans in this case) associating the word with Nationality, while the other party (Koreans in this case) associating the word with ethnicity. That’s why it’s so important to learn the culture before being offended. That way you know the intent.
Great video Rachel. I hope to see more videos of all three of you tackling various topics, and having fun as you gals and guys seem to do.
My wife was born and raised in Korea. She is a little darker than the average Korean. When we were there last summer everyone would call her a foreigner (외국사람), despite being ethnically Korean and not even speaking English until she was 16. I felt offended for her, but they judged her on her appearance and got it wrong. They would even be commenting about how amazing her Korean is for a foreigner.
What about the band Foreigner, though? What do Koreans think about them? Do Korean karaoke places offer "I Want to Know What Love Is" as an option? :D
I love you
@@rain1676 I feel so loved :D
It's like if you come to another country and they call you Foreigner it sounds like they don't want you there
I feel like we can sum this up as this: Korea is a nation-state. The vast majority has the same history and similar future due to homogeneity. You cannot be Korean because being Korean in Korea, describes your ethnicity and nationality. Not one or the other, BOTH.
In America: This country is on stolen land. Non-Indigenous Americans do not have a right to tell people that they can't be American. Honestly speaking, colonizers or descendants of [colonizers or: White Americans] can't reject or extend claims to citizenship (although they do all the time). Therefore, calling some foreigner in USA (especially when claim has been made by White Americans), has often been routed in racism. We try to avoid the term, and use tourist, international XYZ, etc..
Best collab
Regardless of how someone feels, you’re still intentionally separating yourself from others when you make it a point to say that an outsider is behaving a certain way. And it doesn’t necessarily need to be said that a “foreigner” is doing/saying something. Just say that person or their name is doing/saying something. And because “foreigner” is so ambiguous and also used as a derogatory term by the government, why not try to better distinguish by using other words that might more accurately describe what you mean? This way, you get your message across without someone potentially misinterpreting it’s meaning.
To Koreans, excluding someone who is foreign or different from themselves is typical and common. 저도 한국인입니다.
I think it also comes from the history of Korea,
- it was a closed country for centuries with no (or almost none) immigration. At the oposite side of USA which is by it's creation, a country based on immigration.
- Korea has never been a colonisator country but rather a colonized one : It's normal to name the invaders as "foreigner" to show they aren't from Korea.
I love this video! Never really thought about the word '외국인' i really learned a lot! Wow❤️
I am so grateful for this video. I'm aware the term is not meant to be exclusionary. However, I don't think it's entirely benign either. At least I'm more aware of why it never sat right with me.
As a Swedish person living in America heres my observation. Americans never say foreigner in a positive way which is why the English word probably stung, but the Korean word I think is more like how African Americans will never get rid of the "African" nametag even if many generations was born here. In Sweden there was the descriptive word of dark or dark skinned in a non offensive way, and I as a non American (so far) see the word foreigner as just a descriptive word just like white, black, asian, middle eastern etc is descriptive words to me. It's quite human nature to describe what sets people apart.. like if there would be a buddhist country and a Christian family became neighbours they would be described as the Christian's most likely. Same with red haired boy, Muslim girl, or in this case, foreigners. :)
My husband often uses 외국인 when we travel outside of Korea, which cracks me up. When we visited America, I teased "now you are the foreigner!", and he told me "aaah, being called 외국인 is not fun!' . It's never bothered me personally~ I guess if it really bothers you, you could call yourself 미국인, 영국인, 충국인, etc.? 미국인이에요!
I get both sides of this conversation and I think this is ultimately a cultural thing. Like. I’m a Hispanic-American, and I’ve visited many different countries. I’ve found that (in my personal experience) Asian countries tend to easily call people foreigners. It’s never bothered me because I understand that it’s not meant to be derogatory.
But, here in the US, if someone implies that I’m foreign because of my race it is usually a form of racism or xenophobia. Americans rarely call someone “foreigners”. We might label someone as an immigrant, but that’s usually it. And because we’re a melting-pot country, you can’t tell based off of someone’s looks or the language they speak whether or not they’re “foreign” and typically the people who do point it out are racists or are trying to exclude (typically non-white) people from society.
I think these conversations are important. Understanding the social context of both the US and Korea can help avoid misunderstandings.
Rachel Unnie, you're so pretty.
This is a hard topic. In Australia it is rude because it implies a separation from society and non-acceptance of a person. However, it can be used as a non-offensive term depending on the context (we prefer to say this person is from xyz country instead). It is also highly offensive to call any Australian citizen a foreigner in their own country.
It is nice to hear that this meaning isn't the same for Koreans. Thank you Rachel for tackling a difficult topic.
As an American, what he is basically saying is...if you call someone foreigner what we hear is "you don't belong here". For instance if I have a korean American friend and we are hanging out with a korean and they do something rude they may say "oh he's a foreigner" which we are then like "oh okay", so in our head we think he doesn't understand and he's going back to his country so he gets a pass. Another instance, if you plan on becoming a citizen and do something rude we may say "he's fresh off the boat". This is kind of rude but it's basically saying he's becoming one of us but just hasn't learned our ways yet. Either way they are both forms of pointing out that someone is "different" and in America we prefer to see all people the same and equal.
I love that Rachel is willing to talk about things like this. Always happy to see the beautiful Jina and I think that many men are jealous of Michael lol
Very good topic. My husband was born and raised in Korea. Just decades ago, Korea was 3rd world country, not a destination vacation place. Korea had a vision and goal to become global and they have succeeded, however, for some, it is still new to them to have non-koreans or 'foreigners' in their neighborhoods. If you know Koreans, they are quite literal so I do not believe it is meant as a bad thing in general when the word foreigner is used. In 2017 we stayed in Suwon, not typical vacation place, but the locals were kind. It was nice to be away from touristy area.
America's very mixed but they're also very insular and very patriotic (in parts very nationalistic) - so they're not used to foriegners, as opposed to US citizens of different ethinicities in most of the country - excepting large cities. They probably take it more personally because of this. In terms of whether it's an insult or not depends on how it's used.
I am from the caribbean and would lke to visit korea but i hear so many conflicting info its scary.....
How does Jina manage to be so irresistible!?
Great content!!👍😊
I think Korea’s beginning to embrace foreigners more. Immigration will continue to be important in the 21st century to Korea.
When a nation goes through a process of immigration it redefines national identity, like the USA, or Australia. It doesn’t deplete culture, it expands it and when done well celebrates difference.
Traditional concepts of national identity by blood or kinship are replaced by national identify defined by place, birth or chosen sovereignty.
I'm a Korean American who mostly grew up in America. I also lived in Chile 🇨🇱. But always had Korean friends so I thought I understood the culture and the people. I speak Korean in my house never English or Spanish. But when I came to Korea and lived for a few years boy oh boy I began hating the Korean people. I can't believe I used to defend Koreans all the time when other Americans used to ridicule and say bad things about Korea. For reference, both my parents are full Koreans and I was born in Korea and lived 4 years before my parents immigrated to Chile due to my father's job as a Korean embassy secretary. Both my parents have big eyes and long eye lashes; with big natural double eyelids. So like some dragonbal episode me as the son came out with stronger physical features to the point where I look mixed between a Korean and a westerner; so does my sister to some extent but I came out the most mixed looking. Because of this fact alone I've gotten to experience what other Asian foreigners might experience in Korea and it's really ugly. Sometimes I wish I was born full westerner like a Caucasian rather than a Korean that looks mixed. My experiences with Koreans in America has mostly been like almost family but the Koreans IN Korea are like demons I'm not exaggerating. They live in this bubble thinking they're the perfect human beings. Not remembering that without plastic surgery they don't really look that hot or without the help of other countries during the war they would still be ultra poor colonized by Japan. I hope Koreans would just be a little more humble but they are similar to Americans right after WW2 when it became a super power and world cultural influencer. I don't want to bad mouth my own ethnic race but it has not been a good experience overall in Korea.
In Germany, we definitely have the word "Foreigner" (Ausländer) but it has a very slight negative connotation to it. It's more common to just say "Guests" (Gäste). You're coming to visit our country, therefore you're our guest.
However, Germans have the same problem as Koreans. Most will not think of people that immigrated to Germany as "Germans" if they don't look German. It's not right, it's something we should change, but that's sadly the way it is (for the most part) right now.
Not sure if it's just me but in the UK 'foreigner' isn't a that common word anyway because we don't really class people like that, we'd call people where they are from, so Korean, French, American, etc. But it also doesn't have a negative tone to it that I guess it does in America? Maybe it does have more to do with the political situation in that country as well, because calling someone an 'immigrant' here, for example, would be quite rude and have a negative tone regardless of when it is used. Interesting video :)
a question i have is: if someone was born and raised in Korea, someone white, would they be called korean? like they have the citizenship, lived there all their lives, so they would be korean in my eyes
as long as they dont give me chopsticks i dont care what they call me... just give me a fork.
That background tho❤️❤️❤️