Obviously, this question is for the non-koreans.

I remember my first day. I came to Korea in 2003 for my first TDY to South Korea. I stayed my first night in the Marriot Hotel in Seoul because the Dragon Hill Lodge was full. I know, I know! What a painful first night.

My first impression was, "man Koreans are rude!" I walked in fron of the Marriot Hotel just to see Seoul for the first time. As Koreans walked by I said, "hello" with a smile.

Each Korean walked past me and didn't say a thing. Not to be deterred, I tried to say hello several more times. Each time the Koreans just walked on by like I wasn't there. I thought to myself, "man, Koreans a rude!"

I told one of my friends who had been in Korea for some time and he told me that Koreans are great at reading and writing English, but they are very shy to speak it. Also, many of the Koreans that I had said hello to may have never even met an American before and may have felt extremely shy.

I realize today he was most likely correct.

Do you remember your first day in Korea? What was your impression?

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Hi......
I read very interesting for your posted.
Yes, that's correct.
That point is biggest a problem for Korean English education.
So, We need a native speakers.
Ok ?
Have a nice time.

Man, you thought they were rude for not saying, "hello"? How about the ones who just bump and shove you without saying "excuse me".

I was barely a teenager when I first got to Korea. The neighborhood kids didn't give me a chance. It was straight up, "Yankee go home!" or "Hello, Mr. Monkey!" all day long. All I could think is how racist Koreans were and how much I hated them.

It wasn't until I beat up one of the neighborhood bullies to a pulp; was the breaking point where people started to admire and respect me. It was then I had realized that it was not all about racism. It may have been some element, but it was also "the new kid in school" thing, too; happens in any culture. From then on it was when I had started to see the beauty of the culture; how people would do anything for you as a friend.

I was worked in Incheon International Airport until May, last year.
I was meeted with several a foreigners and simply speaked with them.
On one occasion, I was visited their officetel room to connection Internet.
I asked him after complete my work.
" Where are you come from ?"
He said; "What ? "
I again asked him; " Where ~ are ~ you ~ come ~ from ? "
Then He tell me ; " German ! "
and He was very unpleasant to me.
He seems like very hate my question.
Did I speak amiss?
sh*t ~~

I arrived @ Osan and was directed to go inside a small building. Several KNC employees were handling the bags and a couple of hours later I was a bus to Yongsan. After dinner, say 1900 or 2000 hours I went to some club on post. Can't remember the name because this was a long, long time ago. We were greeted by what appeared to be 30+ y/o Korean Women who i.d. us a CB's (polite thing here, ya know). 'Buy me drink', 'where are you from', and the propositions. The vast majority of the club had I'd say 2-3 korean women 2 at the table, most in mini-skirts and dancing to M's Pop Music. Before finishing the paperwork for the day and the 2.5 hour STD session we all were instructed not to go off post while in-processing. One dude did and most of us worried if he'd make it the next day. He did and bragged about the night. During the daytime the only Koreans we came into contact with were the kitchen help and one typist who was positioned outside the LTC's office. In retrospect, it was a good place for her and kept the nonsense to null. After the morning seesion lunch. That the polite version of the 1st 24 hours in the ROK minus the wait for baggage part.

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BOOM, BOOM. Out goes the Lights

This may sound weird, but it's probably because you spoke to him in English and assumed he was American or Canadian because he was white.

It's like how you'd feel if someone spoke to you in Japanese or Chinese and assumed you spoke those languages because you look Asian.

Of course he might have just misheard you... the proper thing to have asked is, 'Where are you from? or Where do you come from? Assuming that you established that he spoke English.

My first day was quite different from all of yours, because I came here to teach. I arrived at Incheon Airport at some rediculous hour like 4 am. I was picked up by the owner of the school (hagwan) and the supervisor. We drove to my one room apartment in Doksan Dong. Only at that point was I aware that I wasn't living in Kwangmyong, which was where my school was. We went to a mini mart first so I could get a few things to eat. I couldn't believe the mini mart was open and people were sitting outside the mart at a plastic table. Then we went to my apartment. It was so small, but I thought it was cute. I couldn't believe I had a washing machine!
When the owner and supervisor left I realized that I forgot to pack a towel and I really felt like a shower. Then I thought about sleeping, but decided to just unpack. I wanted to make coffee, and I just couldn't figure out how to turn on the gas range. Somehow I did it eventually.
I didn't have to work that day, and I wouldn't see any of the other teachers until their work was finished. I decided to take a walk outside. I walked a very short distance and I think I bought some yellow melons at a market, but I had no idea what they were. I just knew it was fruit. When I came back to the apartment the gate was closed. It was open before, so I thought I was at the wrong building. I wanted to cry. I didn't know how to open it and I didn't know if it was the same building - remember I was completely overwhelmed and tired. Finally, someone pressed a button and opened the gate. Later that afternoon one of the teachers came to my door.
This was in 2002. I can't believe how much I was like a baby then compared to now. My next challenge was the subway, but that's another story

Hi...Agashi !
It's too interesting your story.
I would like know your another story.
I will wait it.
Have a nice time.