Nowadays, a great number of foreigners are living in Korea. When Koreans socialize, they tend to ask various questions regarding the difference in country, culture, and experience, some of which you might find strange or unusual. 

Today, I will introduce you to some popular questions that Koreans ask as conversation starters. Hopefully, the next time you are in Korea, you would not be so shocked by these questions since you will be aware of them!

1. Are You In A Relationship?

It is natural for your friend to ask you if you are currently in a relationship with someone. However, in Korea, a person may ask you, ‘Are you in a relationship?’ when you've just met each other for the first time.

I was also asked this question when I first came to Korea. I felt (and many foreigners would) uncomfortable about the question. You might even find it rude to ask such a personal question at your first meeting.

This question is often asked by a person older than you. For instance, a person of your mother or father’s age may ask you this question as if they would ask and care about their young nephew. So, try not to worry that the person is simply rude and insensitive.

2. How Old Are You?

Respect for the senior and elderly is an important aspect of Korean culture. As a result, it is also important to follow and address people with specific pronouns according to their age. 

About 90% of the time, whenever you introduce yourself, the next thing you will be asked is how old you are. I felt strange that people were so blunt to just ask my age (as if I am old).

Koreans ask this question to call you with an appropriate pronoun.  If you are older, you will be called ‘hyung’ and ‘oppa’ (older brother) or ‘nuna’ and ‘unnie’ (older sister). For me, I felt a little embarrassing when others called me ‘nuna’. (But why was I embarrassed?)

Also, you will be older than you think you are in Korean age. It is because Koreans are 1 year old when they are born and they add up from that 1 year. So, you will be 1 year older or even 2 years older if your birthday did not pass yet this year.

3. Are You Married?

This question is an extension of the relationship question. If you answer that you are in a relationship, you would soon be asked if you are married. (Although I have nothing to say about marriage!)

When I first came to Korea and met my teacher for the first time, he asked if I was married. It was the most awkward question I have been asked in my life. Did I look old enough to get married? And do we ‘have to’ get married when are old?

Koreans tend to believe that anyone older than 30 years old should get married soon.

Despite the fact that less Koreans are getting married and marrying at an older age compared to the past, people still ask about marriage.

4. Family Details

Koreans may generally ask the number of your family members, number of brothers and sisters, and what your family members do for a living. 

You might think it is a rude question that should not be asked at a first encounter. However, do not be surprised, you even have to write your family details on your job resume here!

5. What Are You Doing In Korea?

This is another popular question foreigners get asked often. Koreans always wonder why foreigners came to Korea.

Asians may not have been asked this question often. However, foreigners who are not Asian would have encountered this question a lot. Koreans tend to be curious more about foreigners from Europe, America, and Africa. They want to know what you are doing in a country so far from home.

6. Not cold, right? Not hot, right?

In Korea, the temperature drops below zero Celsius in winter, which lasts nearly six months. Meanwhile, in summer, the temperature rises to 30 degrees with sunny and humid weather with a short monsoon season.

Foreigners as myself are often asked in the summer “Not hot, right?”. “Thailand is way hotter than Korea!” I would answer, "Regardless of your home country, if it is hot now, it is hot!"

My friends from Europe or colder parts of the globe where it is winter all year round are asked the same in winter, “Not cold, right?” “Your country must be much colder than Korea!” They would answer shivering with a 3 layers of sweaters and a padded jacket on.

You might find some of the questions Koreans often ask as conversation starters weird or embarassing. Sometimes you might find them even biased due to the difference in nationality, culture, and experience. Don't worry though! They really mean no offense.