Are Koreans Nicer than Canadians?

As a Canadian, I’m used to people assuming we’re all super polite, endlessly friendly, and just generally nice. And honestly? I can’t argue with that. It’s kind of our thing. Growing up in Regina, Saskatchewan, where winters are brutal, and community spirit is strong, I’ve had plenty of chances to see how these stereotypes hold up. But here’s the thing—kindness isn’t just a Canadian specialty. After spending time in Korea, I’ve learned that other cultures have their own unique flavors of warmth and hospitality. And trust me, they’re just as awesome as our Canadian brand of niceness.

Let’s be real—being Canadian often means you’re seen as the poster child for politeness. And I get it. We say "sorry" a lot, we’re quick to smile, and we’re always ready to lend a hand. But there’s more to our friendliness than just saying "sorry" for bumping into someone (even if it wasn’t your fault).

Politeness
If you’re Canadian, “sorry” is probably one of your most-used words. We apologize for everything, even when we shouldn’t. It’s our way of keeping the peace and showing respect. It’s like a social glue that keeps everything running smoothly.

Helpfulness
Growing up in Regina, where winter is practically a season-long endurance test, I’ve seen firsthand how helpful Canadians can be. Picture this: it’s -40°C, and there’s a blizzard raging outside. You’re driving on the highway, and suddenly, you spot a couple of strangers stranded by the side of the road. What do you do? Well, if you’re like my parents, you pull over and offer to help. I remember one time when we did just that, and one of the guys—who must have had nerves of steel—ran alongside our car in the freezing cold to guide us safely around a ditch. His breath was turning to ice on his scarf, but he didn’t stop until we were out of danger. That’s just how we roll in Regina. Whether it’s boosting a car in the middle of a snowstorm or digging out a neighbor’s driveway, we’ve got each other’s backs.

Inclusivity
Canada’s melting pot of cultures is something I’m super proud of. We’re all about embracing diversity and making everyone feel at home. Whether it’s a smile at the grocery store or a neighborly wave, Canadians go out of their way to be friendly and welcoming.

While Canadians are known for their niceness, let me tell you—Koreans have their own brand of kindness that’s just as heartwarming, if not more so. It might not be as in-your-face as our “sorry”-filled interactions, but it’s there, woven into everyday life in ways that’ll surprise and delight you.

Hospitality
Korean hospitality, or *jeong*, is something I got to experience up close and personal. On a trip to Seoul, I stayed in a guesthouse run by an elderly couple who treated me like family from the get-go. They made sure I was comfortable, invited me to family dinners, and even helped me navigate the city. Speaking of navigating, back in the pre-navigation app days, I’d sometimes get lost driving around Seoul’s busy streets. And here’s where Korean hospitality truly shines: when I asked for directions, more than once, a driver simply said, “follow me,” and guided me all the way to my destination. Can you imagine? In the middle of the hectic Seoul traffic, these strangers took the time to ensure I got where I needed to go. That’s the kind of above-and-beyond kindness that makes you feel truly welcome, even in a foreign land.

Care for others
One thing that blew me away in Korea was how people care about each other. It’s not just a cultural norm—it’s a way of life. I remember being on a packed subway and I could feel someone touching my back. I turned around and a lovely elderly lady had adjusted my bra strap so it wasn’t twisted. Now, I am never surprised if a total stranger zips up my open back-pack, picks lint off my jacket or heck…even straightens my hair! I have moms everywhere it seems in Korea!

Community Spirit
The Korean concept of *seong*—genuine concern for others—is something I saw in action all the time. Whether it was neighbors helping each other with groceries or people volunteering to clean up public spaces, there was always a sense of togetherness. It reminded me a lot of home, but with its own unique twist.

Korean kindness can be a bit more understated, especially if you’re not familiar with the culture. But once you get to know it, you realize just how deep it runs.

Reserved Behavior
At first, I was a little taken aback by how reserved people seemed in public. In Canada, it’s normal to greet strangers with a smile or a nod, but in Korea, that wasn’t always the case. I’d try to say hi to people at the gym or in an elevator, and more often than not, I’d get a surprised look in return or no look at all….just a blank stare. And speaking of staring, Koreans would look you up and down and then smirk and crumple up their noses. All I needed to do was smile and say ‘hi’ and you would get the biggest grins. But here’s the thing—this reserved behavior isn’t about being unfriendly. It’s just a different way of interacting. Once I got to know people, I discovered how warm and welcoming Koreans really are, especially to foreigners like me. Their kindness may not be as outwardly expressive, but it’s definitely there, waiting for you to notice.

Unspoken Generosity
Korean kindness often shows up in quiet, thoughtful ways. I remember one particularly cold day when a colleague of mine, without a word, handed me a hot drink. It was such a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about the care and thoughtfulness embedded in their culture. It’s these little acts of kindness that make you feel truly cared for.

Another thing that really impressed me about Korea was the high level of honesty and trust.

Safety and Integrity
In Korea, I felt a sense of security that was incredibly comforting. People rarely steal, and there’s a strong sense of trustworthiness that permeates daily life. I often left my belongings unattended without a second thought, something that would make me nervous in other places. This honesty extends to foreigners too. Whether it was local shopkeepers or strangers on the street, I always felt welcomed and safe in Korea.

What I’ve learned through my travels is that every culture has its own unique way of expressing kindness. As a proud Canadian, I cherish our politeness and friendliness, but I’ve also come to deeply appreciate the profound hospitality, honesty, and warmth I found in Korea. Rather than viewing these traits in isolation, we should celebrate the diverse ways people around the world show kindness.

In our increasingly connected world, it’s more important than ever to embrace the richness of different cultures. So while Canadians might be known for our friendly smiles and constant apologies, Koreans have a quieter, yet incredibly warm, approach to kindness—one that includes guiding a lost driver through the busy streets of Seoul or offering a hot drink on a cold day. By recognizing and valuing these diverse expressions of kindness, we can build a greater understanding and appreciation for the universal values of warmth, respect, and community.