Koreans often have mixed feelings about Korean Americans (or gyopo).
Here’s what Koreans think of Korean Americans!
Quick Summary
- Koreans have mild envy and some constructive criticism for Korean Americans.
Koreans Are Envious of Korean Americans’ English and Confidence
Koreans are often a bit jealous of Korean Americans for their effortless English skills and confidence.
While many Koreans spend years studying English, Korean Americans seem to have it all naturally.
We also think they’re lucky to grow up in the States because they didn’t have to go through our brutal education system. No Suneung (CSAT) nightmares for them, but proms and fun school events!
Koreans also admire their ability to blend American self-assurance and self-esteem.
Their laid-back attitude and ability to embrace individuality are things Koreans have a hard time achieving.
Some Koreans are secretly jealous that Korean American men don’t have to perform mandatory military service like those born in South Korea.
Only rich families used to be able to fly to the States and give birth to their sons for military exemption.
Regardless of the hardships they’ve been through in the States from fitting in to experiencing prejudice, many Koreans still think Korean Americans are lucky.
Koreans Think Gyopos Have Privileges and Misunderstandings
There’s a perception that some Korean Americans enjoy Korea’s perks without fulfilling their duty in Korean society.
As gyopos, they may benefit from visa advantages (F4), universal health care, and job opportunities that sometimes feel out of reach for locals.
Also, many Koreans feel that Korean Americans don’t fully understand the nuances of Korean culture or language subtleties.
Not all, but some Korean Americans don’t improve their Korean language skills, even after living in the country for a decade. This goes both ways as some Koreans don’t learn English while living in LA or Koreatown for decades.
Honest Opinion on How Koreans View Korean Americans?
To be honest, most Koreans don’t really think about Korean Americans.
When we see Korean Americans, we can recognize them because of their makeup styles, fashion choices, mannerisms, and of course English/Korean language skills.
In general, Koreans won’t understand what Korean Americans went through growing up in the States and view them as somewhat lucky.
Most Korean Americans are super nice, but some gyopos in the States look down on Koreans or just me, especially for English proficiency. Maybe because K-pop wasn’t popular back when I studied in the States.
Koreans admire how they celebrate their roots though.
Whether it’s their confidence, bilingual talents, or cultural blending, there are many things Koreans can learn from Korean Americans, and vice versa!
Let me know what you think in the comments!
