Results of a survey conducted by the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute show that South Koreans are more hospitable towards Western tourists compared to their Asian counterparts.
Visitors from 16 countries took a survey during the first half of 2009. Of the 5,822 participants, tourists from Western countries gave Koreans high points for hospitality while tourists from Asian countries gave them a lower rating.
Malaysian tourists: Rooster (left) and Orchid en route to Namsan
The Germans (79.7%) and French (77.9%) think South Koreans are friendly, followed by the British (77.1%), Americans (73%) and Australians (71.4%).
Meanwhile, tourists from Asia gave a lower rating: Taiwan (32.8%), Thailand (48.9%), Japan (48.6%) and Hong Kong/Singapore (44.5%). This suggests that Koreans are selective when it comes to showing hospitality. I believe this happens in Malaysia too. Friends have lamented how Malaysians can be all smiley and kind towards the Mat Salleh (white guys) but show a long face towards fellow Malaysians/ Asians. Sigh.
For health and vitality: Don't forget to eat fruits even in a foreign land. Rooster buys oranges.
Nonetheless, when the K-popped! Trio were in Seoul last November, we didn’t run into any particularly rude person.... Maybe there was that street food ajumma who fleeced Orchid and I and there was that waitress who was a little moody…but Koreans were generally friendly to us Malaysian gals.
An ajusshi even directed Orchid and I to a more happening tourist spot when we were walking about aimlessly, and who can forget the friendly (and efficient) staff at Doulos Hotel?
What about you, do you have a gripe (or praise) about hospitality in South Korea?
Korean heartthrob Rain (a.k.a Jung Ji-hoon) loves his character Raizo, in Ninja Assassin because “he’s very sexy” thus our favourite Hallyu Star can easily relate to him. Ha ha…cute.
The 27-year-old, along with the movie’s director James McTeigue, talked to the Korean Beacon in New York on Nov 13.
Praises: Rain (right) on McTeigue: 'He's always awesome, he's the best.'
Rain spoke a little English and seemed more comfortable with the language than in previous interviews. Nonetheless, he was at his best when conversing in Korean.
Ninja says: 'Raizo is not a Japanese character.'
When asked how does it feel to have his own movie, Rain unabashedly replies: “Finally, you know, I’m gonna be a superstar. Keep watching me.”
Wanna keep watching Rain? Hit the play button below for the full interview:
Hyun Bin (Friend, Our Legend) and Lee Bo Young (Mr Goodbye, Queen of the Game) were at the premiere of their movie "I am Happy". The media preview and press conference was held on November 13, 2pm at Seoul's Haengdang Wangsimni CGV.
Pretty boy Hero Jaejoong makes his first public appearance since word of Hero’s – along with DBSK members Micky Yoochun and Xiah Junsu’s – legal tussle with his agency SM Entertainment hit the news.
Heaven sent: Wouldn't you like to receive letters from a postman like Hero?
The DBSK (TVXQ, if you want) member stars in the teledrama Heaven’s Postman. He was at Wangsimni CGV in Seongdong-gu, Seoul this afternoon (Nov 9) for the special press screening. As the 23-year-old has always been flanked by other TVXQ members during press events, Hero admitted to being rather nervous on his first solo outing.
Smooch: Hero (left) and Han Hyo-joo lock lips for Heaven's Postman
Heaven’s Postman, which was filmed last year, is about a postman from heaven (Hero) who helps families send letters to their dearly departed.
After the PC, about 280 fans joined Hero for a special screening of the show. The drama also stars Han Hyo-joo.
K-popped!’s favourite Hallyu star Rain (real name: Jeong Ji-hoon) was out and about on Nov 9 to promote his Hollywood flick Ninja Assassin.
Deadly: 'Yes, please be quiet. A ninja is talking. If you're not careful, you won't be waking up from your sleep tonight.'
The 27-year-old spoke to the South Korean media during a press conference at 11am at Lotte Hotel, Seoul.
Rain toplines the James McTeigue-directed flick about Raizo a trained ninja assassin (what else?) who breaks free from his clan to exact revenge on them.
Ninja Assassin will be released in Malaysia – and South Korea – on Nov 26.
Arrival: Rain (left), along with his faithful bodyguard, arrives for the PC
Check out the Korean sensation as he talks to the press.
Static wave: He heartthrob does his signature "static wave" pose for the cameras
Attention: Rain continues to smile for the cameras
Dry lips: Rain is all nerves before the interview
Thrist quencher: 'Ahh, this will do since Liz isn't here to hold my hand.'
Attentive: Rain listens to a question
Relief: 'Man, I thought you were gonna ask me what colour underwear ninjas wear.'
Cheeky: 'Another personal question and I'll nunchuk you from over here.'
D i s c l a i m e r :
All photos belong to their rightful owners and K-popped! does not claim copyright to them, unless clearly stated. Copyright infringement is not intended. The photos here are strictly for the enjoyment of the public and to promote the Hallyu in Cyberworld. If we've unintentionally offended any party, please direct your questions and concerns to us.
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Malaysian tourists: Rooster (left) and Orchid en route to Namsan
For health and vitality: Don't forget to eat fruits even in
