Take no offense in this kind of attitude. Koreans on the contrary, are outgoing, patient, eager to help, curious about foreign culture, and eager to display what they have. It's the language barrier that keeps the locals from responding to—or even basically understanding—your queries. In their unguarded moments, Koreans actually tease each other about their clumsy attempts to communicate in a foreign language. In truth, locals do want to learn the language, and even let their children learn English at an early age.

One characteristic that has made them famous (or infamous) is the way decent and peace-loving Koreans instantly changes into a daredevil the instant they gets behind the wheel. On the street, they often shout "Ppalli! Ppalli!" (Quickly! Quickly!). This "drive," however, is said to be the same one that transformed Korea from an agricultural nation in 1945 after being liberated by Japan, into the world's top 15 economic powers in only half a century and creating thriving businesses such as automobile, electronics, ship, and steel manufacturing.

That doesn't mean it's all work and no play for the Koreans. When times are good, they'd be the first ones to pop the champagne. And at the first hint of a similarity (same places visited, interests, experiences), a local will instantly bond with you, even if you are a foreigner.

With the advent of new technology, senior corporate Koreans who worked like dogs in the '60s to the '80s, are finding themselves learning from the young fresh graduates. The Net generation is reshaping long-established business practices wherein senior managers are looked upon by their subordinates as revered gurus.