Korean Tourist's First London Visit Reveals Striking Cultural Contrasts
A visitor from Korea has shared their remarkable experience after spending five days exploring London independently, describing the British capital as "the most vibrant" city they have ever encountered. The tourist, who embarked on a solo trip, expressed particular astonishment at one major difference they observed about Londoners during their stay.
From Limited Diversity to Harmonious Multiculturalism
The Korean traveler explained that coming from a country with relatively little ethnic and cultural diversity, they had previously only encountered multicultural environments through social media platforms like Reddit. However, London presented a completely different reality. "In London it felt peaceful and harmonious," they noted, adding that walking around the city was "surprisingly pleasant" despite the frequent rainfall.
Having recently visited Rome before arriving in London, the tourist had concerns about infrastructure quality. "The sidewalks in Italy were very uneven and poorly maintained, so I was worried London might be similar," they admitted. "But to be honest, the sidewalks in London were actually very well-kept."
Efficient Transportation and Cultural Immersion
The visitor also commented on London's Underground system, acknowledging that while the stations were "narrow and small," the frequency of train arrivals made the system convenient to use. Not even London's notorious weather could dampen their enthusiasm, as they highlighted how everyone they encountered seemed "genuinely kind" and "cheerful."
During their packed five-day itinerary, the Korean tourist managed to visit numerous iconic attractions including the British Museum, the V&A Museum, the Natural History Museum, the National Gallery, Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey. They particularly praised the efficiency of the London Pass system, which allowed them to visit three major sites in a single day at a more affordable rate.
Unexpected Spiritual Experience
One of the most meaningful moments occurred at Westminster Abbey, where the tourist discovered they could attend the 5 p.m. service for free after completing their paid tour. "I joined the line and went in again," they recalled. "The service didn't include communion, but the choir's singing was beautiful, and the historic setting gave it a solemn atmosphere."
This marked their first time attending a religious service in another country, creating what they described as a "meaningful experience." They appreciated having visited the abbey separately earlier in the day since photography and wandering around royal tombs were prohibited during the service.
The Surprising Pace of London Life
However, one aspect of London life genuinely caught the visitor off guard: the remarkably fast pace at which everything moved. "One small but noticeable difference: escalators moved much faster (about 1.5 times the speed in Korea), and people walked quickly too," they observed.
The tourist, who considers themselves a slow walker even in their home country, found this aspect particularly challenging. "Keeping pace with others in London often left me out of breath without realizing it," they confessed, highlighting this as one of the most striking cultural differences they encountered during their London adventure.
The Korean visitor's experience underscores how London continues to impress international tourists with its unique blend of historical grandeur, cultural diversity, and dynamic urban energy, while also revealing the subtle cultural adjustments visitors must make when navigating the city's distinctive rhythm of life.
