My flight from Kuala Lumpur to Seoul’s Incheon airport departed at 1355. It seemed like the perfect flight with three seats for myself for most of the journey, despite the flight being quite full. To my surprise a lot of the passengers were veiled Malay women who have become addicted to Korean soap operas.
Upon arrival at 2115 I soon discovered that Korean courtesy know no bounds.
- Stepping off the airbridge into the airport building, the TV monitors at the gate displayed the Korean and Malaysian flags, and also proclaimed “Selamat Datang” (“welcome” in Malay). Very nice touch!
- Using the men’s conveniences was also an eye-opener … the cleaner’s photo and name (along with the now commonplace signed and timed checklist) was displayed in there, somewhat as his commitment to keep the place clean.
- Hopping on the bus into Seoul, the bus driver bowed to his passengers before setting off. At each stop, he stood to farewell each disembarking passenger.
Talking to a Singaporean at the Bee Won hostel, he explained that he has a Korean girlfriend that can’t wait to go start a new life working in Singapore. The pressure to conform, comply and perform is immense.
Strangely most people think that Singapore is the ultimate in that respect, so Korea must be a step further along!