Korea’s fast-paced culture
Why are Koreans always in a hurry? The phrase often used to describe Korea is ppalli-ppalli—meaning “quickly, quickly.” This fast-paced culture shapes daily life across the nation, from public services and restaurants to mobile apps and public transportation. In Korea, services are expected to be not just fast but also extremely convenient.
Today, people can order food, shop, file complaints, or receive refunds in just seconds using their smartphones. Banking is handled entirely on mobile apps, but if results are not immediate, a quick call to customer service follows. Free Wi-Fi is nearly everywhere, and many choose unlimited 5G plans to avoid the hassle of logging in. Even at bus stops and subway stations, real-time arrivals are displayed—though most commuters have already checked on their apps before leaving home. In Korea, waiting feels like wasted time.
Why Are Koreans Always in a Hurry?
The roots of this hurry culture trace back to history. After the Korean War in the 1950s, the country was devastated and needed to rebuild quickly for survival. In the 1960s, President Park Chung-hee launched the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) with the slogan “Let’s live well.” Speed and progress became part of national identity.
Later, the 1997 IMF financial crisis shook Korea’s economy but also pushed rapid growth in information and communications technology. From survival to modernization and globalization, efficiency and urgency became deeply ingrained in society.
The Fast-Paced Lifestyle in Modern Korea
Today’s Korea is proud of its seamless systems and technological achievements. For many, they symbolize resilience and progress after decades of hardship. But there is also a paradox.
Like a driver speeding down the highway without noticing the scenery, Koreans have become used to racing through life. Slowing down often feels like laziness or falling behind. This belief still shapes the mindset of younger generations. Growing up in Seoul, I often felt that life resembled a racetrack with no finish line.
Happiness Beyond Speed
While efficiency brings pride, it also leaves many Koreans feeling trapped in an endless race. True happiness, however, may not come from speed but from learning to slow down.
Even if some are labeled “failures” for not keeping up, pursuing personal happiness is meaningful. Success is not always crossing society’s dazzling finish line; sometimes it is finding joy in small, ordinary moments.
So, why are Koreans always in a hurry? The answer lies in history, survival, and the nation’s relentless drive for progress. Korea’s fast-paced culture helped transform it into a global leader in technology and innovation. Yet as society continues to evolve, the question remains: Can a culture built on speed also learn to embrace slowness—and in doing so, discover deeper happiness?