This is my attempt to come to terms with some aspects of Korean culture. The experience of physical space and social interaction are remarkably different from Western countries.

1. Public Spaces

When walking in public spaces - like sidewalks, in buildings, shopping centers and on stairwells, Koreans move in a way that seems incredibly spastic. When approaching someone in close or crowded quarters, the initial Korean reaction when spotting another pedestrian is to walk directly into their path. Whereas in the USA we immediately walk away from the other person, the Koreans walk into them. I think this is based on the Eastern idea that social interaction - any type of social interaction - is preferable to none. When I was in the deserted Taiwan airport waiting for a plane I saw a Chinese businessman walking towards me - we were the only 2 people in a large empty corridor and he almost ran over me. This experience happens to me on a daily basis in Korea.

In Korean society, many men feel it is perfectly fine for 2 people to smash into each other when walking down the street - and then refuse to acknowledge the other person - to say I'm sorry, Excuse me or whatever. I have almost found myself in a fight several times when Korean guys smashed into me on the street and then walked away like nothing happened. Once I even chased a guy down who did this to me and returned the favor in the form of a sidewalk body block.

Let me be quite clear that this is a behavior that is almost exclusive to Korean men. Korean Women are for the most part very polite and considerate and loath to smash into anyone in public areas. If a Korean woman runs into you she will immediately acknowledge you and apologize.

Please let me add that I have traveled in 18 countries and Korea is the only place where people do not apologize when they run into others.

2. Motor Bikes

Koreans ride motorcycles and scooters on the sidewalk. They ignore traffic signals and charge through crowded pedestrian crosswalks. They are dangerous!!

3. Playing Chicken

This is one of the most remarkable aspects of my experience in Korea. When walking in crowded places and you approach a Korean man he will invariably break INTO your direct path - as if trying to run you over. This is exactly the opposite of my public space experiences in the USA and other countries where people try to make as much space as possible for each other.

This kind of behavior on the part of many Koreans is considered rude, aggressive, belligerent, anti-social or just plain stupid in western countries. In Korea it is the norm. I have been astonished to see it happen over and over again in Seoul.
In order to counteract this phenomena, i find it easiest when approaching a Korean guy to just walk straight at him as if i am go to walk over him. Invariably he will move out of the way.