Non-Korean Asians in Korea: What to expect

When I was applying for this job, I was curious about one thing -- as a non-Korean Asian, how would things be like in Korea? By physical appearance, I look like everyone else but obviously I wouldn't know the language or the culture too well. I tried looking for resources about what to expect, but came up disappointed. As I approach my 10-month anniversary, I think it's time I came up with some general observations about how it is to be a non-Korean Asian in Korea.

Please note that these are based on my own personal experiences and may or may not have any bearing on any future newcomers. Please take these with a grain of salt; it's different for everyone.

• Koreans can't tell the difference between Koreans, Japanese and Chinese people.
  
  In general, people from places like Hong Kong are able to tell whether you are one of them or not, either from your physical features or your dress. They can often even tell whether you're an Asian expat or not. But not in Korea. Quite often, they simply assume I'm Korean. If they find out I'm not, they predict that I'm Japanese. After that... American. And after that... well, you get the picture. A grand total of 1 person has got it right (even though either "Chinese" or "Canadian" would've been acceptable). They can't tell.
  
  
• If you look Asian and say you can't speak Korean (either in Korean or in English), a lot of people won't believe you.
  
  This is a bit strange, but whenever I say "hanguk mal malayo" or "I don't speak Korean," a lot of Koreans don't believe me and continue talking in rapid Korean to me... then get upset with me when I don't understand them. Quite weird stuff but it happens to be quite often.
  
  
• Mistakes are often magnified.
  
  Whenever you make a cultural mistake, the effects have a much larger impact than if you were Caucasian. You're expected to "know" a lot of stuff in Korean culture even when it applies only to Korea and not to other Asian countries, and committing a faux pas is something to look out for. However, linguistic faux pas have a lesser impact for some reason.
  
  
• The "staring" problem is solved but it comes up as soon as you speak.
  
  A lot of non-Asian foreigners in Korea complain about being stared at. I don't have that problem, but once I open my mouth and reveal that I can't speak Korean (and any Korean I do know is very bastardized), the staring would start and continue until I remove myself from eyeshot. The same thing happens whenever I answer my cellphone in public as well.
  
  
• If you're a teacher, your school is not going to know what to make of you.
  
  I've had instances where my school was surprised that I knew how to use chopsticks, even though I'm Asian. But there'd be other instances where they wouldn't be surprised that you know something Asian-related. It seems that they don't really know what to expect. Students can be a bit on the cruel side as well, such as mocking you for looking like a Korean but not knowing Korean stuff.
  

All in all, it's a mixed bag. There are usually extremes on both sides of the equation, as there are often some people who fit these descriptions perfectly and some who will act completely the opposite -- Korea is a place of extremes.

From what I've noticed, one annoying thing that a lot of Asians tend to complain about is how a lot of people here don't seem to have an awareness of other Asian countries around them while being relatively aware of English-speaking Caucasians. I can see this as well, even though it seems to be improving.

Things might change in a few years and things have changed since last August, so this may change in the future.