“You Speak English So Well… and Other Things I Hear as a Korean American”
"You speak English so well!"
I’ve heard that more times than I can count.
And every time, I wonder—what exactly did you expect?
As a Korean American living in Michigan, I’ve gotten used to certain assumptions people make.
Most of them aren’t meant to be hurtful. But still, they stay with you.
So here are a few things I’ve heard over the years… and what I really think when I hear them.
1. “You speak English so well!”
Thanks… I guess?
But honestly, English has been part of my life for a long time.
I’ve studied, worked, and lived in English-speaking environments for years.
So no, it’s not really a surprise.
This kind of comment usually comes from a nice place, but it still feels like I don’t quite belong.
2. “Where are you really from?”
Short answer: Michigan.
Long answer: Still Michigan.
I get it—people are curious. But asking “No, your real country” makes it sound like I’m not from here.
It’s not fun having to explain your existence.
3. “Are you Chinese or Japanese?”
This one’s common.
Asia is huge. Over 40 countries.
But somehow, everything gets narrowed down to China or Japan.
I'm Korean. Not a subset, not an in-between—just Korean.
4. “You must be good at math.”
Nope. I cried through geometry.
We’re not a math-powered robot species.
Some of us love numbers. Some of us love music. Some of us just want to nap.
5. “Do you eat rice every day?”
I mean… I like rice. But I also like pizza. And bagels.
Yes, rice is a big part of many Asian meals, but that doesn’t mean we’re eating it 24/7.
Honestly, some days I don’t touch it at all.
6. “All Asians look alike.”
This one stings a bit more.
We’re not interchangeable.
We come from different cultures, families, histories—and we all look different, too.
It’s okay to not know the difference. But don’t erase it.
7. “Asian countries are all the same, right?”
Definitely not.
The food, the language, the traditions—even the way we say hello—can be completely different.
It’s like saying Europe is all the same. You’d never say that.
One time, I was at the grocery store chatting with the cashier, and after a minute she said, “Wow, your English is really good!” I just smiled and said thanks, but inside I was like... I’ve lived here longer than you, honey! 😂
These kinds of comments don’t bother me like they used to, but they still remind me how people see me. It’s not mean-spirited—just surprising. I get it. I look Korean, so people assume I’m new here. But the truth is, I pay taxes, complain about Michigan winters, and binge-watch Netflix just like everybody else.
💬 Just Ask
Stereotypes might seem small, but they add up.
They shape how others see us—and how we see ourselves.
You don’t need to know everything. I don’t expect you to.
But if you’re ever curious about something, just ask.
I’d rather answer an honest question than feel boxed into someone else’s assumptions.
If you’re not sure what to say when someone gives you a comment like that, a simple “Thanks! I’ve been here for a long time” is a nice way to respond. It keeps things friendly, but also reminds people that you belong—just like anyone else.
And who knows, that little moment might even turn into a meaningful conversation. I’ve had people ask me more about Korea or my story, and honestly, it feels good to connect that way.
💡 Want to know more about Korean culture?
Check out my post on why age and hierarchy matter so much in Korea.
🎧 A quiet soundtrack for thoughtful reading.
Let it play softly in the background as you reflect.
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