The biggest problem I had when I worked in Asia (S-Korea and Japan) was the absolute deference to authority. I am a law-abiding citizen, but my work often forces me to confront local police or the DA office (security related). There are many steps I can take in escalating order and I usually manage to get a fair conclusion.
In Asia this is different. People immediately assume you are in the wrong, the moment any figure of authority tells them to. Doesn't matter how outlandish or unreasonable their claims are. You are "rocking the boat" and therefore you need to change or yield. Personally I find this unbearable, but it seems to work for them.
Adding to your point about being a foreigner, I have to say that this wasn't much of a problem. It comes with additional responsibilities, but also with quite a bit of leniency. People in those countries aren't dumb. They understand that you grew up under different circumstances and that you need time to adjust or probably never manage to 100% emulate their lifestyle. Outright discrimination was somewhat rare, though I can only speak as someone who is as visually European as you can get. Maybe they treat other ethnicities more harshly.
In summary, those countries are beautiful, clean and safe. Absolutely worth a visit or a short stay. BUT you will hate living there, if you have any inkling of being a distinct person with certain rights. You are either a happy little cog or you will be miserable.
The biggest problem I had when I worked in Asia (S-Korea and Japan) was the absolute deference to authority. I am a law-abiding citizen, but my work often forces me to confront local police or the DA office (security related). There are many steps I can take in escalating order and I usually manage to get a fair conclusion.
In Asia this is different. People immediately assume you are in the wrong, the moment any figure of authority tells them to. Doesn't matter how outlandish or unreasonable their claims are. You are "rocking the boat" and therefore you need to change or yield. Personally I find this unbearable, but it seems to work for them.
Adding to your point about being a foreigner, I have to say that this wasn't much of a problem. It comes with additional responsibilities, but also with quite a bit of leniency. People in those countries aren't dumb. They understand that you grew up under different circumstances and that you need time to adjust or probably never manage to 100% emulate their lifestyle. Outright discrimination was somewhat rare, though I can only speak as someone who is as visually European as you can get. Maybe they treat other ethnicities more harshly.
In summary, those countries are beautiful, clean and safe. Absolutely worth a visit or a short stay. BUT you will hate living there, if you have any inkling of being a distinct person with certain rights. You are either a happy little cog or you will be miserable.