Overheard a dinner conversation happening at the next table between 3 people who didn't seem to know each other well.
The discussion was about Korea's culture or lack of it. The woman started by noting that there was no culture there. The man, ready to hear the racism implied in that statement, said that Korea has the oldest culture of the region. That China and Japan are indebted and in awe of its culture. The woman, clearly piqued at being understood as a racist when she prided herself on her cultural awareness, said that she knew about its reputed history but there was no apparent sense of the culture. They bonded again over the idea that there may be a long and interesting culture but it is hidden from the tourist or outsider.