Malaysian Man Turned Away From Vietnam Shop ‘For Koreans Only’

May 29, 2025May 29, 2025

Malaysian Tourist Claims He Was Rejected From Shop in Vietnam for Not Being Korean

A Malaysian man’s vacation in Vietnam took an unexpected turn after he alleged that a souvenir shop refused to let him and his friend enter — simply because they were not Korean.

TikTok Video Reveals Alleged Discrimination During Casual Visit

Syukri Afifi, the traveller behind the viral TikTok video, recounted how he was staying at an Airbnb when he noticed a nearby souvenir store. Out of curiosity, he and a friend decided to check it out. However, they were quickly approached by a staff member who asked where they were from.

Upon hearing that they were Malaysian, the employee allegedly replied, “Sorry, only Koreans are allowed here,” and asked them to leave.

Accused of Being ‘Too Poor’ to Shop There

What shocked Syukri most wasn’t just the restriction — it was the implication behind it. The staff member reportedly justified his action by saying the store’s products were expensive and not suitable for Malaysians. Syukri questioned, “Do you think we’re poor just because we’re not Korean?”

Claims of Racial Bias Based on Nationality

According to Syukri, the refusal to let them browse clearly reflected racial bias. Even after trying to clarify their intentions, the staff remained adamant and asked them to leave. “I told him his behaviour was discriminatory and walked away,” he said.

Encouraging Travellers to Confront Discrimination

In the video’s conclusion, Syukri addressed fellow travellers, urging them to speak out when faced with similar experiences.

“Even in 2025, discrimination is real. Don’t stay quiet. If you’re treated unfairly, say something. We all deserve the freedom to travel without being judged by nationality,” he stated.

Mixed Reactions From the Public as Video Goes Viral

Syukri’s video quickly racked up views, with many users expressing sympathy and outrage. Some shared personal stories of experiencing similar incidents in Vietnam, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

“I wanted to visit Sapa, but the more I read, the more discouraged I feel,” one commenter wrote.

Others suggested the store might be owned by a Korean and tailored to Korean tourists, while some theorised the shop was trying to avoid bargaining or language confusion.

A few even cited Google reviews confirming similar experiences, including accounts of security guards turning non-Koreans away.

Source : Tiktok