That's mostly true, but then try living for a few years in Germany and then your perception of what it means to avoid eye contact will vastly change :)
There's a whole other level - try riding the subway in Seoul if you look like you're definitely not Korean. It's like you're invisible and inaudible.
I'm a German living in Germany. Can you clarify your comment for me? :-)
As a Dutchie who just spent three years in Germany... You are perceived to be very closed, at least initially. Nice when you want to be left alone, going about your business. Not so nice when you are used to more interaction with strangers.
I'm from Scandinavia and it's pretty much the same.