Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Threequalseven]

For all the negative things on this board about Koreans, is there anything that people actually like about the South Korean culture? For me, three things come to mind:

1st, they have good drinking etiquette. They're not going to leave you hanging at quarter-after-midnight because they want to go to bed, even though they're not doing anything the next day.
2nd, they don't give a $#!+ about copyright laws. Frankly, I think it's great that not every country in the world is beholden to all the rules and laws put forth by the Anglo-American mass media industry.
3rd, being able to walk places. I have a tailor/dry cleaner and a convenience store in the same building as me. Back home, the nearest convenience store would be a 20 minute walk, and the nearest tailor would be the nearest JCPenny's because there aren't any tailors in town.

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

I had a tailor/dry cleaner, 24-hour convenience store, gym, and a pedicure shop in my building in NYC. This is not particularly South Korean.

I like copyright, so it angers me that there's so much theft here.

As for the drinking culture, it doesn't really affect me, as I don't really like to drink more than a glass or two of wine.

I do like the service that comes with larger purchases. I also love how the older women in my neighborhood invite me to sit and eat snacks with them. They also give small snacks to my dog when I have him with me. I've often brought them treats from a specialty bakery that I like.

[edwardcatflap]

[highstreet]

I like:

Not paying exorbitant prices for items at the airport, sporting events, etc..
Transportation
Walking
Drinking
Service in most dining establishments
Convenience
Koreans are friendly if you talk to them in Korean

I dislike:

Spitting
Littering
Service industry workers who seem grumpy all the time. (I realize the no tipping policy and low minimum wage is probably the cause)
The importance of image (imo has positive and negative points)

[Captain Corea]

One issue is... when we say things we like about Korea or Korean culture, it's bound to have overlap with other peoples and cultures. Same with the negative. So, if we say we hate the smog in Seoul, someone will chime in that LA has it worse. Or if we say it's great that Korea has a lot of multi-generational households, we'll easily find places where it's just as common overseas.

As well - what is Korean culture?

Is spitting on the sidewalk Korean culture? Driving on it? What about treating others to meals?

The thing is, there will always be average norms in society, outliers, and also things that are done that ppl may not like, but generally permit.

So at this point, when I see a question like this, I'm thoroughly confused.

After 11+ years here, I don't think I know what "Korean Culture" is anymore.

[Chaucer]

[nicwr2002]

I agree, I like the not caring about copyright, it has become way to strict in America and other countries now.

I also like their drinking etiquette as well. It's not demonized like in the bible belt and you can have a bottle of soju or whatever anytime you want.

Also, the service industry is really good. Even if the salesperson is in a bad mood, they at least pretend to me friendly here.

Lastly, the ease of going anywhere I want to go. Just hop in a taxi for long distance or ride my bicycle.

[northway]

Seoul and it's exurbs excepting Bundang are only good for walking if you're comparing them with hellish sprawls like Atlanta and Houston. Greater Seoul is horrendous compared to New York, Boston, Montreal, or D.C., to name a few.

[Benjamino]

1) It's much cheaper than the UK for almost everything


2) I pay hardly any tax compared to 25% back home

3) You get freebies when you buy things in stores. I bought a laptop and got a bag, mouse, webcam & mouse-mat. Maybe I'm easily pleased but in the UK you'd get nothing extra.

4) Convenience Stores open 24/7 which is nice and the bigger stores such as homeplus open till 11pm.


Downsides...

1) The Racism in smaller towns and cities (of course this doesn't exist so some people)

2) Taking things back to the stores for a refund is an absolute nightmare and pure chance as to its success

3) Covering mouths, noses when coughing or sneezing seems to be the exception rather than the norm. As does washing hands after going to the toilet.


That's all I can think of off the top of my head.

So in conclusion, I like shopping, saving money and have a hygiene phobia.

Good thread this.

[northway]

[edwardcatflap]

[T-J]

[Benjamino]

[Benjamino]

[Threequalseven]