Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Czarjorge]

So, I'm a fatty. And I'm ready to start looking for a job in Korea. In reading this forum and doing some general research, I'm concerned. It sounds like Korea is very image conscious, but coming from the U.S I find it hard to believe it could be as bad as it is here. (I am a good dresser. )

Should I be concerned? It's not like I'm morbidly obese or anything, but I'm definitely a fatty. I'm not looking forward to a ridiculously long flight in coach, I can tell you that.

What is general is the Korean view of this?

[sadsac]

I'm a large guy, when I first arrived I was 158kg, now I'm a modest 130kg. Koreans are generally pig ignorant and rude when it comes to overweight people. Getting a job isn't that difficult, putting up with the comments of pig or people telling you every day that you should diet is a bigger pain in the butt.

[The Great Toad]

Well My Rus King I must say as a fellow Noble on occasion I have been hurt by some of the peasant pleasantries I found there. I say pleasantry as it is fine and cordial to greet a fellow Korean saying- You look fat!

And the children seem to have no problem in calling each other fat, a monkey, Japaneses (to dark) or other such normally in the west offensive and hurtful comments.

I hope you have a yick skin and do NOT place your self esteem in your physical state- if you do then you will become angry/sad/ discouraged in K-land.

Mmm also you still can find lots of friends here as I still am astounded and of the fat K-guy teachers who had way hot long term k-girlfriends but I guess they had a relationship based on other things - which is so unCali...

Anyhow, they will call you fat and in some for-profit businesses they may not hire you - unless you can come in person and charm them... You may want to go the EPIK/public school route depending on ur teachering credentials...

[seoulsucker]

[princess]

They are pretty much not into fat people here. It may keep you from being admitted to "certain" clubs. Someone on here talked about how her boss who was also a woman, was always telling her to lose weight. They can be rude and crude about it.

[Kimchi Cha Cha]

It can be bad. Koreans can be very rude to anyone who doesn't feel their ideal of a healthy body. I grew up thin all my life and was always fairly active but over the last few years as I've become less active and as my metabolism has slowed, I've put on a bit of weight.

I'm a 5'8" guy and currently weigh about 78 kilos (171 lbs.), was up to 83kg (180 lbs.) for a while, which is a little over the ideal weight for someone my height, but nothing much really coming from the West. Yet, here in Korea you'd think I'm morbidly obese the way some people carry on, especially but not only unfortunately, kids. In the West I'm a normal guy with a bit of a belly yet here I'm noticeably overweight. It does make you become a bit more body-conscious and I'm starting to get more active not because I care what others think but because I prefer being lean.

The downside is that there will be some people who will make comments either directly to you or behind your back. Yet, try not to let that get you down as the people who do it are generally insecure cretins themselves.

A lot of Koreans seem to a smugness as Koreans generally are slimmer than Westerners. What they don't realise however is that many Westerners actually pity some of them who are basically starving themselves to achieve this. As Korea develops a Western lifestyle being more sedentary and eating more fatty foods, they starting to get bigger (this is noticable in people under 25). What is sad is to counter this many young women and girls, and some guys are under nourishing themselves to keep thin.

I'd just say, be aware that your weight may be an issue for some people but don't let it deter you from coming here.

[Czarjorge]

As far as taking a good dis, I went to junior high in the U.S., enough said.

As for credentials I have an actual English degree, and some teaching/training experience at a variety of jobs. I'm sure I'll get a job, I just want to get a good one.

And good one youse for your snappy replies.

[RACETRAITOR]

Hell, most of us are considered fat here. Koreans just have a stereotype that fat is more common in our countries. They kind of look down on it, but it doesn't affect how they judge you too badly.

[Milwaukiedave]

You probably will get lectured about your weight. I was (and still am to some degree). Many people on here have lost weight because they liked Korean food so much. Hopefully that will be true for you.

Take the comments with a grain of salt and don't let it get to you