Korean Job Discussion Forums

seoulman1 · Joined: 02 Feb 2007 Location: Jamsil

This is a call to all middle and high school ESL teachers.

Can you please teach your students that it is rude to randomly say 'hello' to me in the street just because I am foreign?

Thankyou.

Masta_Don · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Location: Hyehwa-dong, Seoul

Would you prefer 'annyeonghasaeyo'?

seoulman1 · Joined: 02 Feb 2007 Location: Jamsil

I would just like to think that if someone says hello to me its for a reason and not just to impress their friends.

The problem with the massive ESL business in Korea is that foreigners get treated as objects. This is a prime example.

formerflautist · Joined: 30 May 2006

No because it's not rude. It's just hello. Don't respond if you don't want to but as long as it's just hello then there's really not a problem. Maybe you should just wear a sign around your neck that indicates you are a grumpy foreigner and don't wish to be bothered.

Alyallen · Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 1:38 am Post subject:

I teach elementary school. I've asked my students if they do that and they were like "No way!" I asked why, they said because it's weird...

At some point it becomes an annoying game....kind of like some test of their daring and your patience....

I find it incredibly irritating but it depends on the situation on whether I will reply or not. The way I see it, if he or she are looking at me when they say it, I MIGHT say hello back. If it's yelled at me or said behind my back, the offender gets a dirty look their trouble....

seoulman1 · Joined: 02 Feb 2007 Location: Jamsil

I'm Sorry...

But you are mistaken. I shouldnt be expected to say hello to everyone yet I am happy to say hello when I am in a good mood. Am I expected to when I also have had a bad day at work?

Newbie · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

No, it's not rude, it's just an attempt to communicate from people who are unfamiliar with foreigners. I think it's brave when the kids do it, and if I'm having a bad day, I ignore it or give a silent, dirty look.

hogwonguy1979 · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: the racoon den

seoulsucker · Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 2:29 am Post subject:

I've been here for 3 years, and it's never bothered me. I guess I'm just unable to feel victimized by 13 year old girls.

VirginIslander · Joined: 24 May 2006 Location: Busan

Leave Korea and go to Japan.

VirginIslander · Joined: 24 May 2006 Location: Busan

I just spent a week in Osaka and I think two kids said hello to me.

Also, there are worse things natives can say to foreigners than "hello." It can be annoying, but it is something you have to get used to. Also, have fun with it. If you anticipate a bunch of kids about to say hello, run up to them and say hello in Korean, laugh to your friends and run away. The kids think it is hilarious.

Lastly, it was once considered polite to say hello to perfect stangers.

hubba bubba · Joined: 24 Oct 2006

If they are just curious and want to try to say something to a foreigner, I find no problem with it. They've been studying English for years, but how many times do they actually use it?

If they are obviously trying to take the pi$$, trying to get a reaction out of a foreigner for laughs, making a mockery of the language, etc. then it's rude.

You know the difference.

cwemory · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Location: Gunpo, Korea

My guess is the OP has never lived in or visited any sort of rural community(Korea or elsewhere) where greeting others is considered necessary.

uberscheisse · Joined: 02 Dec 2003 Location: japan is better than korea.

i've said it before. i'll say it again. kids are kids, and if you get butt-hurt about a bunch of kids being kids, maybe you're in the wrong professsion. assuming you're a teacher, of course.

if you're an uptight businessman then by all means be a princess about kids being kids. you've earned the right.