Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Yes]

true or false: a little bit of cleavage is a big no-no here?

recently relocated from seoul to a new post in busan area. i have a new supervisor who frequently says i should dress more modestly/not show any cleavage. the frequency and the form of the comments are starting to border on harassment in my opinion and i also doubt their legitimacy, due to the facts that: no one in my entire working life has ever accused me of not dressing appropriately (ie, i think it's simply an inaccurate accusation); and the person accusing me of this is a self-acknowledged pious born again x-tian (ie, i think this person is superimposing personal belief system instead of citing actual company policy).

before i respond, if you know, please tell me: is a hint of cleavage truly looked upon as scandalous and inappropriate in this country? i'm having a hard time believing it. maybe it is so and i just don't have a sense of it, having come from more sophisticated seoul plus several years teaching in europe & s america where such a sight is common, and actually encouraged... women in italy walk around in see-through blouses & lace bras practically year round, for heaven's sakes...! what gives here?

[jay-shi]

Damn! Here I was hoping for a post on socio-economic cleavage in SK.

[tzechuk]

When I am teaching (I teach at a university), I dress modestly.

But when I am out, I am always in skinny-tees in the summer. I couldn't care less what other people think.

I think the key here is that you should look professional when you are around your students....

[oneofthesarahs]

I was really paranoid about it when I first moved here, as I tend to be naturally a little cleavagey. Now that's it's hot I've been wearing a few tops with lower necklines, and nobody has really seemed too concerned about it. My boss is even a pretty hardcore Christian, and she doesn't seem to give a crap either. Some of my younger students are sort of fascinated by my boobs though, no matter what I'm wearing.

[RJjr]

Well, I didn't see any cleavage at Hooters, if that tells you something.

[mehamrick]

Ok this is simple... You have Seoul and then the rest of Korea.. Seoul is like the bastard child of Korea.. Its wild crazy and you can get everything and do what you want.. The rest of Korea is your old arse grandmother in the bible belt saying you need to wear that turtleneck when its 110 out...

[procrastinatrix]

most of the korean girls i've seen couldn't have cleavage even if they had their arms pushed together
maybe the sight of real live cleavage (which pretty much means actual boobs) is just unfamiliar...;P
honestly I'm not sure..I guess since it's for work you should lean toward conservative, especially if they've commented on it.

[Alyallen]

[Ryst Helmut]

[I-am-me]

I second that request!!!!

[ajgeddes]

My girlfrien