Korean Job Discussion Forums

LUCRETIA · Joined: 20 Jun 2007

Apologies if this has been discussed here before, but in the last three days or so, I've had so many kids tell me outright that I'm OLD.

They say I remind them of their grandmothers, that I have dark circles under my eyes, that I look 47 and then ask sincere questions about why foreigners are so wrinkled.

I AM ONLY 22

I first thought they were just teasing and laughed it off and joked along with them that I was 107.
Then I realised they were serious and got mad as hell.

Being in Korea hasn't been, generally, very kind on my self esteem, but this has made me really upset. Thinking about it, Koreans tend to have "baby-faces" with round cheeks, big lips and not too distinct bone structure. I've seen some Korean men and women who have aged well, but honestly do not see why they are so pleased with themselves for looking youthful. I really don't see it.

I don't drink or smoke and don't have a single wrinkle - what are they talking about? And why do people think it's cool to just say "you look old" to someone?!

Is it the kimchi?

(perhaps its the intensives... feel so crabby...)

Beej · Joined: 05 Mar 2005 Location: Eungam Loop

You must post a recent photo of yourself if you want to know the truth.

VanIslander · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 10:58 pm Post subject: Re: I'm not old dammit

LUCRETIA · Joined: 20 Jun 2007

Won't catch me in Korea in ten years time trying to "get over myself".

VanIslander · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 11:07 pm Post subject:

Alyallen · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 11:21 pm Post subject: Re: I'm not old dammit

LUCRETIA · Joined: 20 Jun 2007

You're right. Rolling Eyes

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

VirginIslander · Joined: 24 May 2006 Location: Busan

Out of all the races (and I dislike using that term), Asians age the fastest. Those women who pull the trash carts are actually in their late thirties.

Alyallen · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 11:27 pm Post subject:

PeteJB · Joined: 06 Jul 2007

I'm 22 aswell. Dunno about kids, but some girl (shes 24) I know said I look older than 22 - But then in the next breathe, she said she'd hit on me in a heartbeat. Laughing

Then some tell me I look kinda Korean (and that I look similar to the actor Yoo Gun)

LUCRETIA · Joined: 20 Jun 2007

whoa! I was being serious. I really mean that you are right Very Happy

Wasn't being sarcastic...
Rolling eyes thingy was for little brats, not you

Alyallen · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 11:29 pm Post subject:

jlaskie · Joined: 19 May 2007 Location: Boston, MA

sad story. here's an idea--next time a kid says something that hurts your feelings, just do what they would do (since you're obviously on their level)--break out into a whine and say something like "teeeeeeeeacher, so-and-so is very very very very very bad korean!!!!" and throw your head down into your arms on your desk.

LUCRETIA · Joined: 20 Jun 2007

jlaskie, what on earth do you know about me? Are you really going to say things like "you are obviously on their level" on the basis of a single post?

Now that you've given your two cents and made a snide little comment about basically nothing, do you feel better? Do you think your relative anonymity on this board gives you permission to insult people you've never met?

Sheesh... people need to relax a little. Why does everything turn into mud slinging...