Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Morton]

This is a link to an interesting Korean Herald editorial that i read today:

https://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2007/08/15/200708150003.asp

A critical piece by a Korean journalist.

[sojourner1]

Wow, that's one interesting read from a Koreans perspective.

OP: Can you provide links to more English articles written by Koreans as this allows for us all to have more insights in better understanding and appreciating Korea? The more I get to know what Korea is all about, I realize it is not as different as I thought and is actually more familiar in many aspects, but I like knowing what they know rather than making assumptions. Thanks for posting.


I rarely get a chance to speak with Koreans on account of living in a less affluent residential area where people are just not talkative or very friendly, but I want to listen to what they think and know. While living here, I am still an outsider where no one is friendly enough or can't talk to me locally other than a few people I work with so I spend allot time on my computer. I think allot expats are in the same boat when not near or in places like Itaewon where you can go find locals who speak English and are willing to share with you what Korea is all about.

While this article does not elaborate on the situation it hints on what I understand and talking about reasons Koreans are driven to drink allot. To begin, yes, I drink here, but did not at home. Being isolated, lonesome, and not having a clue about future career prospects can drive you to drink. The job market and career prospects for young Koreans are very synonymous with many western countries. In fact, even worse for young adults here if they don't have mom and dad to help. Try living in Korea on 4,000 won per hour! And ask why many people you deal with in everyday situations do not seem very friendly. This is the reason. Well, 4000 won/hour is approximately what cooks, drivers, and retail sales people earn in Korea which is inadequate for wealth building, buying a home, and raising a family. They can get degrees and serve in the military, but they better be related to someone to get in on good career opportunities. It is really not much different than in a western country as this is characteristic of rich 1st world countries today.

This writer is trying to say that people are forced by society to keep their heads up their butts to be politically correct, but are really not getting ahead for the most part despite a strong financial market. It's the same as in America where the super rich get richer and the not so rich don't really get ahead despite trying such as through earning degrees, serving in the armed forces, and being a good citizen. This leads to huge social problems and puts people in a position incongruent with the ideas of the state which no one wants, Korea or elsewhere.

I think patriotism is great, but for people to really mean it and benefit from it, they have to be happy, proud, and economically prosperous. Many are, but many are just going with the flow while struggling. Society in Korea and elsewhere pretty much says to not admit weakness such as being broke, depressed, alcoholic, or having a problem in another area so people will just make do with what they have to work with rather than demanding better conditions or asking for help. Korea is a very rich country, but like America, only a few individuals are living well and those are the ones born into good career positions in the chaebols. Of course, there is always the possibility of making it by starting a business, being workoholic, and making smart decisions which makes so many an entrepreneur. Some people here are working their butts off like I have never seen before while many are drinking heavily. I didn't think Korea would be so alcoholic as recreational drug use just didn't fit into my understanding of Asian culture, but it does. It's just that only low quality alcohol is the norm and nothing else. How boring. That's too bad, if you're going to recreate, you might as well have a few good options available for your won. Of course, SE Asian countries do as well as most other countries of the world. Personally I like that one option that carries no hangover, is cheap, and produced naturally that you smoke that doesn't carry the high social costs that alcohol brings.