Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Feloria]

I don't know if it is just me, but lately I have been politely declining offers to go out with my western co-workers because it seems all they ever really want to do is go to western bars. I kind of outgrew the whole 'lets get drunk and dance all night' thing a while ago, and I would rather do nothing than go to the same old western bar and see the same group of 20 westerners doing the same thing every weekend. I'm just glad I have made some Korean friends and know some westerners from other schools who like to do different things. I mean, my God-we are in Korea! What other 'non western bar' activities do other Dave's posters indulge in? I'm always open to new ideas!

[SPINOZA]

Indeedy, we all hear you. But any chance you and other posters can tell us what exactly your OP discusses in the title of the thread? This could be about anything. There are also several other recent threads dealing with this issue.

[wo buxihuan hanguoren]

[regicide]

[Dev]

Another reason Westerners want to go to western bars is that we can usually find some nice imported beer there instead of just having the choice of Hite & Cass. That's why I go anyway.

[Omkara]

I just don't go to the bars. I fill my days with things I enjoy, and when I've had a good day, I'm content. I wander home, get to bed early enough, get up early and feeling good, and fill my day again.

I read a lot, do my yoga practice, walk, study Korean, play music.

What has really helped me is taking my hobbies and actively seeking out people who are interested in the same. I get contact info and try to keep active this way.

Part of the problem with getting caught up in the bar scene is that we get attached to having to be part of whatever is "going on." But why be a part of something that we don't enjoy and which is even harmful? The attachment is itself part of the problem. Let go of the attachment, and there is nothing to miss.

Figure what you like to do, and get a group going.

[Dev]

[Omkara]

Yeah, even if you're not smoking, you're smoking a few packs an evening.

Last night I was reading a book, and then I began wondering what I could do. Then, I realized I was enjoying reading my book.

If you go about forming a group, you've got to keep with it, even if hardly anyone shows at first. Keep the idea on your mind, toss it out when you meet people, and then it'll fall together.

Perhaps some people couls suggest good groups to form.

Maybe a hiking group, a writer's group, a book group, a martial arts group, a language exchange group, a restaurant hunting group, an anything but drinking group. . .

When you get something going, you're doing both yourself and others a favor by making more possible.

[billybrobby]

[pkang0202]

I'd say its a good thing to do every now and then. Going out with westerners every weekend can be tiring. I like to mix things up. It is really nice to be able to go out with a group of people and talk/joke around without having to explain what it is you are saying.

Going to the same bars/clubs with the same people every weekend can be monotonous. As long as you mix things up then it should be ok.

[pest2]

Yeah, in my personal experience, the bar/expat scene in Korea blows... I never really liked going to bars before I got to Korea, but I used to go once or twice a month with some good friends back home... Had a similar scene going on when I lived in China because I had some really good friends there... ( But in China, they do KTV (no rae bang) instead, usually)...

I think you just need to find some people who are on the same page as you and then you can do anything and have a good time.

[Captain Corea]

[Omkara]

Thanks, Cap'n.

He's right, though. I try to do people a favor by keeping out of the bars. I really, really suck.

[Captain Corea]

[jg]