Korean Job Discussion Forums

Don Calliente · Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Location: SEOUL

So last week I read a few of the posts where foriegn teachers complained of sitting on busses and subway trains and Korean's wouldn't sit next to them.

I thought to myself, 'ah they were just being paranoid' or 'there were probably a lot of seats to choose from...'

Well it happened to me THREE times on the bus this weekend!

All three times the bus was really packed. When there were only 4 or 5 seats left, each Korean that got on the bus looked at the empty seat next to me, looked at me and then chose another seat. The seat next to me was in the easiest location to get to (middle of bus outside seat, rest were right at the back and inside seats.) On one of these occaisions, when seat next to me was the only available option, oneKorean boy argued with his father and sulked when the father told him to sit there!

Second occaision an adjoishi walked to the seat, then looked at me and then chose to stand instead.

Thirs occaision, someone sat next to me but only when it was the last available option.

I was freshly showered, well dressed and am pleasant enough to the eye.

My message to Koreans - Get over it and adopt more than just superficial manners when it comes to dealing with foriegners.

twg · Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Location: Getting some fresh air...

they shouldn't complain about good things happening to them

boatofcar · Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Location: Sheffield, UK

Man, it must suck to always get two seats to yourself.

We've got it so hard in Korea.

Don Calliente · Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Location: SEOUL

reactionary · Joined: 22 Oct 2006 Location: korreia

yeah man, i love it!

and it's also fun to make people cringe when you choose the seat next to them.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

K-folk always sit next to me on pub tran....you must be scary looking... Very Happy

cornie_man · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Location: Sparkling in Korea

Hey, if they don't want to sit by me, that's just dandy. The other weekend, it was cold and a bit rainy out. Taking the bus home was a good idea as it was warm and cosy with all the people packed in generating heat. People were coming in and looking around for seats. When they saw me sitting there all relaxed and all, that free seat never looking so tempting, they couldn't bring themselves to taking that free seat. In this case, xenophobia is great. It works for you when it prevents a cold, rain soaked ajosshi who smells like old soju and garlic cuddling into you and demanding your "country". Bliss.

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

billybrobby · Joined: 09 Dec 2004

I've never really had that experience.

You think you're pleasant looking and smelling, but maybe you're not. You should consider the possibility. I'm serious.

blaseblasphemener · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 7:14 pm Post subject:

Don Calliente · Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Location: SEOUL

Broby - you're a d*ck. As you know only too well already. You should consider... ah no I can't be bothered with it...

Hey Draz and the rest of you who find it okay. -

Ok then, your BLACK (afro american, caribbean or whomever) friend recieves the same treatment as I described - on the bus or train in the USA, NZ, OZ, Canada, UK etc....

He's a bit cheesed off over it and voices his frustrations to you.

Your reaction?

Tell him he's lucky as he gets two free seats - right?

Scotticus · Joined: 18 Mar 2007

Optimus Prime · Joined: 05 Jul 2007

They don't necessarily think you are a dog turd--they're afraid of you. Think suburban granny crossing paths with 50 cent on a bus, and that's kinda what they feel. Fear. Embrace it and use it.

crusher_of_heads · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 7:26 pm Post subject:

I stare right back at them. It's what they want.

It's what they need.

ED209 · Joined: 17 Oct 2006

You're supposed to sit at the back of the bus!
Didn't you read the sign?