Korean Job Discussion Forums

ABC KID · Joined: 14 Sep 2007

Foreigners in South Korea are described as 'Aliens'.
Are you happy to be described as an 'Alien'?

Yes = You like it/No stress whatsoever etc.

So-So = It's not a great discription but nothing to get too worked up about.

No = Don't like it/Consider it derogatory etc.

ABC KID · Joined: 14 Sep 2007

I know Japan also describes its foreigners as 'aliens'. I've never heard foreigners in U.K. described as anything other than foreigners/immigrants (except when people have been intentionally insulting) How about other countries for those better travelled than me?

thatwhitegirl · Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Location: ROK

The Philippines has signs in the Embassy and other places that refer to foreigners as 'aliens'. I remember seeing that as a kid and being surprised and humored...and then feeling a little irked.

Faunaki · Joined: 15 Jun 2007

In Taiwan it's the same thing. You get an Alien Registration Card. At first it bothered me but I've been in Asia for a while now so nothing really seems to anymore.

My favorite:

Today teacher looks like raccoon eye.

Used to piss me off now it makes me laugh.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I felt like an alien in my home country, so yes, I am happy here, and don't feel particularly more alienated.

Carlyles Ghost · Joined: 04 Jul 2007

The first time I was ever called 'foreigner' it felt a little strange. When I learned I would be required to obtain an "Alien" Reg. Card I laughed; the word has such a negative coloring back home. I have never been called an Alien in day to day interaction; the word is a formal policy-type language that, I think, doesn't carry the same weight here as it does at home.

waynehead · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Location: Jongno

Yeah, it's the formal way to refer to someone who's visiting / not a native / not a permanent resident. It doesn't have any intentional negative connotations, so I wouldn't sweat it. I've heard it used in the states to refer to 'others' plenty of times.

renzobenzo1 · Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Location: Suji, Yongin

no, the first time i got here i found it very offensive, then i got used to it and just joked about it with people.

Atavistic · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 8:43 pm Post subject:

It's the same in the US. It's a widely used English term. No big deal.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea