Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Arthur Dent]

I would be happy simply to encounter Koreans who lived outside their cultural box. Not that one can reasonably expect this, given their history and present reality (educational institutions and cultural/social imperatives being what they are).
The only reason, it seems to me, that the subject comes up, is that otherwise, on the surface, Korean seems to have all the other prerequisites that we recognize from our own cultures; modernity on the surface, wealth, democracy, etc. As laudable as the belief in preserving and caring for the environment is, as a philosophy, it does not necessarily mean an individual can think laterally or independently. This requires free time as well as at least some degree of solitude.
Knowing - being educated - about any particular area of knowledge and acting on it are two different things. That being said, I am much less than certain that we have done as well as we could be doing in our respective cultures. Perhaps then, it is a matter of how much weight we place on any one issue, or are able to, according to our respective cultures.

Though I am no expert by any means, I have yet to witness any act of independence by any Korean, by the lights of my own cultural values. And why should I expect this? It would be unreasonable.

Where I do object, and wrongly as well no doubt, is when a particular element from another culture - for example, "the West" (what does this truly mean anymore? Shouldn't modernity and forward-thinking replace this term? Flawed as well of course, but they at least have the benefit of being free from mere geography) is usurped in a way that misrepresents its original form or purpose. I know, I know, we are hardly free from that ourselves - and interesting that we sometimes - some of us - expect better from other cultures when they work with new or imported ideas. Perhaps this is because, in our history, original thinkers also appropriated new ideas and built something original with them. And something we viewed as having substance as well as a visible effect.

All I know is, in acting as an extra in a music video, which seemed fairly provocative by Korean standards - and somewhat rock n'roll because of that - I saw little rebellion or even a hint of an outgoing nature in the performers offstage. I had falsely expected it........Why should I have?

Though there are doubtless fringe groups in Korea of varying natures, they are certainly less than easy to spot. And they will rarely take the form we expect if we view them from our own cultural perspective. Oddly, I have witnessed it within other cultures to some extent. But perhaps the act or idea of rebellion - purely for the sake of rebellion - is just another form of cultural imperialism, unless it leads to meaningful, productive change.

I needn't define that. I will leave that to each of you....

[nicholas_chiasson]

I can't even meet any standard-normal-koreans. In fact I never knew it was possible to live in a country for 5 months AND NEVER MEET ANYONE AT ALL!

[Suwoner10]

[ardis]

[alibuch]

Most of my Korean friends criticize the shallowness and materialism of Korean culture... so I don't think they're all so wrapped up in themselves and buying things.

[kiwiduncan]

check out this link:

http://blog.jinbo.net/luna/?pnum=4

These are the kind of cool people I like meeting in Korea.

[kermo]

I don't know if you noticed this on another thread, but here's a link to a group of Korean vegetarians:


http://cafe.naver.com/ululul.cafe