Korean Job Discussion Forums

drkalbi · Joined: 06 Aug 2006

A couple of days ago I was waiting for a bus around 9 am. There was a Korean couple in their 30s. They started to argue about something. Probably because the guy smelled like a soju factory. As they were getting into the fight, the women said in Korean to her partner that she didn't feel comfortable fighting in front of the foreigner. Nice for me, but I wondered if she feels ok arguing in front of Koreans?

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Pretty sure that's common here. I've seen some people suddenly embarrassed by their actions due to my presence. They were fine fighting and carrying on in front of Korean strangers.

Justin Hale · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Location: the Straight Talk Express

A very common theme and it wouldn't bother me in the least were it not so utterly naive.

So, Justin, what are the negative differences between Korea and the West, do you think?

Well, there's a lot more prostitution and extra-marital sex here

GASP!! How do you know that?

Because there are prostitutes on open display all over Yongsan-gu

Also, marriages seem very unhappy with constant arguing, often violence, teachers falling asleep because they argue all night, and angry cellphone calls during the day

GASP!! Oh learry?

Yes, really. Also, though Koreans are generally cheerful and on a natural high, I think the % of unhappy, totally stressed out people here is higher than in the West

GASP!! Oh learry, how do you know that?

Because Korean families of 3 earn less than individual North Americans and Europeans and pay the same and often more expensive prices for everything except taxis, subway and kimbap

오오오

There's a lot more alcoholism here too, I believe

GASP!! 오 how do you know that??

Because people are forced to drink after work, the streets are full of colorful vomit every morning, Koreans look like death on the subway in the mornings

Sometimes, I think Koreans think we stay in our apartments, totally avoiding Korean food and anything non-western, totally oblivious to the obvious problems in society on open display. Actually, I find it rather patronizing.

Michelle · Joined: 18 May 2003

Julius · Joined: 27 Jul 2006

billybrobby · Joined: 09 Dec 2004

Justin Hale · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Location: the Straight Talk Express

jetrash · Joined: 02 Jun 2007 Location: the united steaks

is billybrobby homers sock?

..like,he carries on taking the absubist "nutting wrong with sparkle,its all in your head" rhetoric, yet without the manners and faux politeness.

Suwoner10 · Joined: 10 Dec 2007

JustJohn · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Your computer screen

Ohhh, sock detective. This is always a fun game. I think if I had one instead of going the traditional "use it it as your id" approach I'd make it have conflicting views and set up arguments with it to make myself look witty and mature in the face of its tactless antagonism.

Kwangjuchicken · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 2:38 am Post subject:

Many years ago when I was teaching at a Korean college I was walking down the side walk with 2 Korean friends/students. In the street were these two guys who were screaming at each other. Looked like a big fight would soon happen. It was in the street and on the sidewalk were some tables and chairs, and they were in front of a 7 Eleven. So, I did what I think was best in such a situation. I went into the store. Then I came back out. I had 3 cans of coke and a bag of chips. So, the three of us sat down and watched the show. Man they kicked the S out of each other. Then the cops came and they ran off.

Froggy Parker · Joined: 21 Nov 2007