Korean Job Discussion Forums

Alvin Stardust · Joined: 12 Nov 2003

Ideas for getting back at your students when you are cheesed off, or facing a few smart arses (give yourself some guilty satisfaction):

Tell them that:

Lotteria (fast food joint) comes (originally) from Japan.
BOA (the teeny-bopper) is advertised outside of Korea, as coming from Japan (good for cd sales).
If anyone has ever heard of it outside Korea, foreigners link 'kimchi' to Japan.
Peppero was a direct copy of the Japanese 'Pocky'.
Samsung & LG are regarded as low quality products outside of Korea.

Right, any more? I'll go away & try to think of a few more... ways to cheese 'em off when they give you a hard time... !!!

Mosley · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I guess you could, if you're in a particularly nasty mood, tell them Pocari Sweat is Japanese. Are you sure you're right about Lotteria? I thought the whole Lotte empire was originally Korean, but later became headquartered in Japan, or something like that. Maybe somebody could set us straight on that....

Mosley · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Alvin, I admit that Korean nationalism has gotten under my skin more than once here, but is there any real point to bringing up these points, UNLESS you are asked about them point blank? They probably won't believe you & it might only increase any resentment they may have towards you. I'm not trying to be accusatory, just wondering....

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

canuckistan · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2003 5:00 pm Post subject:

Fortunately, I like kimchee. But if your students ever ask, never say you don't like it.

Butterfly · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Location: Kuwait

Yes, me too, Samsung particularly has quite a good reputation.

The other things on the list are more likely to make the students think that teacher is mad rather than getting eve.

Student: Babo Teacher!!

Teacher: Do you know, young man, than peppero is actually a Japanese concept?

Student: Huh? Babo teacher!!

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2003 7:00 pm Post subject: Re: Teacher's 'Revenge'!

Pyongshin Sangja · Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Location: I love baby!

Alvin, calm down man. It ain't that bad. First yer raggin on Canada, now Korea, who's next? Ghana?

Alvin Stardust · Joined: 12 Nov 2003

Somebody in an earlier thread, was fuming over a few smart arses in their adult class(es), and I thought it may be useful to have a few chosen 'retorts' when the chance arose. Such as if you're doing a general knowledge quiz and the suchlike. Hamburgers & hot dogs originated in Germany, spaghetti comes from China, strawberries were first found & grown in Chile, etc. Good stuff for a Friday quiz, with a few suitable ones from my original post thrown in.

I don't hate Korea, it's been very good for my wallet, but these things help keep a teacher sane, and offers a kind of release... those who have been here for a while will understand. This is meant as light-hearted (although true), and if you take it seriously, you need a few beers (as do I by the end of the week).

Mr Canada: One thing I've noticed about both Brits & Canadians, is that they'll happily be the first to slag off their own countries, which I think is great. If they think something is crap about their country they'll say so. Very refreshing. The opposite seems to be true about Korea. This is a chance to have some ammo in your pouch, should the need arise (if you work with other Asians, and they get sick of hearing how 'advanced' Korea is compared to their country, let alone 'western' countries - don't forget that their are a lot of teachers here from various places, particularly elsewhere in Asia - they often get a hard time).

Lotte was formed in Japan, and one of the top blokes was Korean, & introduced it to Korea (according to unbiased research sites). Anyway, better to have some light-hearted fun & get your frustrations on to this forum, than to get drunk & explode (which I've seen a few times).

FUBAR · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: The Y.C.

Alvin Stardust · Joined: 12 Nov 2003

FUBAR, look at the above post...

I'm not Australian, but Aussies tell me that Korean cars are viewed as 'junk' (& often direct copies of more well known brands). Why would someone need this type of info... ? I doubt if you'd ask that after a few years here. If you're afraid of saying anything negative to the locals, just give 'em a great big hug and tell them that Korea is superior to the rest of Asia. This is aimed at annoying adults in their 20s & early 30s. I've found Korean kids to be generally superb, and the old folks nice as pie. It's the ones inbetween that may rattle you...

Alvin Stardust · Joined: 12 Nov 2003

Pyongshin Sanga: We meet again! I'll be sooooo positive about my beloved Canada and hugs (plus kisses) all round for Korean mentality towards foreigners. In 20 plus countries I've visited or worked in - I've never met any other people so... wonderful! I think you & I should meet up for a bulgoggi burger or a bottle of soju or three...

FUBAR · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: The Y.C.

Pyongshin Sangja · Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Location: I love baby!

Hey, Alvin, have you ever been to Canada? Or are you basing your impressions of the country on the people you've met?

mo · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2003 9:20 pm Post subject:

God people, take things a little less seriously. I'm always amazed at how quickly the p.c. brigade jumps on things on this board.

I read the original post and and it made me smirk, as I (like everyone else) have had to smile politely as I'm told about "Korea number 1" etc..

I think the poster was perhaps letting off a little steam on the issue, someting I'll admit to frequently doing in similar cirsumstances.