Korean Job Discussion Forums

ED209 · Joined: 17 Oct 2006

I put both hands over my heart as a tear runs down my cheek. Although when I salute I only use one hand. I like to do my best Benny Hill followed by a loud stomp. I find if you don't know the words to the 'Aegukka' whistling is very much appreciated.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

A few months ago a teacher here at my school was at the ending ceremony for the semester. During the national anthem he put his hand over his heart. Mr. H reached over and pulled it down.

That makes two cases of inappropriate behavior that guy did before getting fired for sexual harrassment of the women students.

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

Heck no. I stand and take off my hat. That's out of respect. As much as I dislike any certain nation (not Korea, but others), I wouldn't disrespect their anthem or flag.

Koreans don't even have the decency to stop talking, get off their phones, or take off their hats. If you don't believe me, go to a baseball game sometime.

djsmnc · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Location: Dave's ESL Cafe

I would never pledge allegiance or place my hand over my heart for the anthem of a foreign land. When I am at home I think of the accomplishments of my forefathers, the blood that was sacrificed in the name of our land and leadership, and our defeat of savage populations who dared raise arms against the almighty.

It's getting harder to do it though, with the foul leadership and sickening corruption that has swept over the country. Our people have become complacent.

Join Me · Joined: 14 Jan 2008

Interesting thread as I have been thinking of this subject lately. I enjoy living abroad but I am thankful for being born in America. The longer I live abroad the greater the appreciation I have for where I came from and the opportunities I had growing up there.

I will stand out of respect for the flag of another country but I don't view this as any sort of act of allegiance to another country.

jinks · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: Formerly: Lower North Island

Back in New Zealand patriotism is not so showy. When the anthem is played, we stand up and mumble along to the tune. Only (some of) the All Blacks do that sentimental hand on heart thing.

cj1976 · Joined: 26 Oct 2005

If you are a foreigner without any Korean blood whatsoever, don't put your hand on your heart during their national anthem. All it does is make you look like an arse-kisser who is trying too hard to please.

genezorm · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Location: Mokpo

i put my hand on my balls and when the anthem is finished i yell "suck it"

that goes for any anthem

ReeseDog · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Location: Classified

Unlike others who posted here, I would for my own and one other. I respect any country's national anthem, of course, but I only render a personal salute for two: Key's anthem and God Save the Queen.

matthew254 · Joined: 17 Mar 2008 Location: Denton, TX

I don't but then again, I don't salute the American flag either. Don't get me wrong - I'm not ashamed of my country (USA) or anything - and I'm not anti-nationalism or anything like that. I simply stand as a show of respect - same as the US national anthem.

For me, its a religious decision not to "salute" the American flag. Being a student teacher in Texas, it does raise some eyebrows from some kids and pretty much all adults here. It doesn't bother me and I always maintain that I respect their decision to salute, but as for me....

ricky_lamour · Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Location: jikdongli

I put my hand over my stomach because while I'm here this is the country that feeds me.

I also have a Union Jack in my classroom. Whenever a student completely refuses to do what they are told I make them stand in front of it with their hand on their heart.

bejarano-korea · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

seoul101 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: Seoul

I'm British.. and no. I don't much like any kind of patriotism, the idea of an 'international passport' sounds nice to me.

Maybe I've just had an overdose of Korean nationalism..

KrazyInKlamath · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Location: Gyeongsan, South Korea

Anytime the American national anthem is played or the flag is going by in a parade I put my hand over my heart. However, when it is another country's anthem, I remove my ballcap and stand silently to be respectful.

Darashii · Joined: 08 Jan 2008

Only for the American Anthem (or pledge of allegiance), if that. It's just a show, but of course, since you can be charged (and get into lotsa other fun situations) with treason, it's no lie. I do, as a matter of fact, pledge allegiance to the USA.

Not the flag. That'd be silly. Razz