Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mmarshalynne]

I've sent my headshot photograph, and I have job offers. I am concerned that being overweight might have an impact on how an employer treats me when I arrive. I read a blog by a guy who indicated that because he was overweight he wasn't even treated like a human being in South Korea. Is being overweight a big issue? Will my employer he unhappy when they pick me up at the airport? I'm 5'7" and a size 16 for all those girls out there who know what that means. Thanks for any honest input out there.

[creeper1]

Well appearance is important in Korea. Fat girls? There are practically no Korean girls that are fat. One of the things I really miss about the place. Koreans are very vain. Very. They spent ALOT of time beautifying themselves in front of hand mirrors. Korean female teachers often do it at their desks. It's an obsession.

There are many western women over here though that are fat. Wouldn't like to be in their shoes but I guess they learn to have thick skin. Probably just the same as at home.

So I guess you need to get some thick skin but don't let anyone put you down. Who knows after a diet of bibimpap and all that you'll be skinny as the natives.

[wylies99]

It matters, but it also depends on how you handle it, too. If you can let things roll off you, you'll be okay. Once the kids get to know you, it won't really matter.

I believe that it has a greater impact on how you are treated off the job. In public situations, Koreans can be vicious towards anyone who is not exactly like the "norm." They're bad about saying hateful things to other Koreans (Korean woman will tell teen girls things like-"You'll never get married because you are fat").
The drunk Koreans are always bad, too. Just wanted you to know what to expect.

[ckub]

At my school, children think I'm really strong cause my arms are a bigger than all korean women. They laugh about it, but not in a mean way! No problem with my school at all! When I'm out in the street or subway, people stare, but they will stare just because you're a foreigner anyway. So stare back, and they'll stop looking at you! Thick skin is indeed needed, but if you're really looking forward to come, it shouldn't stop you.

[Zaria32]

Although the near vegetarian diet of South Korea has slimmed me down some, I was chunkier than you probably are when I came here. No on has ever said a word to me about it, nor indicated in any way that it's a problem, in or out of class, in or out of school.

[Stormy]

Like Zaria, no-one has ever called me fat but I've slimmed down some thanks to a healthy diet & my hike to school each day & everyone comments on that - in a positive way.
If people comment on my appearance at all it's just to tell me I'm beautiful (which is just code for 'different') and they keep telling me I have beautiful hair & eyes (brown hair & hazel eyes - very boring). Mind you I'm the first foreigner at my school, and the only foreigner that many people in town have ever seen so I'm told. I'm setting the bar here!
I live in a rural area though, I can imagine that, like back home, people in the bigger cities can be a little less sensitive.
Bsically if you're a bigger size than Kate Moss you will look & feel fat here.

[tomato]

I don't know how it is with women teachers, but children don't insult me maliciously.
They tease me good-naturedly, though.
Between classes, they pat me on the tummy.
Then I chase them and pat THEM on the tummy.

[tanklor1]

I can honestly say that i get very little hassle for my wieght. although it might be becuase A: I mind my own bisness, B: Korean skills are crap and C: Walk around with a pissed off look on my face 79% of the time. Whatever the reason, it's never been an issuse for me here.

[Stormy]

[loose_ends]

Don't worry. There are plenty of over weight foreigners already here. Koreans are getting used to it. The difference is that when a westerner thinks, "you are fat", they usually keep it to themselves. Koreans tend to say it out load. It is ok though because you can talk about their appearances too.

When I first arrived I had a bought of acne I hadn't experienced since high school. Almost every Korean I knew was rather concerned and had no problems pointing and openly talking about it as if it were the first time they had seen someone with acne (Koreans are very prone to the nasty stuff too).

In the end, you'll have to get used to openly talking about your weight in public and certainly in the classroom. It can either be a character builder or self-esteem destroyer. I guess it's your choice how you want to deal with it.

[SirFink]

[esetters21]

[safeblad]

A korean said I was fat yesterday. I am 5 10'' and 77 kilograms

[loose_ends]

[wylies99]

Some of you have had better experiences than most. I'm NOT fat- I workout- and I hear crap from random Koreans in Seoul on a regular basis.
Koreans have told me horror stories of Korean women walking up to fragile teens and screaming at them about being fat or unattractive. They can be vicious.