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i4NI
Joined: 17 May 2008
Location: Seoul
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 Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:31 am Post subject: |
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| mindmetoo wrote: |
| Gwangjuboy wrote: |
It's reminiscent of the time when I wanted to buy a 1 million won laptop with my visa (UK) card. One store in Technomart refused my custom unless I used a Korean visa card so I went to Himart and saw the same model for a little less and attempted to buy it, again using my UK visa card. They refused citing security concerns! Despite the fact that they had a visa symbol plastered over the door they were intransingent. They didn't speak English but I speak Korean well so communication wasn't a problem. I actually refused to leave the store until they backed down, which they eventually did. They resented the fact that they had to make a 10 minute phone call which apparently verified that the card was mine and that I had enough credit to spend. So for the sake of a ten minute phone call they didn't want to sell a 1 million won laptop. Retards. Now I could understand if I was just buying a USB cable or something, but this was a big enough purchase to warrant the extra 10 minutes of effort. The assistant said that he was only doing me a favor because I could speak Korean well.
Still, the dynamics are different in the OP's story and I can't help but feel that there was a language barrier in that case. OP, can you speak Korean? |
I've used my credit card at technomart and usually they want to see your passport etc. Koreans yet again just don't grasp the concept of the global market place. I've said it before and I'll say it again, these people had to be dragged into the modern world at the point of a gun. |
Uh it's common practice in America as well to show a form of ID to verify the credit card is indeed yours. This is also why there is a pin number for a debit card. |
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zpeanut
Joined: 12 Mar 2008
Location: Pohang, Korea
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| Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:46 am Post subject: |
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| Freakstar wrote: |
| rebel_1812 wrote: |
| monkinwonderland wrote: |
| Freakstar wrote: |
I don't get it. There's a bike shop that sells bikes. You have money and want to buy a bike. But the guy won't sell it to you because you're not Asian? Doesn't make any sense whatsoever. Sorry if I'm having a hard time believing your story.
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It's not rational, it's Korea! |
believe it! A white friend of mine and I were told we had to leave a bar because we were white and might start a fight. Also some bars refuse to do business with white folk. It doesn't make sense, and yet it happens here. |
I can see why restaurants, saunas, room salons, bars and other places like these that offer a service (versus just selling you a good like a bike or computer) might refuse entry to foreigners. Now before you jump down my throat, I'm not condoning their practices or saying it's right...but at the same time, I can see why it happens. And in some (not all) cases, it may even make sense. It may not make sense to the Caucasian guy who's refused service without a proper explanation, but from a bar owner's perspective who has had to deal with drunk Korean guys getting uppity over a Caucasian dude hitting on Korean women, it would make sense. Or from a room salon's perspective who fears losing its Korean clientele who may become upset to learn that foreigners are also being serviced by the girls.
And by the way, it doesn't happen just here in Korea. It happens all over the world. Yeah, racism sucks...but it's hardly unique to Korea. The world is full of racists. Maybe some of you never had to deal with racism firsthand until you came to Korea...judging from some of the posts here on Dave's, I'm constantly reminded of how naive some people are. It's ok to blow off some steam and rant about a racist encounter, but I'm sick and tired of the posts that make it sound as if Koreans are the only racists in the world.  |
yeah.. sometimes it's not you.. it's just what other people have done to give you a bad reputation.
There was a big commotion over some pick-pockets here a few months ago. The pick-pockets were caught on tape and they happened to be Chinese middle-aged ladies. Repeat offenders. It was reported in the local newspaper, pictures and description of how they use pen knives and chopsticks to steal your stuff. Now theres the idea that we gotta be careful around Chinese middle-aged ladies.
Ridiculous.. |
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mindmetoo
Joined: 02 Feb 2004
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| Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:58 am Post subject: |
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| i4NI wrote: |
| mindmetoo wrote: |
| Gwangjuboy wrote: |
It's reminiscent of the time when I wanted to buy a 1 million won laptop with my visa (UK) card. One store in Technomart refused my custom unless I used a Korean visa card so I went to Himart and saw the same model for a little less and attempted to buy it, again using my UK visa card. They refused citing security concerns! Despite the fact that they had a visa symbol plastered over the door they were intransingent. They didn't speak English but I speak Korean well so communication wasn't a problem. I actually refused to leave the store until they backed down, which they eventually did. They resented the fact that they had to make a 10 minute phone call which apparently verified that the card was mine and that I had enough credit to spend. So for the sake of a ten minute phone call they didn't want to sell a 1 million won laptop. Retards. Now I could understand if I was just buying a USB cable or something, but this was a big enough purchase to warrant the extra 10 minutes of effort. The assistant said that he was only doing me a favor because I could speak Korean well.
Still, the dynamics are different in the OP's story and I can't help but feel that there was a language barrier in that case. OP, can you speak Korean? |
I've used my credit card at technomart and usually they want to see your passport etc. Koreans yet again just don't grasp the concept of the global market place. I've said it before and I'll say it again, these people had to be dragged into the modern world at the point of a gun. |
Uh it's common practice in America as well to show a form of ID to verify the credit card is indeed yours. This is also why there is a pin number for a debit card. |
Yes. I maybe should have broken that into two paragraphs. Some kind of ID check is no problem. However, to simply reject international forms of payment regardless of what ID you proffer is an example that Korea still has a ways to go and the government probably lowered the guns a bit too soon. |
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i4NI
Joined: 17 May 2008
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 3:07 am Post subject: |
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| rebel_1812 wrote: |
| believe it! A white friend of mine and I were told we had to leave a bar because we were white and might start a fight. Also some bars refuse to do business with white folk. It doesn't make sense, and yet it happens here. |
I know there were major problems with American soldiers getting into fights all the time. The thing I don't know is if the Americans picked the fights or if the Koreans did. I remember coming three years ago and seeing a lot of places that denied entry to people of the military.
Also a lot of bars, clubs, especially night clubs have rules for having to have at least one Korean person in your party to enter. I think the rule is mainly because of past problems of miscommunication/misunderstanding and foreigners complaining about policies they don't understand and getting mad about it. Someone on this board put it into better words before, wish i could find his/her post.
If someone speaks Korean well enough, I don't think they should be denied any entry for a place like that, but for those of us that worked in the States and dealt with non English speaking customers frequently, we know how much of a pain in the ass it is. But getting kicked out of the bar because 'you might' start a fight is really really retarded. |
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Gwangjuboy
Joined: 08 Jul 2003
Location: England
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| Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 3:26 am Post subject: |
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| I think the OP's story might well be an honest account of what happened. I recall buying a T-shirt. I am a pretty slim guy but when Koreans see a white person they think big in terms of sizes. I tried on a 100 size but it was far too big, it buried me, so when I asked for a smaller size I was surprised when the assistant told me that anything smaller would be too small - the 100 looked like a tent. I insisted and I was eventually given a smaller size. Koreans are very visual people and sometimes they can't get beyond the image they have of the fat white man or woman. This is the problem, and I think it was the problem for the OP. It's worth noting that Korean men are not small either, this is especially true for Koreans under the age of 30. |
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skconqueror
Joined: 31 Jul 2005
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| Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 3:50 am Post subject: |
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| Young FRANKenstein wrote: |
| mindmetoo wrote: |
| I've used my credit card at technomart and usually they want to see your passport etc. Koreans yet again just don't grasp the concept of the global market place. |
Thank Christ I have a Korean CC. No problems whatsoever using it. |
The only time I have had problems ironically was when trying to pay my phone bills. On two occasions they didn't want to take my credit card because they didn't believe Foreigners could get them in Korea. It didn't matter that my ARC card and Samsung card had the same name on it. I called my wife, they talked to her, and said it would be ok since she verified that the card was really mine. Classic Korean stupidity. |
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Real Reality
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 4:55 am Post subject: |
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Racial Superiority Is the Problem
by Han Kyung-koo, Chosun Ilbo (August 29, 2007)
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200708/200708290007.html
Foreign Residents Face Discrimination
In Riding Subways, Opening Web Sites and Getting License
By Kim Tae-jong, Korea Times (May 31, 2007)
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2007/05/113_3819.html
Foreigners Fight Bias
No Foreigners Allowed: Nationality Discrimination Legal in Korea
By Christopher Carpenter and Jane Han, Korea Times (December 12, 2006)
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/news_view.asp?newsIdx=3033479
Image link
http://photo.hankooki.com/newsphoto/2006/12/12/ensor200612122018471nofor3.jpg
Foreigners Experience Difficulties in Living in Korea
by Jae-Dong Yu and Soo-Jung Shin, Donga.com (July 4, 2004)
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2004070522448
For Housing Rentals, Foreigners Easy Victims
By Byun Duk-kun, Korea Times (August 28, 2003)
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/news_view.asp?newsIdx=2162664
Late pay... worth the wait?
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=37989
Do Foreigners have Human Rights, in Korea?
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=51789
Amnesty slams treatment of foreign workers
by Ser Myo-ja, JoongAng Daily (August 18, 2006)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2800450
Expats cite language problems, discrimination
By Moon So-young, JoongAng Daily (January 30, 2007)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2871863
Most Foreign Firms Find Korea Less Than Friendly
Cho Hyeong-rae, Chosun Ilbo (April 24, 2005)
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200504/200504240010.html |
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mindmetoo
Joined: 02 Feb 2004
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| Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 4:55 am Post subject: |
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| Gwangjuboy wrote: |
| I think the OP's story might well be an honest account of what happened. I recall buying a T-shirt. I am a pretty slim guy but when Koreans see a white person they think big in terms of sizes. I tried on a 100 size but it was far too big, it buried me, so when I asked for a smaller size I was surprised when the assistant told me that anything smaller would be too small - the 100 looked like a tent. I insisted and I was eventually given a smaller size. Koreans are very visual people and sometimes they can't get beyond the image they have of the fat white man or woman. This is the problem, and I think it was the problem for the OP. It's worth noting that Korean men are not small either, this is especially true for Koreans under the age of 30. |
Yeah. I remember one summer I was staying at the Imperial Palace. Me and my gf were enjoying their outdoor pool. I was not only the only white guy but I was the skinniest guy there. And I found 105 just about right but if I didn't watch my diet it could get a little snug. And given you can't find anything bigger than a 105 (save LotteMart has started carrying 110) where the hell do fat Gangnam Korean males actually shop for their clothes? |
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Ilsanman
Joined: 15 Aug 2003
Location: Bucheon, Korea
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| Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 5:43 am Post subject: |
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No stamina? Try some bear blood and deer horn.
| GoldMember wrote: |
I have the same problem when I try to buy condoms.
"You can't have those condoms, they are Korean size only!"
That's ok I say my pecker is very small, and has very little stamina.
Damm discriminating condom sellers. |
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Join Me
Joined: 14 Jan 2008
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| Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 6:42 am Post subject: |
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| Freakstar wrote: |
| rebel_1812 wrote: |
| monkinwonderland wrote: |
| Freakstar wrote: |
I don't get it. There's a bike shop that sells bikes. You have money and want to buy a bike. But the guy won't sell it to you because you're not Asian? Doesn't make any sense whatsoever. Sorry if I'm having a hard time believing your story.
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It's not rational, it's Korea! |
believe it! A white friend of mine and I were told we had to leave a bar because we were white and might start a fight. Also some bars refuse to do business with white folk. It doesn't make sense, and yet it happens here. |
I can see why restaurants, saunas, room salons, bars and other places like these that offer a service (versus just selling you a good like a bike or computer) might refuse entry to foreigners. Now before you jump down my throat, I'm not condoning their practices or saying it's right...but at the same time, I can see why it happens. And in some (not all) cases, it may even make sense. It may not make sense to the Caucasian guy who's refused service without a proper explanation, but from a bar owner's perspective who has had to deal with drunk Korean guys getting uppity over a Caucasian dude hitting on Korean women, it would make sense. Or from a room salon's perspective who fears losing its Korean clientele who may become upset to learn that foreigners are also being serviced by the girls.
And by the way, it doesn't happen just here in Korea. It happens all over the world. Yeah, racism sucks...but it's hardly unique to Korea. The world is full of racists. Maybe some of you never had to deal with racism firsthand until you came to Korea...judging from some of the posts here on Dave's, I'm constantly reminded of how naive some people are. It's ok to blow off some steam and rant about a racist encounter, but I'm sick and tired of the posts that make it sound as if Koreans are the only racists in the world. |
Wow man, you are right. How could I have not seen these perfect justifications for Koreans discriminating before. We should all just sit down and shut up (obviously you do) cause it goes on all over the world. Problem solved. |
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travel zen
Joined: 22 Feb 2005
Location: Good old Toronto, Canada
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| Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 6:49 am Post subject: |
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| I'm constantly reminded of how naive some people are. It's ok to blow off some steam and rant about a racist encounter, but I'm sick and tired of the posts that make it sound as if Koreans are the only racists in the world. |
Rebel makes a point.
We all see discrimination and racism against others but think: "It'll never happen to me!" So when it does, many people spaz out and say Korea or such a country sucks!
I travelled some nasty countries and when I landed in Korea, it seemed a paradise compared to others. If I started my trip in Korea, I prolly would have hated the place and not see its beauty.
Asia is so not Europe or the West . |
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Gwangjuboy
Joined: 08 Jul 2003
Location: England
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| Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 7:03 am Post subject: |
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| mindmetoo wrote: |
Yeah. I remember one summer I was staying at the Imperial Palace. Me and my gf were enjoying their outdoor pool. I was not only the only white guy but I was the skinniest guy there. And I found 105 just about right but if I didn't watch my diet it could get a little snug. And given you can't find anything bigger than a 105 (save LotteMart has started carrying 110) where the hell do fat Gangnam Korean males actually shop for their clothes? |
The sizes here vary from store to store, much like back home. This particular store I went to had a 105, 100, 95, and even a 90. I have found 100s that fit like a glove, some that were too tight, and some that fit like a tent. It's so hit and miss. I have much the same problem in the UK; if it's not too tight it's too long etc. Nightmare. |
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Freakstar
Joined: 29 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:27 am Post subject: |
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| Join Me wrote: |
| Freakstar wrote: |
| rebel_1812 wrote: |
| monkinwonderland wrote: |
| Freakstar wrote: |
I don't get it. There's a bike shop that sells bikes. You have money and want to buy a bike. But the guy won't sell it to you because you're not Asian? Doesn't make any sense whatsoever. Sorry if I'm having a hard time believing your story.
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It's not rational, it's Korea! |
believe it! A white friend of mine and I were told we had to leave a bar because we were white and might start a fight. Also some bars refuse to do business with white folk. It doesn't make sense, and yet it happens here. |
I can see why restaurants, saunas, room salons, bars and other places like these that offer a service (versus just selling you a good like a bike or computer) might refuse entry to foreigners. Now before you jump down my throat, I'm not condoning their practices or saying it's right...but at the same time, I can see why it happens. And in some (not all) cases, it may even make sense. It may not make sense to the Caucasian guy who's refused service without a proper explanation, but from a bar owner's perspective who has had to deal with drunk Korean guys getting uppity over a Caucasian dude hitting on Korean women, it would make sense. Or from a room salon's perspective who fears losing its Korean clientele who may become upset to learn that foreigners are also being serviced by the girls.
And by the way, it doesn't happen just here in Korea. It happens all over the world. Yeah, racism sucks...but it's hardly unique to Korea. The world is full of racists. Maybe some of you never had to deal with racism firsthand until you came to Korea...judging from some of the posts here on Dave's, I'm constantly reminded of how naive some people are. It's ok to blow off some steam and rant about a racist encounter, but I'm sick and tired of the posts that make it sound as if Koreans are the only racists in the world. |
Wow man, you are right. How could I have not seen these perfect justifications for Koreans discriminating before. We should all just sit down and shut up (obviously you do) cause it goes on all over the world. Problem solved. |
Wtf are you? And why do you keep replying to my posts to try to start an argument with me when I've made it a point not to reply to any of yours? Try arguing your point intelligently, and maybe I'll deem your posts worthy of a reply. Now kindly bugger off. |
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RJjr
Joined: 17 Aug 2006
Location: Turning on a Lamp
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| Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 1:38 pm Post subject: |
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I have no reason not to believe Lekker's story. Just because everyone else except for moosehead & Lekker easily buy bikes, it doesn't mean every store will sell one to every foreigner.
I've read a lot of people complaining about not being allowed to do anything in RLD's. I've never had any problems in them: A row, B row, Z row, it's like I'm VIP. Same thing for barbershops. I've even been dragged into a B row house and locked in and basically forced to make a purchase. Yet, there's one grocery store where the morning shift will let me buy food and drinks, but the guy who works the night shift will not. A former co-worker from Canada didn't believe me, so we went in there and I was in line first. The guy refused to ring up my purchase, but rang up my co-worker's. When I shave and look E-2ish, the level of service most places is usually very noticably better than when I grow a lot of facial hair and look DDDish. |
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DrOctagon
Joined: 11 Jun 2008
Location: Chicago
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| Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 1:45 pm Post subject: |
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| RJjr wrote: |
I've read a lot of people complaining about not being allowed to do anything in RLD's. I've never had any problems in them: A row, B row, Z row, it's like I'm VIP. Same thing for barbershops. I've even been dragged into a B row house and locked in and basically forced to make a purchase. Yet, there's one grocery store where the morning shift will let me buy food and drinks, but the guy who works the night shift will not. A former co-worker from Canada didn't believe me, so we went in there and I was in line first. The guy refused to ring up my purchase, but rang up my co-worker's. When I shave and look E-2ish, the level of service most places is usually very noticably better than when I grow a lot of facial hair and look DDDish. |
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