Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dominosdom]

I have a shaved head and have been told that in Korea I'm likely to be stereotyped as a 'gangster' and at best considered scruffy. Are such prejudiced views limited perhaps to the more conservative element of Korean society? I'd like to hear from past or present teachers in Korea, who have shaved heads, and whether indeed you encountered these views.

[ryleeys]

I think I get it to a lesser extent than you with a shaved head, but my goatee doesn't seem to be considered the most attractive thing for a guy...

[crazylemongirl]

I don't know about bald heads being a gal. But I'll say this. Korea is the worst place I've been to have a zit.

Another words, people are very forthright about saying what they think of your apperance.

clg

[matko]

When I first got to Korea I had a 'normal' hairstyle.

I then shaved the sides and back bald and grew the top out for a year and wore that in a ponytail.

Not a good idea unless you are a glutton for punishment.

By the time I did it, the staring was getting to me and I think I subconciously figured if they're gonna stare, I might as well give them something to stare at!

[kangnam mafioso]

the one draw back to shaved head is being labeled a soldier.

[kiwiboy_nz_99]

But it seems to be ok if you're a monk

[Apple Scruff]

Unless you are A) going bald naturally, B) Black, or C) as Kiwiboy said - a monk, just don't shave your head.
And under no circumstances should you grow a ponytail out of the top of your head.

[Psy]

Yeah, it's a fact that they kinda stare at you if you're hairless on top. But what canya do cept wear a hat. I was considering shaving it off but I realized that it would be tough finding a job at the time. Tatoos and piercings kinda fall in the same category?

[hellofaniceguy]

I don't know. But I do know, why worry about what someone thinks about your hair style!?!? Or lack of it. Tell them to *beep* off.

[Kimchi Cha Cha]

I shaved my head recently, as I usually do back in Australia. From Koreans I know I've received more compliments than not, they seemed genuine enough. The younger kids got a real rise out of it calling me bokbookgi and laughing. Get some stares sometimes but hey, this is Korea you get stares anyway!

I probably wouldn't suggest it if you're looking for work, got a really conservative boss, or live near a base and don't want to get mistaken for being for a GI.

But, otherwise I worry about it too much. Some people look better with shaved heads and being winter you can just wear a beanie or hat around anyway.

[ryleeys]

I actually haven't noticed a single stare in Korea... that's one of the weird things that makes me feel like I'm living in a different country than all of you...