Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Louie]

When I visited Busan or areas of Seoul like Dongdaemun, people always assumed I was Russian.
There were several occasions where vendors would start speaking to me in Russian until I tell them in Korean that I'm American, not Russian.

I asked a person why some would assume I was Russian, and they said it was the gelled combed back hair, the black motorcycle jacket and the muscular build and the height (190cm). Also, he said that I would walk around with a scowl on my face.

So, I started to take it that they were referring to me as looking like a gangster......

And it wasn't just in Korea this happened either. When I was in Shanghai and Beijing, people normally thought I was either Russian or German until I started to speak English, that really threw them for a loop.

I think Koreans have an assumption as to what roles foreigners from each country should play in Korea and it is understandable when someone from one category is mistaken for someone in another category, especially if the job is in a questionable profession.

[Mr-Dokdo]

[travelingfool]

[crazy_arcade]

[Starla]

Funny but I look very Russian and got asked it a lot back home by other Russians if I'm Russian. I even was asked by other Russians and Westerners here. I'm somewhere from that area but not exactly Russian. But here, I've only been asked by my students so far and they don't know better. I usually quipped back with a "Do I speak Russian?!" and that shut them up. Most Korean adults haven't assumed anything so far and usually ask me where I'm from first. Maybe I've just run into the right people. As for Russian women, some can dress a bit over the top compared to American/Canadian women as do a lot of Korean women but removing all of that, they are still very genetically gifted women.

[Underwaterbob]

Hell, I'm a balding, 6'5", brown eyed/haired Canadian male and I get asked if I'm Russian sometimes. Koreans, especially rural ones, have little to no experience with foreigners and will ask stupid questions. I honestly don't think the "Are you a Russian?" comment necessarily always means "Are you a prostitute?".

That said, I used to work with a woman here who was Canadian, of Russian descent, and looked it. If you think you've got it bad...

[Tiger Beer]

[Adventurer]

Well, I've dated Russian women. None of them were blonde, but they both had light eyes. One was very white with blue eyes, and the other one that I am seeing has blue-grey eyes, but brown hair. Many Koreans think like rednecks, and they are hypocrites. Tons of their women are involved in prostitution.

Maybe, more Koreans are involved in prostitution than Russians. Russia is a poorer country than Korea. Some Russian women have more of an excuse to engage in prostitution. They have families. However, plenty of the Russians here, the majority of them, are either students, work here, or are married to a Korean. Koreans just often like to talk bad about different races.

Hey, when I was wearing an Italian jersey last year, I was spoken to in Italian. Granted, I understand Italian and could pass, but people shouldn't make assumptions.

Anyway, honey, Korea is the country of Archie Bunkers. They are missing the pick up trucks with the stars and bars and the guns.
That's all. If you don't like what they are saying, then be upfront about it, and tell them it's not cool, and that you're an American. Frankly, I wouldn't put up with it. Many Koreans don't like being called on something or confronted, so go ahead and do it.

[dossi]

[periwinkle]

[Adventurer]

[Louie]

[cibomatto]

[jamesvean]

[Korussian]