Korean Job Discussion Forums

rooster_2006 · Joined: 14 Oct 2007

"When in Rome, do as the Romans."

Does it apply in Korea?

I'm curious to hear what YOU guys think.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

You don't understand Korean culture.

Only Koreans are supposed to date Koreans.

Only Koreans are supposed to talk loudly in a restaurant.

Only Koreans are supposed to rape women and get no jail sentences.

Only Koreans are supposed to sleep on the street next to their own vomit.

Only Koreans are supposed to hit their students with dowel rods.

Goku · Joined: 10 Dec 2008

Some things yes,

Some things no.

Obviously, theres a lot we can't do.

But I'm all for chewing with my mouth open and eating Kimchi and Halitosis.

esetters21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Location: Seoul

How many times has the "When in Rome" thread been tossed around here?

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Straphanger · Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Location: Chilgok, Korea

ABC KID · Joined: 14 Sep 2007

Oh dear!!

(I hope I'm not turning into Spliff!)

For a bigger and better version, as started by Hanson, look here...

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=109838&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=rome&start=0

jkelly80 · Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Location: you boys like mexico?

It never applies anywhere. If you want to play the local games, do it. If you don't, don't. Culture is not a sacred cow, it's just a collection of inherited behaviors.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Generally yes, apart from the language barrier. In some ways we get treated better and can get away with more than Koreans our own age and sex, and in some ways we get treated worse and can get away with less. It all balances out and if you can recognise Korean BS when you see it and act accordingly, you won't have to deal with so much of it.

weatherman · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: Korea

A wag once wrote "When in Rome, do the Romans". I think that applies to Korea just fine.

big_fella1 · Joined: 08 Dec 2005

When in Rome do better than the Romans do applies in all countries. Certainly we should respect Korean culture and Koreans right to be Korean, but in some things we must follow our own culture.

Using a hypothetical example if bribery was a common occurrence it would not be right for a foreigner to pay bribes.

I also think foreigners using 2 hands to pour drinks for each other looks silly but if I am out with my boss I will use both hands.

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

"When in Rome, do as the Romans." Does it apply in Korea?

Has Your K-Boss Ever Screwed You Out Of Money?
Poll Results
Yes: 75% [47]
No: 24% [15]
Total Votes : 62
from the Job-related Discussion Forum
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=129843&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=45

Poll: Have you been paid late in Korea?
Never - I must be lucky! 32% [ 48 ]
Once or twice - no big deal, minor annoyance.. 21% [ 31 ]
Several times - hate it! 20% [ 30 ]
Several times - but I understand the culture, doesn't bother me... 4% [ 7 ]
Many times - sigh... 16% [ 24 ]
WTF! I've never been paid on time! ARGH!!! 4% [ 7 ]
Total Votes : 147
From the Job Discussion Board, last post seen on August 16, 2007
the poll or thread was deleted or moved
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=18732

Late pay... worth the wait?
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=37989

Banks Cite Non-existent Law on Expat Cards
By Kim Soe-jung and Park Yeon-soo, JoongAng Daily (January 28, 2008)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2885625

Deception Sums Up Year of 2007
By Kim Tae-jong, Korea Times (December 23, 2007)
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2007/12/117_16011.html

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

Michael Breen, a British journalist, quotes a foreign banker who worked closely with a chaebol as saying:

Adventurer · Joined: 28 Jan 2006

I think no matter what country you go to there are ways you want to behave, because the behavior of the locals won't suit you. The comment about halitosis is an interesting thing, because in Italy many people eat lots of garlic. Sure, they have some coffee beans to try to get rid of the smell, but some Italians will have the smell of garlic. Of course, there are ways that many Koreans behave that are considered culturally objectionable to us like horrible management practices and their views on following the laws of the land, corruption. I also wouldn't subscribe to their views that friends are not so important, and that families take much more importance than friends when a friend has done so much for you in your life. Of course, many Koreans don't follow culture just as many Westerners follow the beat of their own drum.