Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Jammer113]

I think maybe you could look at this in a different light. You're saying that if you act Korean you feel fake, and yet you feel distance from other foreigners.

The fact is: you're different. You'll always be different. Everyone will first judge you based on your appearance, whether in Korea or Canada or anywhere else. That's true of everyone. It's only long after meeting someone that people actually start to learn about other people.

Different isn't a bad thing, however. You have an incredible knowledge of both cultures that other people don't. You can use this knowledge to benefit your family, friends, and coworkers.

I bet that a lot of Koreans would be very sympathetic to your predicament. When speaking to your close Korean friends, if you start a conversation with "I hate Korea," you'll have problems. But if you start a conversation with "It's so strange, but I feel like an outsider, even when I'm with my friends," your Korean friends will go out of their way to accept your culture. If they don't, they suck. Go make new friends. Unfortunately at social events, you'll likely always be an outsider.

As for bowing and such... that sounds like culture shock to me. Think of it not as "acting Korean" but rather as "being polite". I'm a foreigner, but if I knew the proper ways to bow and when to wave and not wave and the proper ways to say goodbye, you bet I'd act like a Korean. When I went back home, I'd quit acting like a Korean. Showing social grace has nothing to do with your beliefs or values....

I don't see why you can't be yourself with Koreans... just keep in mind Korean social rules, and don't say something you're not supposed to say. I mean... you could.. but you'd either insult someone or everyone would gossip about you. Forever. Koreans run the gamut as far as different beliefs and life views. Find ones that think like you do.

And make lots of foreign friends. I can't imagine foreigners caring where you lived your first half of your life. If they do care, they suck. Go find new friends. You'd become the designated food orderer at restaurants, and perhaps everyone would vent to you all of their problems because you're the 'expert' on Korean culture.... but that's your gift... your knowledge...

[jajdude]

nice post jammer

follow that OP

[Frankly Mr Shankly]

[victorology]

[robot]