Korean Job Discussion Forums

Soju808 · Joined: 25 Jul 2007

This is one of the things that irk me in Korea.

Ok, I think people should respect their seniors/elders, but at the same time, people in Korea abuse their age status, and use that as a tool to get away with things.

I intially respect and show curtiousy and respect to anyone here in Korea. However, if they are rude and treat people disrespectfully, I don't care who they are, how old they are, I won't show them any respect back.

Here is a situation of mine.

There is this "ajjashi", who comes to my school sometimes. I heard he works for some kind of school board related to my school. This guy is a complete jackass, where he has a big thing against foreingers teaching English in Korea. And he apparently makes it well known to me by always saying stupid comments to me, and just expects me to just bow down and take it.

The first few experiences I had with him, I just stood there and took it, but I looked at myself and wondered, why the hell am I just bowing down to this jerk?

Next time I see him, and he walks past me, I will look straight at him, and not even give him a bow. If he gets upset and says something, I'll talk to him in "Pan mal", which I know will drive him crazy. He's the type of guy that just expects everyone to bow down to him, and up until now, he's gotten just that.

What do you guys think about all this?

I'm pretty sure that many of you have had experiences with ajjashi's who think they can do whatever they want, and not get any consequences.

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

Why even give the guy any Korean bowing or language? Just do a West nod and belittle him in English.

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

The greatest phrase in the English language: "I understand."

"You can't do this that way, you need to do it this way!!!" "I understand."

"I can't believe you're going here on this day!!" "I understand."

"You can't cook this that way, you need to do it this way!!" "I understand."

"I understand." Learn it. Love it. Learn it like "kamsa hamnida" and "annyong haseyo."

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

The whole Age Status thing goes both ways. Sure, when you are young it sucks, but when you get to be that age, you can order around the young'uns.

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

Exactly the reason the age bullying cycle never ends.

seoulsucker · Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 6:21 am Post subject:

michaelambling · Joined: 31 Dec 2008 Location: Paradise

Forward Observer · Joined: 13 Jan 2009 Location: FOB Gloria

I'm sure Koreans like that get a kick out of watching foreigners bow. Ever notice that any Korean over the age of 17 will never bow to a westerner? Why is that ya think?

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

Not true at all.

roadwork · Joined: 24 Nov 2008 Location: Goin' up the country

Why even acknowledge the guy? Those twats come to my school all the time and I don't pay any attention to them. If they say anything to me I just ignore them and go about my business.

ChinaBoy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

bogey666 · Joined: 17 Mar 2008 Location: Korea, the ass free zone

the age thing works for me, since I'm older.

but not that it changes anything with most of the adjosshi teachers who are older than me anyways...

or that I would have acted ANY differently when much younger.

I'd completely IGNORE the guy.. pretending he doesn't even exist.

if he challenged me I'd say.. WHAT? and earnestly stare him in the face, giving him the unspoken facial look of "I'm not taking your shit", while seemingly outwardly smiling all at the same time Very Happy

re bowing, I only bow to people i know (that's the Korean way, isn't it?)

if you were "introduced" to the guy and then started bowing, now you're kind of stuck.. BUT if you said he's made nasty comments to you, that would be my immediate excuse to STOP bowing immediately.

if asked about it, I'd say - the guy is a d.i.c.k. and has made nasty and unprofessional comments toward me, and he doesn't deserve the courtesty of a bow, in fact it's taking a lot of self control to merely limit myself to ignoring him.

Goku · Joined: 10 Dec 2008

A better way is to just SMILE like the sunshine!

The best way to get back at someone who hates you

Honestly, what better way to deal with someone who despises you is to be the nicest guy in the world to them rofl.

Not only will people think you are the better person, you also tear through him than with guilt... hahahhahaa.... I do it all the time.

You will rally the support of the teachers around you (because they see you are only trying to be a nice guy) so no one can blame you for your actions. Smiling and being nice...

However, HOW you do it is important. You could very well look like a bigger doormat if you don't do it confidently. If you look like you do it out of fear, you well come off as a doormat. If you do it confidently and with some humor, you are seen as the better man.

Not bowing is plain insuboordination and would be like not saluting a vice captain of a ship. At that point, not observing rank they might as well make you swap the poop deck for all they care. Becareful of your actions my friends.

eIn07912 · Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Location: seoul

i stopped putting up with the "i should get undeserved respect because i was born b4 u were" crap long ago. there r several older people i immensly respect, and some i just dont.

i was standing in line at a starbucks one day waiting to order. an ajumma walked passed everyone in line behind me and chose me as the one she wished to jump in front of. without hesistation, i said loudly "nope" and grabbed her by her shoulder and pulled her out of the line. the uni aged people behind me began to sniker and giggle b4 dropping their heads in silence when the-now-pissed-off-ajuma said somthing to the affect of "rude ungreatful brat" and stormed out.

bet 5 bucks she doesnt jump in front of any other foreigners from now on though.

u can thank me later Wink