Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SeminoleDoug]

I thought for sure I wouldn't become a negative poster on Dave's. I just was so sure I wouldn't be "that guy." But I am a little frustrated early on. Let me start and finish with some positives. There seems to be so very little violent crime around Korea...or at least Suwon. That's a wonderful change from America. Part of it is certainly that I don't understand or listen to the news here, but seeing kids playing and walking by themselves at 10:00 PM at night is incredible. Suwon is very developed and far more technologically advanced than China was the last time I visited there. There are some good things about Korea.

But my God there are some frustrating things. I read somewhere on Dave's that Korea may be the most racist place on earth. I could totally buy that. It is just such a homogeneous population. But it's way more than that. China is fairly homogeneous with over 90% of the people being Han and Japan is homogeneous as well. And they are practically obsessed with Americans in Japan. And in China it was more like, "Hey wow. There's a foreigner" and a lot of times, "Cool. I want to practice my English." In Suwon, it's like, "OMFG. There is a foreigner. I am either going to just stare at them or look away." Almost nobody wants to practice their English or really communicate with you. The level of xenophobia here is quite shocking.

Despite a pretty good amount of effort, I have made one friend when a teacher of mine introduced me to his son (who is about my age). That family is super cool. And I have met a couple of other super cool Korean people. But most people seem to take the approach of, "We don't want to talk to you. Get the hell away." I don't know how they ever expect to keep quality English teachers if people can't make friends with them. And the people that would stay...are those probably the kind of people you want teaching your children?

I do feel a little bad for them. I have encountered a few gross foreigners in Suwon. I was at Suwon Station and shockingly I saw these Korean guys get excited and high five these Americans. It was like the twilight zone, really. And then as the Americans walked away they said, "Those guys are f*gs." That's great. And then they immediately went and blatantly tried to hit on this group of girls in front of everybody. Ah yes. I love being associated and grouped with people like that. It makes my life so much easier. I do think Korea seems to attract quite an interesting group of foreigners: lots of social rejects, sleaze, and people that couldn't get jobs back home. However, there definitely are some who came for a rewarding cultural experience and to make friends in other parts of the world. I don't think Korea is making that easy for them whatsoever.

The school that I work at seems extremely disorganized and always tells me stuff at the last second...and acts like I should somehow magically know. But yet, they seem very hesitant to help me at times. It's a public school, by the way. I've had a couple of specific frustrating situations as well. One teacher introduced me to her 26 year old daughter. (I'm 27). We really hit it off immediately and talked for a couple of hours after school. The next day, when she came in, her mom snapped at her and she quickly left. I am pretty sure her mom didn't want her getting that close to me and I haven't been able to get a hold of her since. It was a total 180. Maybe it wasn't her mom. She did introduce me. But I am pretty sure it was.

And my assistant principal's husband works at a local university. I asked if I could volunteer at the university and teach free conversational English classes. I thought this would be a productive way I could meet people. She said no and when I asked why she tried to say that the university students' English level wasn't good enough. I said,"The middle school students' English is good enough but the university students is not?" And then she tried to claim that the middle school students speak better English than the university students. Based on my most of my students, that's pretty much impossible. And I know it's BS. They just don't want me "harassing" college kids.

If I can't meet people, if they try and block every avenue, why the hell would I ever stay here?

At least I am getting paid well and it's safe. I just am looking for a little bit more than that.

[3MB]

Welcome to Korea.

You can't "volunteer to work" at locations not specified on your ARC. Stop being so paranoid. Go home.

[Forward Observer]

These things happen.

[SeminoleDoug]

[quote="3MB"]Welcome to Korea.

You can't "volunteer to work" at locations not specified on your ARC. Stop being so paranoid. Go home.[/quote

Thanks for that quality, meaningful response. I have no doubt it was the best you could do. Gotta love Dave's.

[English Matt]

[RACETRAITOR]

[Pwillig]

[phoneboothface]

[Insomnia]

It'll get better man, it always does. Koreans are not just weary of foreigners, but of other Koreans as well, but once you gain their trust and are in their inner circle you're in a great place. Just be patient and the next thing you'll know you'll have a ton of friends. Best of luck.

[Robot_Teacher]

Wow OP, you just describe the primary elements of Korean culture we waykooks first notice and deal with as long as we do business in Korea. Those of you who find it fun or pleasant sure looked deep into your yourselves during many months or years of lonely times to find and appreciate beauty in the rough.

Not told until last second about changes? Bald faced obvious lies popping up in discussions when you ask a question? Dodging talking about anything that is a problem or disturbing in nature, but should be talked about? Not wanting you to be involved romantically with a woman? Not being friendly and welcoming, but seemingly tolerant of your presence?

I'm not the least bit surprised of your post. It's typical Korea experience. Just expect a fairly silent work relationship and your pay to be deposited on the 25th of each month. You can either continue to work (and live) under such horrid conditions or you can leave at your leisure as long as the airport remains open.

[Joe666]

I second what the Robot_teacher stated in full. But, it's not like this all the time in all cases. I have only been in country for about 3 months and it doesn't take long for frustration to kick in. A lot of us here understand your mindset (1 or 2 words?) right now. Give it some time and then decide if you want to bail. I am far from an expert on this subject, but in general, rushing judgement usually leads to more mistakes than accuracies (is this even a word?). My English is pissa! Yes I hail from Boston. No wise cracks please!!!

[Otherside]

Hey Doug,

Sorry to hear about your tough breaks.

I've lived in Suwon going on 2 years now, and IMO it's pretty much just like Seoul (good and bad) in almost everyway. As a city, it's got quite a large foreign population (by Korean standards) with lots of 3D workers as well as being the Epicentre for the Southern-Gyeonggi esl crowd. So, that being said, I'm surprised at the xenophobic reactions you've been getting. Hell, you should have been here 2 years ago, when you'd be "Hi'eeeeeed" off the planet (I got here just as the public school ESL gig was taking off...I've heard it was MUCH MUCH worse a few years back).

Regarding your experience about "teaching" at the University. I know of a guy (knew him personally, in Suwon) who worked at a PS, after work and on weekends he'd go to the local University and hit on chicks. Blatantly! It got to the point where the University complained and he was banned from going to the University. There were also some other undesirable stories about him and the ladies...all of which came back to his school. Now, worst-case scenario, you could be working at the SAME school he worked at. In which case it's obvious why they don't want you hanging around the University, or why your co-teacher doesn't want you hooking up with her daughter. Even if it isn't the same school, word does travel between co-teachers and they are probably just taking extra care of their pet way-gook.

Regarding last-minute news and changes, yup, that's Korea, go with the flow. As time goes on, you'll learn how to pre-empt alot of this last minute stuff and find a way to stay in the loop. Tough, annoying learning curve though.

Finally, how long have you been here? Chances are, you are experiencing culture shock and just need some time to settle down. Finding a good crowd of mates (wherever your interests lie) is key, and once that comes, you'll begin working to live and not living to work.

Chin up

[I-am-me]

[SeminoleDoug]

[Jane]

A good idea is to ask your friend and his new girl to go to a bar with you (a western bar is better, as westerners tend to socially mingle). Go on a Saturday night when there are lots of people out. Try to make contacts and follow up on them.

That's what I would do anyway.