Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ms_casillas]

Hi,

i am coming to Korea soon, and I want some tips on how to
deal with Koreans, in general.

I have been told that they will push and push you to the brink of
breaking and then they will back off. Is there any way to nip
this in the bud before they even try? Can you give a vibe that
says "dont mess with me" and mind your own business, do your
job and stuff so that this doesn't happen?

Or must you smile and put up with it? will ignroing them or
being a snob only make it worse?

thanks!!

no not a snob just dont want to be messed with !! im a tough cookie..

[mcviking]

Work on your war face, a good evil eye usually makes them back off, but I don't really know how its like for women here, I usually don't see Koreans harassing anyone, they usually just ingore you unless your being obnoxious.

[AmericanExile]

The only real problem I've had with Koreans is with my ex-boss. If your boss pushes you, tries to cheat you or does anything you don't like, always turn it back to an issue of them wanting you to work there. "We need you to work without a break." "I'm sorry I can't do that. If you don't want me to work here anymore I understand."

They need you as much and probably a lot more than you need them. Being a female is a bonus. Parents like female teachers so it gives you extra value. Young and blonde are also bonuses.

Everything bad outside of work I have just ignored. Honestly I find the average Korean very friendly and helpful. Sometimes too helpful to be honest.

[digsydinner]

[benji1422]

There is some saying in Korean business that if you pay too easily, you're not a good businessman/weak. (can anybody help me with this proverb)

So any employer will try to test you to see if you're a pushover. If you fail this test from the outset, and do other things which put you at a lower status (i.e. not engage in group activities) be prepared for problems with your employer not holding their promises.

However, if you pass this test from the outset, you will have nothing but respect and payments ontime.

[Pojogae]

Don't let them smell your fear!!!

[Goku]

If you're a tough cookie, for the most part, that's a very likeable attribute here.

There are some noticable culture differences you have to be aware of:

Collectivism vs Indvidiualism - People from the West are very concentrated on asserting themselves and doing things alone. A very common mistake people make here is for example, bring their own food and not sharing it. This is looked upon as a very selfish thing. If you have food, the culture expectation is to share it with everyone or bring enough for everyone. Sometimes it's passable. But let's say I had a box of cookies I was eating, it would be more than acceptable for anyone to come up, dig their hands in and take some for themselves. Food is a shared comodity. Also, you'll notice that people really hate sore thumbs and going against the grain. If you have a dinner or some sort of social gathering you are expected to come unless on deathbed.

Pushing - People get up and arms over this and it does take a lot of getting used to. Just keep in mind that retaliating pushing is unacceptable. People will think you are a physcho with a giant chip on your shoulder. Bumping happens too often so people don't apologize for it. Apologizing and manners are seen as signs of weakness (or at least that is my hypothesis) which is why people don't do it so often here. Korea's crowded.

What seems like blatant attempts on your life - Tons of people from the west have claimed Cars, bikes, and the non-elusive Ajumma (literally meaning married lady, but to us means old visor wearing grandma) will try to intentionally hit you. You could be walking in the middle of a road with PLENTY of space and a bike will be going on it's path and won't move for you. It's like a constant game of chicken with everyone you meet. So be prepared to deal with that.

Saving face - This means people will take major steps to block insults to their dignity. I would say this happens to the same degree in any country. But some claim this happens more so in Korea, so to give you some unbiased advice, I'll include it. People believe that dignity is very high. Very often you will hear caustic jokes and insults that are very passable. However, work related matters and position is revered. Challenging authority is a major step off a cliff of no return. Bosses assume you will follow suit even if that means sacrificing your "contract". Now this isn't to say you should be working overtime with no pay. But sometimes there are reasonable demands that require sacrifice that are expected from yoru boss. Such as I've been asked to give free seminars or demo classes. Don't challenge authority. If you have to, do it in private always. Also, I'm asuming you're teaching, never make your co-teacher look bad or stupid. Especially in a classroom setting where we want teachers to look like Alpha dogs and maintain authority, debasing, insulting, or even making your co-teacher look stupid will harbor such wrath that you can expect serious conflicts. Even minor things such as correcting mispronouciation can cause a serious loss of face. If you want to correct them, do so after class and they'll love you.

There's a lot more to talk about, and there also great positive thigns but I don't want my post to exceed 3-4 pages.

[kiwiduncan]

[eIn07912]

work and social settings r two completely different issues.

at work, u just have to know when the law is on ur side and that, unless ur have some super great gig that has foreigners lined up for it (very few of those actually exist), u have the upper hand. u r in demand, not the korean english teachers. know where u draw the line from the start and if they begin to cross it, let them know, then they usually will stay away from it. i.e.. if u willing to work an extra hour here and there, ok. but if u let them know from the start u wont put up with working on holidays or weekends, never do it. not even just once. or it will forever be fair game to them. set ur standards and stick to them.

as for social issues, koreans r as diverse as everyone else, in terms of personality. there is no set way to deal with them all. u try that evil eye look with some and it will work, others will only feel emboldened to test it and see how far it goes. as a female, u wont get much "harrassment" as it were. they usually reserve that for foreign males that date korean females. the best method ive found is to simply ignore most people that try to give me crap. by acknowledging them, u only justify their actions. if someone tries to give u flack on the bus or subway, just ignore them. and i mean give them absolutely NO acknowledgement at all. dont give them a scowl, dont give them the nodding smile, or anything. ignoring them gets under their skin so bad, its hilarious.

[E_athlete]

[mcviking]

I was more or less joking with the suggestion of using a war face, but I can see how people might assume I just go around glaring at people all day. I will admit that sometimes I get sick of being stared at, so I just stare right back. However, I do my best to have a positive attitude and to avoid being offensive. It only takes a little more effort to be polite, in my opinion. BUt as I stated before, I rarely see Koreans harrassing anyone, myself included.

[sendittheemail]

"Dealing" with Korean people at work is very simple. How can you succeed in Korea? Normally I bill astronomical consulting fees for rendering such information, but today I'm feeling generous so I'll dole it out for free:

1. If you dress in a suit and are well groomed, 80% of your problems are already solved. If you are an idiot, but you dress well, and present yourself in a professional manner, it doesn't matter how stupid you are, Koreans will respect you more, and assume that you are smart.

2. Don't lose your temper, ever. If you lose your temper, make sure that no one from your office is around you.

3. If your co-workers do something stupid, NEVER POINT IT OUT, to anyone, ever.

4. Never talk about Korean culture.

5. Never compare Korean culture to western culture.

6. Never speak favorably of western culture, as this will be interpreted as speaking negatively about Korean culture.

7. Never accuse a Korean person of being wrong about something, ever. If they tell you something that is blatantly incorrect, just nod your head, smile, and say "Wow, I didn't know that, thank you so much for teaching me."

8. When asked what you think of Korea, mention only positive things.

9. When your boss or coworkers set unrealistic goals, or ask of you things which are impossible to achieve, just smile, nod, and do whatever they ask you to do. When they get angry at your for not meeting the goal, bow your head and take full responsibility.

10. Never challenge anything said by your boss or Korean co-workers.

[harlowethrombey]

Dealing with Koreans can be a tricky situation. With the recent fluctuations in international finances you can quickly find yourself with a glut of Koreans on hand and no buyers lined up.

To help alleviate this, I would recommend stocking your storage warehouse with plenty of Kimchi, Soju and a karaoke machine.

Although they'd never admit it, business interests from China, Japan and, for some reason, the small town of Bumpleskrump in Northwester Alberta are the largest wholesale purchasers of bulk Korean. Thus, most of your dealings will be with representatives from these places.

Just as if you were dealing with a recent batch of Canadian college grads, you should lead with your most aryan and female of the batch first. As you are now dealing with Koreans, blonde hair and blue eyes might be a tough find, but sufficient factory detailing can take care of this. Also, remember to always charge extra for undercoating and never let the customer leave the lot until you've made a sale.

Good luck!

[ashland]

if you deal with them with integrity and respect for them as people (in your country) they will respect you more.

[eIn07912]