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Korean Job Discussion Forums "The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
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nytelyfe
Joined: 31 May 2009
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:17 pm Post subject: The whole Japan vs Korea living thing |
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Let me just say as someone who has lived in Japan for 3 years.
and after talking many of you guys.
Theres a TON more complaining about Korea than Japan. I mean A TON!!
As far as the subway goes, I think Tokyos subway is awesome, yes its more expensive, but I wouldnt say Seouls is any better, its just cheaper.
Tokyos isnt that confusing, it just has more stops and its bigger, so it may seem so, but really its not.
that being said, the overall negative criticism on Korea over Japan gives the impression Japan is just better to live in.
Japan - Racism? Hardly
Lack of religious affiliation = free love
dressing down - I like the fact you can go to clubs or bars dressed likea complete bum and that can actually be fashionable, i hate "dressing" up to go out. ( I like to look nice, but i dont think a dress shirt and dress shoes is a must)
overall id have to say Japanese are more friendly too, even if it is more "fake" at least people in stores dont visibly grimace in misery while you are looking around, maybe its a Korean thing, I dont really know.
Im not sure why I still want to live in Korea, maybe im just curious.. |
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Ukon
Joined: 29 Jan 2008
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:40 pm Post subject: |
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Quote: |
Japan - Racism? Hardly
Lack of religious affiliation = free love
dressing down - I like the fact you can go to clubs or bars dressed likea complete bum and that can actually be fashionable, i hate "dressing" up to go out. ( I like to look nice, but i dont think a dress shirt and dress shoes is a must) |
If you dress like a bum, they don't think your ok...they're just too nice to tell the foreigner he's dressed like an idiot. Both cultures put high emphasis on fashion....Tokyo isn't any different...hell, even in America they look down on it....
And I haven't experienced any racism in Korea...and I'm black to boot...they are racist against some other races, but I know people from those races and they still love living here.
Most of the complaining done here is by super trolls or crazy folks....When I talk to foreigners here, none of them talk about the stuff that happens on Daves and they like living here alot unless they're job sucks.
I'd say about 95% of the negative crap I read about Korea before coming turned out to be completely wrong a week after I arrived.
Pushing and shoving? Extremely rare...happens once every month I get pushed by accident.
Rude people? Koreans are nice as hell....direct, but very nice...
Racist? I get free stuff and have tons of friends...never experienced any of it.
It's dirty; I live in a nice area...it's not dirty.
People Discourage learning the language? Not true at all. They love it when you speak it. |
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Goku
Joined: 10 Dec 2008
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:54 pm Post subject: |
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Meh,
I agree, but look at the people who go to Japan:
You have your cultural adventurers relish Japan for it's ancient buddist traditions, Samurai heritage, mystifying Shinto shrines or glorious Kyoto.
Or the nerd raging gajin for it's obessive anime otaku dork crap mixed in with schoolgirls and videogames. They regularly dress up like ninjas and spend weekends talking about naruto.
Or the guy "players" who automatially land on Japanese soil and can get into any club with any girl at any time. In their own mind... Losers in their own land, Gods in Japan. Man oh Man, can they get laid.
But then, think about the people who generally come to Korea.
Paid Rent.
Probably the biggest 1 factor why people would ever choose Korea over Japan. These are "in it for the money" ESL teachers. OR teachers who couldn't get into the crammed Japan, OR gyopos.
To those who did both, well Japan has just way more appeal to foreigner. Everyone's "polite" and respectful to the gajin and everythings so neat and quirky in the city and Japanese people really love "the little things in life".
But Korea you have educationally obsessed people who all think they are dominat Alphas (including children) trying to shove and push (literally) their way to a good education and job. Not that there is anything wrong with Korea that's just the way I see it
But that doesn't mean Korea doesn't have it's charms. It's just not as appealing to your average foreigner. I could imagine myself living in Korea but not Japan. I love Japan, but everyday would drive me nuts. It just depends who you are and how you like your tea.
I like mine bitter and unsweetend. |
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nytelyfe
Joined: 31 May 2009
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:05 pm Post subject: |
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the whole dressing like a bum thing, isnt about literally dressing like a bum.
but you can go to a club or bar in Japan, dressed in jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers, and a baseball cap, and that can be "good"fashion.
THe japanese def have a emphasis on fashion, but it seems to have a lot more versatiliy here, there arent dress codes at ANY club in Japan.
sure some people dress up, but most guys are really casual when they go out here, guys like wearing hoodies, or stylish jackets etc in clubs with hats..seems like 80% of dudes in clubs in Japan wear a hat of some sort.
Korea on the other had - Shorts? Cant get in, Sandals? Cant get in - I actually never wear niether of them, but its just annoying to go places and worry about that
Sure they do the same thing in the states at some clubs, but as some of you may know, its for "different" reasons ( keeping "urbans" out)
and thats bullshit anyway, going to a club is about the music...which i may be my limited experience, but a lot of the koreans i meet in clubs arent really "into" music...it may just be im a music nerd..but whatever.
and the thing about "types" who go to Japan. I could say thats just as true as Korea (minus the anime geeks)
But sure people are getting laid everywhere, and im not gonna hate on someone for getting their groove on, seriously, theres a ton of "fat" chicks back in the states who think they are the hot shit, or plenty of just insane girls that no one wants to mess with...
can you blame a guy for striking the iron while its hot?
But ya, Japan can be super-polite, to an almost annoying degree. |
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Ukon
Joined: 29 Jan 2008
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:12 pm Post subject: |
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The vast majority of korean clubs don't have dress codes....I've only been to only 3-4 of them that have dress codes(and they were $30 Cover fee clubs...and usually lax)....the majority dress of young dudes wear jeans, some nice shoes, and a T-shirt. Some wear hoodies, jackets, blazers, etc.....no different than what you describe....although less folks dress crazy and really out there(like gothic lolita for example)than Japan....they love the hipster look here btw.
I regular hit up the nicest clubs in Gangnam and Apkujeong and I always got in with a nice T and jeans....whoever told you you need to wear a dress shirt always? Have you even been to a Korean club???
As for the music, you gotta go to clubs made for folks who like that music...no different from back home...some clubs people go to be seen, some places people go for the music. Nobody goes to Helios for the music for example... |
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TheUrbanMyth
Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:19 pm Post subject: |
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Goku wrote: |
Meh,
But Korea you have educationally obsessed people who all think they are dominat Alphas (including children) trying to shove and push (literally) their way to a good education and job. Not that there is anything wrong with Korea that's just the way I see it
. |
Dude that is exactly the same in Japan (minus the shoving and pushing). They may be less direct about it, but Japan is just as obsessed as Korea with their kids getting a good education/job |
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nytelyfe
Joined: 31 May 2009
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:28 pm Post subject: |
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Oh I did make it seem like everyone dresses up in dress shirts. But even a lot of people that go to Helios get "dressed" up.
and ya it may be my limited experience in clubs in seoul, but at least half had dress codes I went to.
and ya, im sure there are clubs with people that are "into the music" , i just havent had the pleasure of going to them.
side not about the education, I would say its important in Japan, but maybe a little more in Korea ( and i mean just a little, Japan is pretty obsessed with it too). I mean the kids study like crazy during middle school, and some go your equivalent of a "hagwon" but I do think its really more about studying and less prestige.
plus, Ive only seen these "study only" apartments in Korea, those places are freaky, and I dont see how can someone can live in the space of my closet with a fold up bed for any long period of time, but they do it. |
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Ukon
Joined: 29 Jan 2008
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:53 pm Post subject: |
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Your telling me students in Tokyo live in spacious apartments while going to cram schools to get into good Universities? I had no Idea...everyone told me you'd be living in a sardine can...
Perhaps you confused a sign next to the entrance for a dress code? Tip of advice, unlike Japan, Koreans like to break the rules....It's just there for decoration...I've never heard of anyone being turned away for dress....and I visit some swanky ass clubs every weekend.
And Helios being a place where everyone dressed nice??? I guess you didn't notice the Nigerians in super baggy pants trying to be west Africa's 50 cents.
How long have you been here,...4 days? |
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nytelyfe
Joined: 31 May 2009
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:15 pm Post subject: |
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no I didnt say they were in spacious apartments, but i have never seen these "study only" apartments before Korea.
second, Ive been to Helios, im only talking about some people i saw there, being dressed up, didnt say everyone. ( maybe it was mostly the white dudes there i dunno, frankly i dont care i dont frequent helios)
And Ive seen people get turned out for coming to clubs several times.
these "swanky" clubs you went to, did you go in shorts and sandals? did any of your friends go in shorts or sandals?
I didnt get turned down myself ok, I personally think i dress pretty fashionably, just that i have friends who are maybe too "casual" and got turned down, but they went home and changed it was fine.
Some clubs even have noticable dress codes signs.
Again, im not talking about EVERY club, but i have first hand experience ok. and in comparison, never seen it happen in Japan, thats all im saying.
Lastly, whatever you are saying about Koreans actually "breaking the rules" is just a vague generalization, I think you have no basis for that comment what so ever. |
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Goku
Joined: 10 Dec 2008
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:24 pm Post subject: |
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TheUrbanMyth wrote: |
Goku wrote: |
Meh,
But Korea you have educationally obsessed people who all think they are dominat Alphas (including children) trying to shove and push (literally) their way to a good education and job. Not that there is anything wrong with Korea that's just the way I see it
. |
Dude that is exactly the same in Japan (minus the shoving and pushing). They may be less direct about it, but Japan is just as obsessed as Korea with their kids getting a good education/job |
Yeah, that's true. Education in both is extremely pushed
Koreas got more of a "I'll rip your head off" vibe than Japan does. Japan's more like "please let me study quitely" vibe. |
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kabrams

Joined: 15 Mar 2008 Location: your Dad's house
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:27 pm Post subject: |
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Japan - Racism? Hardly |
Are you kidding me?
Japanese racism is so well documented, it's not even funny. I'm not just talking about non-Asian people either.
And the staring is far worse in Japan than it is in Korea, even in Tokyo. It's almost as if they expected me to sprout arms out of my head or something.
I've lived in Japan 1st as a Uni student and then with my sister in Tokyo. Seriously, even though I've only been in Korea for about 2 weeks, I enjoy it much better than I did my 1st 2 weeks in Japan.
I think Korean people are more "open" and aren't afraid to tell you what they think, which I like. I'd much rather have that than Japanese people acting so polite in my face. It got tiring after a while, trying to figure out who was "just being nice" and who really was a friend. But I'm sure this will happen in Korea, too.
I guest the biggest similarity between the two countries is how willing they are to trash each other, and try to get me to participate. Seriously, Korea and Japan have some major sibling rivalry going on. |
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Ukon
Joined: 29 Jan 2008
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:28 pm Post subject: |
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From all the koreans I've met, they've been really flexible on rules and laws...just from experience.
And yes, such "study" apartments exist in tokyo. I forgot the exact name, but it's those cheap places with no down deposit and you just pay rent. Usually for the young and transient. They're not only for studying....hell, the building my place is in used to be a hagwon buisness made into apartments.
I think your talking about a Goshiwon...
As for Shorts and sandals...many club back in the west won't let you with that attire....Hell, even some nice places won't let you in with flip flops.
Sandals in a club are a big no no in many countries... |
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ekul

Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Location: [Mod Edit]
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:29 pm Post subject: |
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Stupid thread. Apples to oranges. |
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nytelyfe
Joined: 31 May 2009
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:41 pm Post subject: |
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ok i just have two points
1. maybe its this board, but you guys complain a lot about Korea, ok, A LOT!
2. The racism thing, yes there is racism in Japan, but as a black man who has lived in japan for 3 years, Ive felt very little. ( even though Ive been attacked by an old man for being black, i dont hold that against japanese people on the wholoe)
i would say 95% of racism here is "positive".
Usually someone coming up to me in a bar, wanting to chat about "hiphop" or basketball, sing some stevie wonder, or rap or or wanting to touch my wang or some shit like that. sure its annoying, but its nothing i can get upset about.
plus meeting the parents is a much more positive experience than what is described by some of my Korean friends who dated foreingers and horror stories of their parents hating foreigners.
Many Japanese people are very delighted and almost happy when their son/daughter is dating a foreinger. maybe its my experience.
it could be comparing apples and oranges, but someone made a thread about it, and i just wanted to point out the fact that...again
you guys complain alot.
thats all.
Im not saying one is better than the other, they are just different.
the whole complaining aspect may speak for it self though, go find some
"living in Japan message boards" and give me half the examples of petty complaints you guys have...and then maybe we got something to work with. |
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Goku
Joined: 10 Dec 2008
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:42 pm Post subject: |
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kabrams wrote: |
Quote: |
Japan - Racism? Hardly |
Are you kidding me?
Japanese racism is so well documented, it's not even funny. I'm not just talking about non-Asian people either.
And the staring is far worse in Japan than it is in Korea, even in Tokyo. It's almost as if they expected me to sprout arms out of my head or something.
I've lived in Japan 1st as a Uni student and then with my sister in Tokyo. Seriously, even though I've only been in Korea for about 2 weeks, I enjoy it much better than I did my 1st 2 weeks in Japan.
I think Korean people are more "open" and aren't afraid to tell you what they think, which I like. I'd much rather have that than Japanese people acting so polite in my face. It got tiring after a while, trying to figure out who was "just being nice" and who really was a friend. But I'm sure this will happen in Korea, too.
I guest the biggest similarity between the two countries is how willing they are to trash each other, and try to get me to participate. Seriously, Korea and Japan have some major sibling rivalry going on. |
Agreed on everything,
Japan is much worse in terms of racism, and you get an odd combination of those with reverse racism too. (Why the hell do we use the term reverse racism btw?)
Never had people faun over me because of my skin color. It's like "I want to get to know you because you're white" in Korea it's more like "I want to get to know you because you speak English."
Also, in Japan if anyone has had experience there are clubs and bars that explicitly deny access to foreigners. It's even more so blatant. In Korea, it's more like a bouncer just saying no. In Japan it's a big freakign sign that's like "we don't want you stealing our women, get out"
Also, what you said about being open is totally true. In Japan, it's more "two-faced". I've mentioned this in previous posts too. Japan you will have people smile and act kind to you, but deep down they're like "this dude is so funny, look at his hair." In Korea it's like "dude what's wrong with your hair"?
I prefer the bluntness of racism. At least we know it exists and can deal with it. I don't like doing guesswork with people I meet wondering, is he pretending to be nice? Or does he really think I'm some dirty gajin. Can I trust him? |
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