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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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Forward Observer
Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Location: FOB Gloria
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 Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 4:24 pm Post subject: |
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| I was on the subway a few years ago - spied a western couple sitting in the elderly/handicapped seating. They looked new to Korea *starry eyes, looking all around* so I went over to them just before my stop and said in a non-threatening, neutral voice that these seats were reserved for those people. The guy gives me an evil look and says, "YEAH we KNOW" - I just had to smile and laugh. |
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blaseblasphemener
Joined: 01 Jun 2006
Location: There's a voice, keeps on calling me, down the road, that's where I'll always be
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| Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 7:26 pm Post subject: |
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| When I give up my seat, I just get up and walk to the door area, then I don't have to go through the whole theatrics of having the person try to keep standing, "no no that's ok, I'll stand" kind of thing. I hate that. I love it when the younger Koreans don't immediately give up their seat, waiting for someone else to give up their seat, and the big Waygookin shows them up by giving up his seat. You can see the shame in their eyes. I'd stand for an hour for that piece of oneupmanship. |
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trish91198
Joined: 21 Dec 2008
Location: Jukjeon
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| Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 10:44 pm Post subject: |
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| crescent wrote: |
| trish91198 wrote: |
| I have NEVER seen a younger Korean get up from a subway seat for an elderly person. It kind of upsets me. You hear all this stuff about Koreans having respect for their elders, yet I'm the one who stands up and offers my seat to them. Although, many a time when I do offer my seat, the ajumma or ajoshi refuses and we go back and forth a bit, but at least I offer. Respect...I rarely see it here. |
Elementary school kids have their own special place in confucianism. Middle school kids are generally lazy asses and ignorant until forced not to be. I've seen plenty of young adults and mature adults give up their seats. In fact they spring up to attention and physically coerce their senior to the seat.
Still, how many youngsters do you see in the handicapped seats on subways? I've never seen it. |
I wasn't referring to elementary kids. I was referring to perfectly able adults who sit there listening to their mp3 player or watching tv on their telephone while ajummas are standing hunched over. I also wasn't referring to just the handicapped seats, I was referring to ALL seats. I'm not saying this always happens, but in my eyes, it's the norm |
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crescent
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Location: yes.
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| Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 11:46 pm Post subject: |
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| trish91198 wrote: |
| crescent wrote: |
| trish91198 wrote: |
| I have NEVER seen a younger Korean get up from a subway seat for an elderly person. It kind of upsets me. You hear all this stuff about Koreans having respect for their elders, yet I'm the one who stands up and offers my seat to them. Although, many a time when I do offer my seat, the ajumma or ajoshi refuses and we go back and forth a bit, but at least I offer. Respect...I rarely see it here. |
Elementary school kids have their own special place in confucianism. Middle school kids are generally lazy asses and ignorant until forced not to be. I've seen plenty of young adults and mature adults give up their seats. In fact they spring up to attention and physically coerce their senior to the seat.
Still, how many youngsters do you see in the handicapped seats on subways? I've never seen it. |
I wasn't referring to elementary kids. I was referring to perfectly able adults who sit there listening to their mp3 player or watching tv on their telephone while ajummas are standing hunched over. I also wasn't referring to just the handicapped seats, I was referring to ALL seats. I'm not saying this always happens, but in my eyes, it's the norm |
Um, Actually you DID say that you have NEVER seen it. So now I call BS on your lengthy 5 month observation in country, since you can't even remember your own words for a few hours.
You, obviously being younger than most other adults in the subway SHOULD be the one first to get up. Next time, be a star and don't accept NO for an answer. Otherwise you shouldn't even be commenting on them.
Furthermore, being elderly, the people in question would be Halmony or Haraboji. |
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kentucker4
Joined: 03 Sep 2007
Location: Georgia
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| Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 12:16 am Post subject: |
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| trish91198 wrote: |
| I have NEVER seen a younger Korean get up from a subway seat for an elderly person. It kind of upsets me. You hear all this stuff about Koreans having respect for their elders, yet I'm the one who stands up and offers my seat to them. Although, many a time when I do offer my seat, the ajumma or ajoshi refuses and we go back and forth a bit, but at least I offer. Respect...I rarely see it here. |
That's not true at all, I always see younger people get up for elders on subways and buses here. My wife is a young Korean and would ALWAYS get up for elders when she lived here.
Respect to elders is much bigger here than in the west. I like it. When you see an old person standing without a seat, just get up. |
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trish91198
Joined: 21 Dec 2008
Location: Jukjeon
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| Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 12:29 am Post subject: |
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| Look, I'm not here to start an argument. I was simply stating what I have seen. It's not something for you to get all defensive about. People have opinions are free to share them, isn't what this place is all about? I've obviously had different subway experiences than you have, even in my "lengthy 5 month observation in country." |
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wakingup
Joined: 20 May 2009
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| Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 12:44 am Post subject: |
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I'd say that was a 2 wrongs don't make a right experience.
You were wrong for sitting there. Period. You were extra wrong for sitting there when a visibly elderly man with a cane came into the car.
He was wrong for yelling/swatting you. Both wrong. No one was a winner here.
Personally, I never sit in the handicapped seats (yes, Korean youths sometimes do it, but just because there are a few Koreans who break the rules doesn't mean I should, too), and, in fact, I'll give up a seat in the other area to a small child, visibly pregnant woman, elderly person, or someone who looks like they're injured or handicapped in any way. That's just basic common decency. |
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crescent
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Location: yes.
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| Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 1:05 am Post subject: |
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| trish91198 wrote: |
| Look, I'm not here to start an argument. I was simply stating what I have seen. It's not something for you to get all defensive about. People have opinions are free to share them, isn't what this place is all about? I've obviously had different subway experiences than you have, even in my "lengthy 5 month observation in country." |
Oh really? Defensive now? No, just pointing out:
1. You don't seem very sure about what you have seen.
2. You contradicted yourself stating a simple observation.
3. You were younger than the other adults on the train, which makes YOU the one who should be getting up first and thus, making your entire 'opinion' moot.
Mkay? |
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Ilsanman
Joined: 15 Aug 2003
Location: Bucheon, Korea
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| Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 2:34 am Post subject: |
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I also don't sit in those seats, so it's moot.
This whole situation is hypocritical. Elders are suposedly respected in Korea for many reasons. One of them is that 'society values their leadership.' So what kind of role model for a society thinks hitting people in the legs is okay? In my world, if you dish it out, you'd better darn well be able to take it.
The most extreme thing I would likely do is grab his cane and throw it aside.
I don't give up my seat very often. I only do it if the old person looks physically unable to sit. When I had my elbow in a cast, not only did no one yield a seat to me, but every 3rd person passing by me had to bump me. Yeah, thanks Korea. Also, the time when I hurt myself jogging, I was visibly limping, but people would push past me to get the seat first. You reap what you sow.
Even a few weeks ago when I took out my daughter alone, she was sleeping on my shoulder, and no one gave up their seat. After a few stops, someone offered their seat to me, but just because she was getting off. I was only 3 stops from home by now, so I refused. Some older lady tried to physically shove me into the seat then, until I told her to piss off. I don't accept insincere things.
| wakingup wrote: |
I'd say that was a 2 wrongs don't make a right experience.
You were wrong for sitting there. Period. You were extra wrong for sitting there when a visibly elderly man with a cane came into the car.
He was wrong for yelling/swatting you. Both wrong. No one was a winner here.
Personally, I never sit in the handicapped seats (yes, Korean youths sometimes do it, but just because there are a few Koreans who break the rules doesn't mean I should, too), and, in fact, I'll give up a seat in the other area to a small child, visibly pregnant woman, elderly person, or someone who looks like they're injured or handicapped in any way. That's just basic common decency. |
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The Grumpy Senator
Joined: 13 Jan 2008
Location: Up and down the 6 line
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| Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 3:35 am Post subject: |
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| Ilsanman wrote: |
I also don't sit in those seats, so it's moot.
This whole situation is hypocritical. Elders are suposedly respected in Korea for many reasons. One of them is that 'society values their leadership.' So what kind of role model for a society thinks hitting people in the legs is okay? In my world, if you dish it out, you'd better darn well be able to take it.
The most extreme thing I would likely do is grab his cane and throw it aside.
I don't give up my seat very often. I only do it if the old person looks physically unable to sit. When I had my elbow in a cast, not only did no one yield a seat to me, but every 3rd person passing by me had to bump me. Yeah, thanks Korea. Also, the time when I hurt myself jogging, I was visibly limping, but people would push past me to get the seat first. You reap what you sow.
Even a few weeks ago when I took out my daughter alone, she was sleeping on my shoulder, and no one gave up their seat. After a few stops, someone offered their seat to me, but just because she was getting off. I was only 3 stops from home by now, so I refused. Some older lady tried to physically shove me into the seat then, until I told her to piss off. I don't accept insincere things.
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The past few weeks, I have taken my daughter out 3-4 times a week on our daily trips around Seoul. We have not had any issues. In fact, she has aquired about 12,000 won in ice cream money, an apple, a toy that blows bubbles and tons of candy. People have taken pictures of her playing and gladly give up their seat for us. I am going to miss these trips once the semester restarts. My daughter can make the toughest-looking ajumma smile.
I guess your attitude shows on your face. It is ironic how the usual Korea-bashers continue to have negative experiences, but those of us optimist with positive attitudes get to take advantage of the good things Koreans have to offer.
Oh yeah, easy. Don't sit the "senior seats." |
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Ilsanman
Joined: 15 Aug 2003
Location: Bucheon, Korea
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| Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 3:54 am Post subject: |
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I have also received, to date, over 50,000 in spending money for my daughter from non-family. It could have been more, but I don't let strangers touch her.
I have done perfectly well here. I just didn't get offered a seat when I was hurt. If I looked all negative or whatever, it was probably because my surgically repaired elbow was in pain, and everyone kept bumping into me because they're retards.
| The Grumpy Senator wrote: |
| Ilsanman wrote: |
I also don't sit in those seats, so it's moot.
This whole situation is hypocritical. Elders are suposedly respected in Korea for many reasons. One of them is that 'society values their leadership.' So what kind of role model for a society thinks hitting people in the legs is okay? In my world, if you dish it out, you'd better darn well be able to take it.
The most extreme thing I would likely do is grab his cane and throw it aside.
I don't give up my seat very often. I only do it if the old person looks physically unable to sit. When I had my elbow in a cast, not only did no one yield a seat to me, but every 3rd person passing by me had to bump me. Yeah, thanks Korea. Also, the time when I hurt myself jogging, I was visibly limping, but people would push past me to get the seat first. You reap what you sow.
Even a few weeks ago when I took out my daughter alone, she was sleeping on my shoulder, and no one gave up their seat. After a few stops, someone offered their seat to me, but just because she was getting off. I was only 3 stops from home by now, so I refused. Some older lady tried to physically shove me into the seat then, until I told her to piss off. I don't accept insincere things.
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The past few weeks, I have taken my daughter out 3-4 times a week on our daily trips around Seoul. We have not had any issues. In fact, she has aquired about 12,000 won in ice cream money, an apple, a toy that blows bubbles and tons of candy. People have taken pictures of her playing and gladly give up their seat for us. I am going to miss these trips once the semester restarts. My daughter can make the toughest-looking ajumma smile.
I guess your attitude shows on your face. It is ironic how the usual Korea-bashers continue to have negative experiences, but those of us optimist with positive attitudes get to take advantage of the good things Koreans have to offer.
Oh yeah, easy. Don't sit the "senior seats." |
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Slowmotion
Joined: 15 Aug 2009
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| Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 5:39 pm Post subject: |
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| trish91198 wrote: |
| I have NEVER seen a younger Korean get up from a subway seat for an elderly person. It kind of upsets me. You hear all this stuff about Koreans having respect for their elders, yet I'm the one who stands up and offers my seat to them. Although, many a time when I do offer my seat, the ajumma or ajoshi refuses and we go back and forth a bit, but at least I offer. Respect...I rarely see it here. |
Uhhh I see it all the time, especially if it's a really old person. |
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Pwillig
Joined: 26 Jan 2009
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| Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 6:14 pm Post subject: |
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| ITT: my youthful body was clearly more deserving of a seat rather than this man requiring 3 legs to move about. |
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waseige1
Joined: 09 Oct 2008
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| Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 6:19 pm Post subject: Ditto... |
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| blaseblasphemener wrote: |
| When I give up my seat, I just get up and walk to the door area, then I don't have to go through the whole theatrics of having the person try to keep standing, "no no that's ok, I'll stand" kind of thing. I hate that. I love it when the younger Koreans don't immediately give up their seat, waiting for someone else to give up their seat, and the big Waygookin shows them up by giving up his seat. You can see the shame in their eyes. I'd stand for an hour for that piece of oneupmanship. |
I am pushing 50 and love giving up my seat first and then looking at the Young-Uns for the rest of the ride. I also enjoy helping elderly women carry their pull carts up and down the stairways at the subway stations while all the other locals walk by. I have gotten smiles worth a million bucks with a few of these things and maybe changed the minds of a couple people in the land of Korea regarding us foreigners.
Another one that seems to completely throw them out of kilter is to open the door for ladies and wait for them to go first. |
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Pwillig
Joined: 26 Jan 2009
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| Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 6:27 pm Post subject: Re: Ditto... |
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| waseige1 wrote: |
Another one that seems to completely throw them out of kilter is to open the door for ladies and wait for them to go first. |
This infuriates me. A lot of these rural kids are simply ill-mannered brats. Just the other day, some old lady was sort of struggling to get down the steps on the bus, and some high school kid knocks past me and her to get off first. After that, I held my arms out so nobody else was getting past me until the lady was off. I have to pull this tactic a lot because it seems perfectly acceptable to push your way through people to get on/off the bus. |
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