Korean Job Discussion Forums

[fromtheuk]

Before I came to Korea in May 2007, I must confess I didn't know a great deal about the place.

I did some research. I knew it was an ally of America, I had read some of them eat dogs etc.

I was a bit anxious before I arrived in Korea, because I wasn't sure if they had running water, electricity, and gas 24 hrs a day like in England.

Yes, I reallywas that ignorant.

I expected Korea to be a place where good manners would exist. I have always associated Asian countries (China, Japan, Korea, etc.) with good manners.

I was aware of the bowing part of their culture, and their respect of elders.

I don't bow to people, but I respect their intention to show others respect.

Thankfully, I have experienced good manners as stated above. I have met some very helpful, kind Koreans.

I didn't expect the blatant ridicule. I was a little disappointed about that. I suppose I was naiive to expect an Asian utopia i.e. a place where everybody respects everybody else all the time.

Looking back, it's embarrassing I had such high expectations. As a child in England, I used to watch Bruce Lee movies and whenever programmes about Asian countries (as listed above) came on tv, I felt quite a lot of respect for these people.

They appeared to be wise, dignified, intelligent and cultured.

I see these qualities still exist here, but the shallow 'modern' image of Korea does make people appear to be crass and a bit awful.

I didn't expect the subway system to be as excellent as it is. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that out.

Although I rant about my work environment, I respect Koreans. I've found some of them to be fairly genuine.

Lastly, despite some negative Korean attitudes, I feel I care about them a bit. I find them quite likeable, some of the time.

What did you expect?

[Oreovictim]

You watched a lot of Bruce Lee movies as a kid? Did you walk into a galbi place and say, "I'd like some Korean spare ribs! What? You, you don't know what Korean spare ribs are? Well, let me show you, man." (Bam!)

[Cheonmunka]

[Oreovictim]

[Cheonmunka]

Well, one of the Bruce's. Maybe it was the guy in, 'They call Me Bruce.'

That's odd though. I always thought when watching the movies the place (HK) looks exactly the same on screen in the BK movies as when I saw it walking through it.

Anyway, my sentiments still remain about the thing.

[The evil penguin]

[Pwillig]

Definitely more red carpet entries and parades for the most honored foreign English teacher.

I honestly wasn't prepared for hearing "handsome guy" all the time or the amount of caressing my biceps and chest would elicit - from men. -_-

[kg2095]

I expected a cleaner, more mordern looking Korea.

I was surprised at the lack of architectural style and the tacky look and feel to the place.

[waynehead]

My expectations and understanding of Korea before I arrived were so far off the mark that I'd be afraid to admit them publicly.

[Sakamoto]

[The evil penguin]