Korean Job Discussion Forums

canadianpicaso · Joined: 27 Jan 2004

I was wondering if some Western gals who are living in Korea could give me some insight as to how they have been treated.

One friend told me that Western women are treated as "tokens" by Korean men. As in, it brings up their social status to date one, but they really have no respect for them.

Another friend told me that if a Korean man pinches your butt, it is socially acceptable. It is just his way of telling you you are attractive and that I should not be offended if this happens to me. Is this true??

I am blonde, petite and fairly attractive, and I will be teaching in a town of roughly 150,000. Can I expect to be gawked at? Or will I be treated just like any other foreigner?

Again, forgive my ignorance. I have no wish to offend...I do not know if these are stereotypes I have been hearing or the truth. Embarassed

Picaso

Crois · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 2:04 pm Post subject:

Ive actually given my flatmate a black eye. By mistake. I think the best thing would be to hang out with some guys everynow and then. Korean men might leave you alone more. Just let it brush over you and try not to put your self in a situation like that. If anyone comes up to you just tell them to *beep* off.

One thing all foreigners are looked at here. Just dont get upset if someone asks if you are Russian.

Which part of Korea you going to?

But usually Korean people can tend to be overly friendly and want to do stuff with you. Just walk away most of the time.

~edited by waterbaby 20/2~

peppermint

ryleeys · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, MD

I live in the same size city, 150,000 or so, and I don't get gawked at. I rarely get approached. Admittedly, I'm a fairly average guy, but still... I also wouldn't say to dress any different than your normally do. The fashion style here is as varied as any other country.

But I do recommend finding one restaurant/bar place you like and going there 3 times a week or so. The owner will recognize you, the regulars will recognize you, and it's quite pleasant.

canadianpicaso · Joined: 27 Jan 2004

Thanks for the insight Pepermint. Although it sounds like a huge double standard if you get lectured for wearing a tank top when a Korean girl is wearing even less nearby....and what do you mean you were slapped!?!?

I will be living in the same city as Ryleeys...Icheon. Its nice to know that you don't get gwaked at....but do you think that would be different if you were a woman?

I would think you would get stared at more in a small town then in a big city...but then, you have all stared at all foreigners get stared at, no matter what you look like. [/quote]

ryleeys · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, MD

Having never been a woman, I honestly couldn't tell ya.

Icheonites are used to foreigners though... apparently there are quite a few here, not that I ever saw them until I found them online. But I don't think that men are treated any differently than women here... Icheon is a family oriented city. So all the people in their 20's typically go to Seoul on the weekend. And some 35 year old Korean guy is going to know better than to start something with a western girl.

I found it exceedingly easy to blend in. My first nearly 3 months here I didn't know anyone that spoke English very well and spent alot of time alone and didn't have any problems... it's a little lonely, but there's things to do.

As far as clothes, I mentioned some time ago that I'm looking forward to summer when I can toss on some khaki shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, and sandals and someone on this board flamed me for that... but as far as I'm concerned, dress in what's comfortable. I think people here can generally be too sensitive to other people's perceptions because it's harder to tell what a Korean's perceptions of you are unless they tell you... it's hard when you're learning a culture, and no matter how long you live here, you're always going to be learning something about the culture.

peppermint · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 8:12 pm Post subject:

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

Hey...I am petite with sandy blonde hair/blue eyes. I have been in Korea off and on for 3 years. I get asked if I am Russian quite a bit. Yes, some Korean men will treat you as a token...but it is cute. The butt-pinching thing has never happened to me.

The Man known as The Man · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:11 am Post subject:

Give it time, princess.

Blue Flower · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 9:13 pm Post subject:

You should be ok. Yes you will get stared at, and watch yourself around the drunken ajossis as they stumble home. we are magnets for all types of weirdoes and freaks.

Korea has made me feel really conservative about my clothes, which sucks. You do get used to being stared at. I hardly notice it any more.

Try not to get offended when you get called "Russian". Which you will. Many times. Laughing

I haven't dated any Korean men either, but the guys I work with are very polite, and bow when they see me (which is nice!)

If a Korean man slaps you on the ass, slap him back! But I doubt that will happen. Though one girl I know got dong-chimmed "frontally" as she crossed a street. Not a happy camper.

tsgarp · Joined: 01 Dec 2003

peppermint · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:21 am Post subject:

tsgarp · Joined: 01 Dec 2003

peppermint · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:42 am Post subject:

No, as I recall, it was very, very hot. Otherwise I would've worn something a little less revealing, and I know better than to go au naturel in this or any country. D cups without support don't stay attractive for very long.

tsgarp · Joined: 01 Dec 2003