Korean Job Discussion Forums

Holden · Joined: 19 Feb 2003 Location: Korea

I hate going shopping on the weekend. The ajushi at the main store screams through a microphone full volume so that it's mostly static, all day long, non stop. What the hell could he be saying so vibrantly and fluently about vegetables? It's bad enough but he's wired to speakers outside the store that reverberate for a 1/2 kilometer radius, which includes several high rise apt. buildings. Why do Koreans put up with this? After two minutes in the store I'm dying to flatten the guy. It's the most stressful /chaotic atmosphere for shopping. I gave up and jetted to a restaurant.

capa21 · Joined: 03 Nov 2003

Agreed. I don't know how Koreans put up with it either. Even the guys selling fruit on the street with the looped tapes playing for hours and hours. I've been tempted to throw various projectiles out my apartment window and knocking out the guy who sells bananas every weekend.
I understand its a tough gig selling fruit on the street but the megaphones have gotta go.

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

You'll get over it. Its not so bad once you understand what he is saying. It doesn't sound like shouting, it sounds like language.

mithridates · Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 4:40 am Post subject:

I assume there's a breaking point somewhere. When the store next to someone starts getting louder they decide they have to get a loudspeaker, and then the next one decides to pump music out front, and so on. Once it gets really bad people start to complain (assumedly) and then things tone down a bit. The problem is that Koreans' breaking point seems to be much higher than the people on this board. They seem to be able to put up with a lot.

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

shawner88 · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

It sounds like shouting to me too. There's one in my town. I can't understand it because it's the only market in town that sells vegetables, and the guy is yelling all over town about them. It's is so loud. How can anyone work there 12 hours/day?

Homer · Guest

Actually, Just Because makes an excellent point.

Once you understand what the person is saying it seems to lose much of its "annoyance" factor.

mithridates · Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 5:37 am Post subject:

Homer! Seeing you just made me remember something. After getting back from Japan the first time and watching Simpsons with a few friends the thought struck me that Homer probably has a really annoying voice for those that don't know the language. Kind of like the cartoon Crayon Shinchan in Japan (Korean name is...Jjanggu I think).
Anyway, good point. Though if the volume is loud enough to damage your ears, that's cause for complaint whether it makes sense or not. ^^

Homer · Guest

For sure Mith,

It can indeed be too loud...like those stores in certain shopping areas...!

dogbert · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Location: Killbox 90210

shawner88 · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

If some guy was yelling at full volume in English about cucumbers, I'd be equally annoyed.

HardyandTiny · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

shawner88 · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

How about the high rises with the playgrounds in the middle. You wake up at 8:00 on a Saturday and kids are shouting and screaming everywhere. No wonder they charge more for the higher apartments.

lush72 · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Location: I am Penalty Kick!

cutter-saram · Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Location: at the epicenter

i agree with the annoying part. big brother shouting some incoherent babble from his slow moving propaganda wagon, or as some less scrutinous would accuse to be fruit trucks.
as for shouting, every time im on the subway, or in another public place, koreans seem chat at inordinate levels. ironically, me and my chingus have been yelled at merely for talking as if it was offensive to there ears--of course it could also be because we were been drunk and lusting for their women. mulla.
anyways, i also have entertained throwing things from my window at those trucks. youre not alone; theres a silent resistance