Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bear dog]

I'll be going to Korea in the middle of February for the first time with the EPIK program. I'm 6'5" 210, with a thick, neatish beard. I was just wondering how this would affect my experience; socially and professionally. As a young(er) teacher in the states I've found the beard to be a useful teaching tool... will it be the same in Korea? How scared(read intimidated) will the children be? Will I be marked out as more of an outsider with it? Also in college I've had shoulder length hair (not a hippie though), and if possible I'd like to bring that back. How does the Jesus look go over? If anyone could give me a heads up on what to expect, it would be appreciated.

[Michael_75]

I love your post.

As regards practical advice I have none.

[lifeinkorea]

[bear dog]

Wow, my first troll response... pretty exciting... a little lackluster though...(flex a chin?)... Oh well... For you and other(apparantly testosterone challenged) people who probably do not know what I'm getting at, Having a beard allows me appear older than I am, especially with high school students where the age difference is practically nonexistent.The classes are better behaved, easily managed. Would a beard in Korea be more of a novelty, and therefore less effective?

Thanks- Edit Courtesy of Life in Korea (see below)

Further improved Courtesy of Ponyo (see further below)

[lifeinkorea]

[ponyo]

[Mr. Pink]

I can respond about the height:

Your kids will be shocked. They might call you giant teacher. It's all in good fun though.

People WILL stare are you. It doesn't matter what type of foreigner you are, you get stares, but being taller seems to put you more in the spotlight.

I can handle side comments from the kids or the stares. Things you will need to get used to is ducking ALOT. This is a country made for short people. Doorways and stairways aren't made with the vertically gifted in mind. This past Christmas I was wearing a hat and misjudged the height a doorway. Whapping my head on it as I was going out wasn't a nice experience.

Also, seating at events is going to be painful for you. We are in that club of people who wants the emergency exit seat in the airplane. In Korea, seating is made for those who are shorter. Expect to feel uncomfortable. Learn which places you go to has the worst seating and don't go again. I am referring to events like concerts or going to the movies. I typically try to get a row where I have more space in front of me. So for concerts, front row balcony works.

As for the hair thing, why not show up with the beard, and see what the reaction is. It can always be shaved off. Grow your hair long once you get over here. People will have an easier time adjusting when it is happening in front of their eyes.

However, you should know: Korea is a country where clean shaven and short hair seem par for the course for most Korean men.

[bliss]

As a woman, I prefer men who are tidy-looking and clean-cut. Long hair and a beard is not attractive... in my opinion. I suspect that many/most Korean women feel the same, though I'm no expert.

[frankly speaking]

Mr. Pink gives good advice.

OP, you cannot get upset at posters calling them trolls when you open yourself up to attacks.

I love this gem
" I've found the beard to be a useful teaching tool"

Someone must have very little experience or ability if he relies on his beard to assert an air of stability.

If the cold bothers you and you want a beard keep it.

Two things to consider, 1. you should look similar to your id picture in your passport. If you have a beard in your passport photo it is often easier to travel with a beard. Especially if you look a lot different. (not really a big issue but why have the immigration person stare at your photo and you 4-5 times.
2. Koreans especially kids will give you a hard time about the beard and long hair.

I would also suggest losing some weight. You will be called fat also.

As a teacher, you already know not to take anything personal that the kids say. Most are trying to get a reaction and see what they can get away with.

(I cannot believe people are still using the word hippie for people with long hair. Hippies have been gone for quite a while, can't you come up with a new term for people with long hair?)

[Konglishman]

[bear dog]

Mr. Pink: thanks for your response, thats exactly the kind of information I am looking for.
Bliss: you haven't seen my beard.
Frankly Speaking: I think you're working under the assumption that I am taking myself too seriously. I appreciate the information you provided. I don't believe a beard alone can create an "air of stability". But for whatever reason it seems to help(especially with students you don't see on a daily basis). The less time spent on classroom management is more time spent learning. Also it's not my responsibility to update terminology, besides hippies are still around.

All in good fun.

[frankly speaking]

210 pounds is quite large. That size differential will be considered fat in Korean terms.

In the US, he might be called a beefcake but not here.

[ponyo]

5-9 210 is fat, but 6-5 and 210 (bmi 24.9), is not. bmi > 25 = overweight, bmi > 30 = obese. http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

actually, trying to say someone's "fat" based on their weight alone isn't very smart, since very muscular people are often heavy, but obviously the opposite of fat. conversely, very light/thin women are often fatter, in terms of % of body fat. i see a ton of skinny fat korean girls.

[frankly speaking]

OK, you are right no one in Korea will call him fat at all. I am wrong because the BMI is exactly what Koreans reference when they look at western people. (being sarcastic)

Even people of normal weight height ratios in the US are often considered fat in Korea.

Overall the OP will be fine but he as Mr. Pink said will often get some hazing from kids. Not a big deal.

[ponyo]

here's 6-4, 210 randy moss:
http://lloydvance.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/rmoss.jpg
you're telling me people would call randy moss fat? if so, they'd have to call just about everybody in the country fat as well.