Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Jeunesse]

Yesterday my fever symptoms started getting REALLY bad. White patches on throat, chills, fainting. So I call the �English speaking� hospital.

Woman on the other end figures out I speak English and only a little bit of Korean and she starts... laughing at me.

Apparently it is a very, very funny joke, when someone is very sick, to only know English and call a hospital that advertises itself as having English language services.

I�m used to Koreans giggling when they see me in public. Apparently it is very funny to spot a lone honky on the street. But during a medical emergency? NO.

I thought maybe the laughing and the not-taking-me-seriously was just a one-time incident with the hospital. Not so much. When I approached the ER, apparently it was HILARIOUS, yet again, that a weygook was sick. They were laughing so hard it took them a while to realize I was serious.

I was subject to stares and dirty looks like I was the Elephant Man. Apparently being sick is a moral weakness. Being a FOREIGN person being sick is even worse.

I feel like I should have worn a big red �O� for outsider. I have never felt so ashamed just for needing medical attention.

At least I'm not sick any more - the medicine they ended up giving me is working wonders at least. And thankfully the hospital visit ended up being very inexpensive, compared to the highway robbery it would have been back home.

ANYWAYS.

I'm wondering - is it normal to get this kind of response during an emergency here?

Should I be finding a doctor I have a good relationship with? (Unfortunately it's not likely my hagwon director will give me health insurance

And: How did you find a good doctor? Trial and error? Friend recommendation? Your city's international center?

I'm pretty shaken right now and would like some guidance.

Thanks in advance.

[Leslie Cheswyck]

Laughter is the best medicine.

[Jeunesse]

[GwangjuParents]

Some people giggle/laugh when they're nervous. She may have been afraid to speak English.

Don't be paranoid. The Koreans aren't out to get you.

[Jeunesse]

[snowysunshine]

I'm someone who usually does get giggled at when I'm in public in Korea. That being said, I've never experienced this type of behavior at any hospital in Korea. I always found that they were quick, efficient, and gave me exactly what I needed to get better as soon as possible.

I'm really sorry for your experience. It might be time to find a different hospital to go to.

[Jeunesse]

[saram_]

At least I'm not sick any more - the medicine they ended up giving me is working wonders at least. And thankfully the hospital visit ended up being very inexpensive, compared to the highway robbery it would have been back home.


This is the most important point. Obviously they knew how serious it was exactly...and didn't underestimate..

Its all good.

[Scotticus]

[Jeunesse]

[canactuary]

It may be you were treated unfairly. But it could be as a previous poster said that she was nervous of speaking english. I've read that saving face is important in Korean culture and I agree. In the office if someone makes a mistake he/she may smile not because they find their mistake funny but because they are nervous or embarassed and want to save face.

[madoka]

[CKAB]

Sorry you had to go through that, that's degrading. Even back in the USA if someone spoke with a heavy accent from another country it wouldn't get you cracking-up laughter from somewhere that's as serious as a hospital. Sheesh.

[crescent]

[darkjedidave]

This is the very reason I own and wear a few "Take a picture, it will last longer" t shirts