Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sulperman]

Attention all foreigners: (well not everybody, just those of you who drink on the train) Please stop. It is not the done thing. Sure, nobody will stop you. But just because you can do something doesn't mean that you should. It is tacky, it is unnecessary, and it makes you look like an ass. Drink at home! Drink on the street or at a family mart! Drink at a bar! Drink at a restaurant! It is not expensive! Ride the train drunk, that is fine!

But please, please, stop drinking on the train. Have some dignity. Have some self-respect. You aren't a wino. Are you?

[crisdean]

is the bus okay?

But seriously, why do you care if people drink on the train?

[Adventurer]

I think it does look low class, and if it's not done in the target culture, then you should avoid such behavior that is seen as intentionally flaunting the cultural norms of the country. Some of the residents may find the behavior disrespectful even if they don't say anything about it. I, personally, didn't like people holding their drinks and going wherever with in and drinking on the subway. You definitely can't do that in North America without getting arrested. In Korea, you can do that without getting arrested, but it's frowned upon.

[robot]

[jonpurdy]

I never even thought to drink on the subway. Thanks for the idea!

[reactionary]

I've seen Koreans drunk on the subway as well. The vast majority don't. The vast majority of "foreigners" don't drink on the subway either. If we get some kind of image as subway drinkers, well, I can imagine worse. At least no one's lighting a cigarette.

[sulperman]

True, most don't. This is only aimed at those few that do. Though if you regularly take the train through Hongdae on weekend nights like I do, I think you'll find it is a bit more common than you realize.

[KevinLS]

It can take over an hour and a half from where I am in Bundang to the fun places in Seoul. If we can't get started on the train, we'll be way behind by the time we get where we going.

Anyway... maybe tall boys are tacky, but who cares if my friend has some vodka in her Chilsing, and I have gin in little tonic water bottles?

[sulperman]

[brento1138]

I know what the OP is talking about. I was sitting on a subway a few weeks back, and there were about 10 foreigners speaking loudly and drinking. I knew it would cause problems, but didn't care to warn them (since I didn't think they'd care anyways). I just hoped the other Koreans didn't think I was part of their group.

I was surprised how EVERYONE was looking at them (with disgusted looks)... and the weigooks didn't notice (or care) for the longest time. Of course, eventually some Koreans started complaining to them, annoyed by their loud voices and annoying behavior. They tried their best with their limited English to politely ask the foreigners to be respectful. They were surprisingly good after that.

I was thinking "wow, reminds me of my first couple months in Korea." Even back then, I was embarrassed when my friends did that. It especially reminds me of a time when I was on the subway with 3 girls who "appeared" Korean but they were actually Chinese-American and Gyopo. One adjossi yelled like crazy at them (they deserved it) for being drunk and drinking... let's just say I didn't expect that when I was gonna meet up with them (they were fairly new to Korea, I had been here like 3 years). Luckily I don't hang out with the "fresh off the airplane" crew much anymore, so that doesn't happen often.

Anyhow, true. Newbies, please, don't do it. You look like a high school teenager trying to look cool.

[crisdean]

so it's the appearence of drinking, not the drinking itself that offends you. do you spell hypocrite/hipocrite with an 'i' or a 'y'?

[Banana_Man]

Y

and I agree with the OP - there are so many places ot drink guys, keep it off the subway - take a taxi, between 4 people it's not expensive - you can drink as much as you want.

[Hobophobic]

...I think if you drink out of the actual liquor container it doesn't reflect well upon any one - Korean or Foreigner

....but mixed in a pop bottle or travel coffee mug like my 11th grade French Immersion teacher did with her daily Vodka brunch is less risque and somewhat unnoticeable unless you are directly next to the person....

....but atleast you might have a hint to or know why you are getting the stink-eye on the subway if you are drinking...damned if I do....I always have to wonder why the sour stare? Do they perhaps think I am doing boongaboonga with the attractive young lady next to me?

[Khenan]

[sulperman]