Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hwa jang shil]

Not a moan, but a genuine query. I love Korea.

Why are some of the older Koreans so reluctant to sit next to a foreigner on buses, subway?

Just rode the subway for 3 stops, I sat in the middle of the row, 1st stop 2 old blokes got on and sat either side of me leaving a free seat between us, fair enough there was space, next stop 50 something woman got on looked at the seats either side of me and then chose to stand by the door, I got off at the next stop and she rushed for my vacated seat.

I'm not obese, I shower everyday, I don't look like a kiddy fiddler and I don't sit as if I've balls the size of grapefruits with my legs wide open.

Please, does anyone know why this happens every so often? I can understand the stares a little bit as westerners are different looking (though here in Seoul I'd be surprised if there's anyone who hasn't seen one yet) but why the bubble?? Do we have a reputation for spontaneously combusting?

[BoholDiver]

Take it as a blessing. You wouldn't want such a small-minded person sitting next to you, would you?

Also, you can be a bit more comfortable.

[n�fara]

[cj1976]

I have never once seen a Korean person neglect an empty seat on any form of public transport. Usually, I need to protect my ribcage from advancing ajumma elbows as they charge head-down toward the seat.

[djsmnc]

[teretere]

I think you're nuts and delusional.

[balzor]

[UknowsI]

[tefain]

If there's only one space, maybe they just don't like being cramped. On the subway I've noticed many times people will stand rather than sit next to me, but also if there's only one space in the seats across from me they won't bother trying to squeeze in.

On a side note, I have to nominate you for metaphor of the month for the grapefruit analogy.

[atwood]

Since Koreans don't speak to other Koreans on the subway, why would they assume they need to talk to you and in English if they sit beside you?

When I ride the bus, the seat next to me is always the last taken. Since they're either going to be texting, watching TV or sleeping I don't think it's because they're afraid they might have to converse in English.

[NYC_Gal]

I was once hit by an ajumma's purse when she threw it onto the seat next to me to ensure that nobody else got it!

Sometimes, I start coughing and sniffling just so people WON'T sit next to me. I always give up my seat for old people (not wearing heels) though.

[Css]

How do you know she was avoiding you? Maybe she didnt wanna see next to those massive grapefruit ball having ajosshis on the other side of the gap..

[sulperman]

You get a seat? You lucky bastard! I would kill for a seat! Alas, my busy area and commuting time makes a seat a fantastic dream, something that would never never ever happen.

[The Gipkik]

Keep an eye on how other Koreans behave during non-rush hour travel on subways. I sometimes prefer to stand because my stop is not too far off so I stand. I've seen many people standing while there are a couple of extra seats available on subways and I never thought that the Korean person next to the empty seat was extraordinary in anyway. Sometimes it is just the coincidence of people prefering to stand when there is a seat available next to you--nearby stop, more comfortable standing, etc. Of course, you might be a strong eye contact kind of person, making eye contact with many people, which makes some Koreans uncomfortable because expectations are built into that behavior--strong eye contact in public with strangers is definitely not part of this culture.

[Yaya]