Korean Job Discussion Forums

hexv · Joined: 14 Dec 2009 Location: Ulsan

Everywhere I go, I hear and see Koreans eating with their mouths open. The result is a variety of smacking, sloshing and slopping sounds that borders on drowning noises and is impossible to ignore. Most of my colleagues have been and studied abroad, and yet, when they come back to Korea, they fall right back into the race of seeing who can get the most air and edibles into their mouths at the same time.

I've been to many countries and lived in a few, and am totally open to the whole thing of being sensitive and accepting towards other cultures, but this is one of those cases where my Western stomach keeps churning through all the SMACK SMACK SMACK as the Asian mouths refuse to remain closed during another bowl of Kimchi Jjigae...

Is it like this everywhere or just in my gastronomic corner of Dehanminguk?

seoulsucker · Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 4:08 am Post subject:

It's everywhere, and it's one of the few things I haven't been able to get over after being here for over six years.

What's funny is that if you ask people if it is considered impolite here you'll get a resounding "YES." I recently received a copy of SMOE's "Foreigner's Guide to Teaching in Korea" or something like that (actually very helpful and informative for n00bs) and there's a whole chapter on etiquette. Listed among Korean diners' finer qualities is the notion that Koreans eat quietly and slowly. Rolling Eyes

Say that to the dozen or so commercials on air now that glorify slurping soup, noodles, or anything else people can shovel into their mouths like pigs at a trough.

Hell, there's even a popular brand of ramyeon noodles called "후루루" which literally translates into "whistling/slurping."

ChilgokBlackHole · Joined: 21 Nov 2009

jonpurdy · Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Location: Ulsan

I've picked up the habit thanks to my co-teachers. My K-gf now has to deal with my slurping, ahhhh!ing, and "어, 시원하다.." whenever we eat.

VanIslander · Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 1:40 pm Post subject:

you can't take the farm out of the farmers

pattinsons · Joined: 28 Jun 2009

It is a bit unsettling when you are eatting with your co-workers, but if that's your biggest problem you encounter then you are doing great.

cj1976 · Joined: 26 Oct 2005

Koreans don't bother me when they eat. It's better than eating with the type people who think putting your elbows on the table is something to be bothered about.
Honestly some white folk need to relax in Korea, otherwise they'll end up having a hear attack.

seoulsucker · Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 7:19 pm Post subject:

egrog1717 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

Speaking of eating it would seem the troll is having a nice snack.

cj1976 · Joined: 26 Oct 2005

nautilus · Joined: 26 Nov 2005 Location: Je jump, Tu jump, oui jump!

Globutron · Joined: 13 Feb 2010 Location: England/Anyang

Eh? I can't say I've noticed at all. They just seem to eat, to me. Like everyone else. The only infuriating difference is the use of chopsticks which I have used ever since I got here and basically spend the entire meal b****ing about their existence...

Harpeau · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Coquitlam, BC

I don't see what the big deal is. I mean, many wine tasters gurgle and slosh around the wine in their mouths. Apparently, allowing air to mix with it helps the enjoyment. One certainly can't say it's OK for drink, but not for food.

I would also challenge your assumptions that making noises while they eat their food is considered rude here. I really don't think that is accurate, or you would see you kids getting cuffed by their parents here. It's just not happening. Again, look at the commercials.

(BTW, I also don't like the noise. But it is a difference of culture. When in Rome....)

chellovek · Joined: 29 Feb 2008

I was eating chicken and drinking whiskey with the principal and the other men teachers, and based on the noise being made I thought "Hell, now here are some guys who love their chicken".