Korean Job Discussion Forums

[new challenga]

I'm a Korean-American and I've been dating a Korean girl for about four years. I was wondering if Koreans aren't taught to cover their mouths when they sneeze for whatever reason. I ask this because I constantly have to remind my gf to cover her mouth when she sneezes. I would think this is the type of thing to come naturally. Also, I used to teach English in Korea years ago and the kids I taught never covered their mouths. At the time, I figured it was just because they were kids but now I'm not so sure. I've seen a lot of ahjummas and ahjussis not covering their mouths as well. Any insight would be appreciated. I'm truly curious.

[hondaicivic]

[jvalmer]

^ Everything is cultural.

[joeteacher]

kinda off topic but people, don't use your hands to cover up a sneeze. Use the pit of the elbow (what's it called?).

[koalathekyle]

One of the funniest moments I have had the pleasure of witnessing was with two guy friends, on this topic.

Setting: Walking in a crowded mall in Seoul, going out of a partition like tunnel towards an open area near the food court, so we all have tunnel vision and eyes directed forward noticing this attractive college girl about 10 meters ahead walking towards us, by herself.

As soon as she is about to cross into the tunnel, out of nowhere (from the side, out of view of us) coming into a bust like view is a tall lanky high school kid, almost violently, sneezes out one of the most visual and whiplashing sneezes I have ever seen. Being of his stature, his head flung forward and down DIRECTLY into the college girls face.

We three guys just burst out in laughter, obviously due to what we just witnessed and the girl, while slightly disgusted, simply keeps on walking without a word of wisdom to the high schooler.

The high schoolers friends were all trying to mock our laughter as they did not see the comedy in the situation like we certainly did. If I sneezed directly into a college girls' face at that age, I might find it less embarrassing to simply start running away...

SO in conclusion, yes, sneezing is apparently not a big deal nor do they find it funny, nor sick to sneeze in another persons' face.

[balzor]

[oldfatfarang]

I've had an adult businessman student cough right into my face in class! Not a word said. Everyone sneezes as and when they like - no problem - no idea about germ transmission (or basic hygeine like hand washing with hot soapy water after the bathroom etc).

Interestingly, I've seen Thais just sneeze all over the place. Perhaps it's an Asian thing.

[AsiaESLbound]

My elementary students never cover their mouths and rarely wash their hands so some screwed up gamgi virus is paying us another visit. I feel yucky, painful, and have no energy to go today. I've just been laying around for 2 days all weekend nursing an air heater. There is a lot more colds, sore throat, and flu over here. It's different in Korea, because all 3 slam you in one wallup where it's not just a runny nose.

[eamo]

Koreans don't really think about germ transmission much...........they mostly believe that people get colds from being cold......like, walk past an open window on a cool day and you might get a cold.

My HS students seem to think that the best way to combat their colds is to close all doors and windows, crank up the heating, then cough and splutter over each other...


I think it was only about 10 months after living in Korea that I stopped asking any Korean for medical advice.......except doctors....maybe....

[nobbyken]

I've started to deprogram myself and my mode of sneezing.
I learned the pinch it method of sneezing: with either tissue and/or fingers pinch nostrils together when sneezing. It can make a very loud trumpeting sound, which I've never heard anyone in Korea making, just me.
This method does not help the nose clear itself and my sneezing can go on for 20 or more.
I'm trying to change my sneeze type, but it's so instinctive it's so difficult to change. I've noticed my children sneeze the Korean way and not the way I picked up. It is a more natural and effective method, but the method of doing it without a mouth covering does not show much regard to the hygiene of others.

[sirius black]

I have to think that korean parents don't teach their kids to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze. I constantly harrass my kids about it. One kid a couple weeks ago that I was trying to help explain something in his book coughed right into my open mouth. I chewed him out right away as an automatic reaction. I have told EVERY class I teach to not only cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough but the words 'bless you' after they sneeze so if they are in the presence of a westerner they'll know the culutrally correct thing to say or said to them.

I'll fake a sneeze once in a while with the kids and who ever says 'bless you' gets a treat so that the other kids will do it automatically.

I always thought they wore masks to avoid catching a cold but I was told by my students its worn AFTER you catch a cold. Its a bit too late then isn't it? I've worn a mask in class when it seems like a few of them are coming down with something and there is a bit too much coughing or sneezing.

The manner in which they cough and sneeze openly makes it no wonder they always seem to have a constant cough.

[Died By Bear]

Koreans are a sharing people. They share everything, including the flu.

[crossmr]

[nomad-ish]

although, a few years here and you'll feel like you have super immunity when you go back home!

[trogdor]

It's an asian thing. I just got here from japan and it's pretty much the same, though they have started to have more public service signs to try to improve hygiene.