Korean Job Discussion Forums

Gollum · Joined: 04 Sep 2003 Location: Japan

There is this dumb ajumma and ajjoshi who run a flat truck selling fruit and/or fish in Itaewon by the post office. They started by parking up on the sidewalk of this area, and have gradually moved out enough every other day to block the street going up the hill. Sure, you can get around them, but it takes some doing sometimes.

I finally had enough the other night when the taxi I was riding in had to do a 4 point turn to get around. I opened my window and chewed her out big-time through the window -- saying basically, "Ajumma, move your truck. This isn't a parking lot!"

Stupid idiots all looked at me like I was an evil foreigner for getting angry with someone older. The taxi driver I was with was sort of shocked by it too, and just laughed. He had to be 90.

I don't care that I'm in Korea... age is no excuse for acting like an idiot.

capa21 · Joined: 03 Nov 2003

Amen. I've been here for 3 months and this was the first thing that really bothered me..and still does everyday. Especially when they stand in the middle of the sidewalk waiting for the bus. I guess people don't like to make eye contact here so they keep their heads down. I'm only willing to move a little so I've knocked a few people off balance and even on their ass a few times. Then I wonder if I should apologize or not. I usually don't cause if I did I they wouldn't get the point. It's also bad when everyone has their umbrellas out when its raining. Unless they want to lose an eye they better learn some sidewalk etiquette.

sadsac · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Gwangwang

This is Korea folks. The land where if you are not family or friend then you are invisible. They don't care what we think. They don't have the same values regarding common everyday courtesy that we extend to friends and strangers alike. If they had the stupid people police here, 70 percent of the population would get arrested, including many foreigners. One day they may learn that to be part of the world you need to be understanding of some of the fundemental differences. It is a shame that they also carry this indifference to others, with them when they travel. Smile

coolsage · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 9:06 am Post subject:

I've been here long enough to become somewhat desentisized to many of the foibles that are uniquely Korean, and there's no need to reprise them here. Suffice to say that in your lifetime, (most) Koreans won't get that most Westerners don't enjoy abrupt physical contact with people that they don't already know. I've learned the 'Korea Sidestep' by now, but I still get blindsided once in a while.

The Man known as The Man · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 9:53 am Post subject: Re: getting pushed around

the eye · Joined: 29 Jan 2004

another thing that may seem very subtle to us westerners is -eye contact-
If you look at the oncoming traffic in the face, you have already given 'right of way'
Koreans pick up on this...they think you have acknowledged their approach and therefore will give them space

Maranag · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Location: Anyang, South Korea

It depends. If you give them a look like you're ready to give way, they won't move.

If, on the other had, you channel the resolve of a brick wall into your steady, unyielding gaze... trust me, my friend, they will move.

I used to get annoyed by this pushing and shoving, until I adopted what is probably the Korean attitude about this: I just go where I want to go (and steel my shoulders/arms for the punishment (they give out!!)). In fact, I just don't worry about it anymore. If the only contact a Korean will have with you is to give you a little bump, well .. hey ... may as well make it a good one!

Oh, and ... I also make an effort to move if I notice the reciprocal thought process happening within the person I'm approaching.

batman · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:03 pm Post subject:

When I lived in Japan, pushing and shoving was not an issue. In Korea, which is another kettle of squid altogether, I just give it as good as it comes.
When in Rome, do as the Romans....

The Man known as The Man · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:07 pm Post subject:

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

I usually give more than I get. I love it when I go to exit the subway and some ajuma runs into me. I just keep walking and she's got no choice but to back up.

I feel sorry when kids run into me and get hurt, but if they learn when young enough to LOOK WHERE YOU ARE GOING...I can save one of the little ones from becoming a bull ajuma or ajushi.