Korean Job Discussion Forums

bbbcd · Joined: 10 Aug 2009

I don't have the best relationship with my co-teacher.

He usually gives me a ride to and from school, which is really far away from my home (a good 30 minute walk to his apartment, and another 30 minutes to the school by car). While we were on our way home from school today, he told me that if he were cause an auto accident while I was a passenger in his car, that I should pay for any hospital fees should I get hurt.

I was very taken aback by this comment, and for the next 20 minutes he passionately explained that he doesn't feel that he should be financially responsible for any injuries I might sustain while in his vehicle.

What do you guys think? Is it even possible for me to agree to pay my own hosiptal fees for someone else's poor driving ability? I'm not overtly familiar with Korean traffic laws.

I think my relationship with this teacher has been irrevocably damaged. Where can I turn to for help?

I'm working for EPIK.

Dazed and Confused · Joined: 10 Jan 2003

In the event of an auto accident you will have to negotiate with the insurance company. Does your co-teacher have insurance? I've been in 2 accidents here in Korea, both were due to the other driver, and both times I was compensated by the other drivers insurance company. Methinks this guy is trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

rowdie3 · Joined: 22 Sep 2003 Location: Itaewon, Seoul

Questions: why do you live SOOO far from your school? That seems weird.

Also, why does this guy drive you every day? Is it because he wants to or because the school makes him? If it's cause the school makes him, he is probably just being a dick to make you feel bad and stop riding with him.

My advice - if he has to drive you - bring a book. When you get in the car, exchange a few pleasentries and then start reading your book. No need to make conversation then and that will probably relieve him of some of the stress that he feels have to speak in Engish AND drive a car at the same time thus the fear of accidents.

thegadfly · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

Is your co-teacher getting paid to be your chauffeur? If not, find another ride in, and voila! You have salvaged your relationship!

Why should he be hit up with your hospital bills in case of an accident? He doesn't want the liability, so take a bus or taxi, and sue them if you have an accident. Problem solved.

If you come to my house, slip and fall, and then sue me, I will certainly regret asking you over. If I get the idea that you WILL sue me, you can be sure you won't be welcome in my house.

earthquakez · Joined: 10 Nov 2010

I don't know what's wrong with your concept of civility but the OP has never discussed liability with his teacher driver. He has never even talked about it let alone threaten to 'sue' his Korean teacher (per your unnecessary analogy) so for his K co teacher to bluntly come out and start talking this way not only sounds confusing but it sounds rather rude.

He has nothing to 'salvage' in his relationship with his Korean co teacher. The co teacher has been blunt and made him feel resented while he is riding in their car.

Personally if I do things like drive somebody I never inform them out of the blue that I won't be liable if we have an accident, or say other things that make them feel uncomfortable regardless of my passenger's nationality. This is a case of how some Koreans can say things rudely to foreigners yet not see it that way at all. I can imagine if I spoke like that to Koreans while driving them in a car. They'd be instantly offended so likewise other people will be too or find that an odd way to communicate.

And your house has nought to do with what the OP is talking about. Sounds like nobody would want to go to your house with that kind of attitude anyway.

To the OP - why put yourself in the position where the ride is given unwillingly and your co teacher obviously sees nothing wrong with putting you on the spot like that? Chances are they resent giving you a ride. It's not you fault they didn't bring up the subject before and say something like it's too hard for them because they're busy etc.

Can you take a bus, train or subway to work? Better to do that and get up earlier than put up with their kind of crassness.

bbbcd · Joined: 10 Aug 2009

ThingsComeAround · Joined: 07 Nov 2008

gas money is understandable.

He shouldn't bring up the fact "I might have an accident, and you should pay your own hospital bill". Sure, he might have a wreck and you both come out okay. Would he still expect you to foot half the bill for his damaged car? Probably.

If I were you, I'd tell him (and keep taking his "service" which he "offered" and save yourself money) that he needs to keep his stinkin eyes on the road to avoid any accident, then you won't have to go to the hospital and he won't have a wrecked car.

thegadfly · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

...wait...you don't even chip in gas money for a 30-minute each way commute? He drives you an hour a day, and he doesn't even get the basic 2200-won-each-way-basic-cab-fare? Not even 1000-won-each-way-bus-fare?

Earthquakez,

I never inform folks out-of-the-blue that if we had an accident, then I would expect them to pay for it themselves...but then, if there were an accident, I would expect the passenger NOT to come after me for medical expenses -- is he going to be paying half of MY expenses because I was in his "employ" as a driver? Can I hit him up for workman's comp?

I guess I am more about personal responsibility -- I pay for me, you pay for you, and if you don't like it, get out of my car and get your own ride.

If I were RESPONSIBLE for the accident, and was the reason my passenger came to harm, then that is a different story -- but if I get rear-ended and my passenger gets whiplash, my passenger can go after the guy that hit me, but if he comes after me, that is just bad form...and possibly a sign of the entitlement generation. If I think I am driving a fella that WILL come after me...well, I will quit driving him. Why borrow trouble?

Poker · Joined: 16 Jan 2010

Use public transport. Problem solved.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Buy your own car, or better, a motorcycle.

bbbcd · Joined: 10 Aug 2009

jinks · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: Formerly: Lower North Island

earthquakez · Joined: 10 Nov 2010

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

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

OP> There lots of things going on here - not always visible to the western perspective.

1) He may be concerned about 'blood money' - which you could ask for if he caused an accident that hurt you.

2) He was initially giving you a ride to please his 'superior' (he was told to, not asked to help you).

3) You have outstayed your welcome in the car. Talking to you in English is now a burden. The other Korean staff are hassling him for 'talking to the foreigner' or getting 'free English lessons" (this has happened to me with friendly co-teachers).

4) Unbelievably, you have not offered to help pay for the running expenses of the car. This is just cheap - even in Korea.

5) Your foreign 'newness' is now finished. Your honeymoon is over. You are now expected to be a White Korean. You are now on your own (very common in PS after 3 months).

6) His circumstances have changed. It's no longer possible for him to give you a ride - everyday.

Take your pick. There is probably even a more "Korean' thing going on that we've all missed.

I think that the guy is genuinely embarrassed that you haven't got the hint that this is inconvenient/embarrassing for him.

He's probably being very Korean (and extremely polite) by broaching his reluctance in this face-saving-manner.

Frankly, I'm surprised you need to have this spelt out for you.
Why not make other arrangements and thank him for his help why you got adjusted to Korea?

Good luck.