Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SojuQueen]

How to deal with being constantly talked behind your back? I understand some Korean but I have never been to any place where people were constantly saying mean things and then will turn around and smile at you.

Also, not so much exchanging culture, but 'stealing it' in one way or another. I mean its ok to exchange but I do one thing and all of a sudden it is copied by everyone around. I understand the whole group mentality but really.


Any helpful experiences?

[interestedinhanguk]

[SojuQueen]

It seems you could use some to better yours.

[lakeshow]

err, what mean things were they saying? why do you think they were saying it? Are you non-asian? do you have a bunch of piercings all over your face? or visible tattoos? do you dress funky? Is your hair dyed a different color? Are you obese? If you answered yes to any of these, people will talk or whisper to each other about you. If not, then I don't know.

I've been the center of attention a lot, especially in some latinamerican countries and subject to whispers and giggling, although never mean or with malice.

[enchoo]

If they are copying you you need to get credit for your good ideas.
If they are talking behind your back then tell them to go s....... themselves.
Find people to support you and develop your side. Surely there are few who are sympathetic to your cause if you are really working hard and honestly.

[Jake_Kim]

Since when talking behind one's back is one of the cultural characteristics unique to Korea? Do people never gossip or talk behind one's back in your home country?

[highstreet]

this is a cultural thing? really?

[methdxman]

[le-paul]

I usually walk away in theses situations (literally). All your going to do is end up offending someone and ostracising yourself. I once asked nicely if my teachers and director would call me 'by my name' instead of 'waygook' (eg - where is waygook?'). They just didnt seem to get it .
Another example is 'feeding time at the farm' - its not my place to complain, so I just make my excuses and go check the news or something.
No harm done and frankly not worth the hastle.

[Skyblue]

[SojuQueen]

Well they certainly talk more than in my culture, but it's just getting used to being in a foreign country and being given more attention than normal. I understand that yes I am a foreigner, just sometimes it takes a little too much to bear and how to deal with that. That's all that it is.


Thanks for the advice though.

[Died By Bear]

Just act like it doesn't bother you and ignore it. Is that so hard? Ask yourself what Jesus would do.

[Junior]

[beatrice09]

Just ignore them! It's just a waste of time dealing with them.

[Passions]

You could always get a friend to translate for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inANd0iiY-s