Korean Job Discussion Forums

[markhan]

I know one Korean who was studying in the State and his inability to adjust and constant bitching about the life in the US actually made me feel sad about him.
Why do some thrive in every situation, no matter how dire, where others don't. And their bitterness is so intense that it blinds them. Take the below post for example, the news of current disaster in Japan has hit Koreans very hard. So much so that every major broadcasting channels have 24-hour telephone lines where you can donate money, and every portal sites such as Naver, Daum, Nate, etc. have donation drives. Just a few day ago, my sister in China called me to donate money via Korean Red Cross and just today I donated 100,000 won as a part of 'Help the Japan' campaign spearheaded by the church I go to. If you can read Korean newspapers, you will notice that many Korean entertainers, businessmen, sports stars have pitched in as well.

I am not going to bore readers with details. But the disaster in Japan has made Korea-Japan relationship more tighter and some commentators even declared that it will be a turning point for both countries.

It saddens me that despite all the heartwarming stories that are coming out of both countries that the poster below is so blinded by the bitterness that she has failed to see the goodness of people. It is sad indeed.

[West Coast Tatterdemalion]

Yeah, but are you sure that money is going to Japan? Room salons are pricey.

[myenglishisno]

Yes, what Gem said kind of struck me as odd. My students have all expressed a lot of sorrow over what is going on in Japan. All the Koreans I know seem to be at least somewhat affected by it, some more than others. To say that Koreans don't care is just wrong.

I've even heard of anti-Japan groups in Korea (as well as former comfort women) donating huge sums of money.

[West Coast Tatterdemalion]

Funny, sorrow is not an emotion that I would associate with my students. Many of them laughed about it. I know that they are only kids, but it was a bit disturbing nonetheless. Lack of empathy.

[myenglishisno]

[interestedinhanguk]

[Gimbap Lover]

[PatrickGHBusan]

[Caffeinated]

My elementary students are prone to Pavlovian fits of Japan hate. It could be the sight of the Japanese flag in their English textbook which they'll tear out and rip to pieces. During one recent activity they introduced themselves as "I'm from (put tsunami-hit Japanese place here)."

[Sudz]

Hey guys thanks for all the advice!

Sorry to change the tone here from the last few posts. I've decided to give Korea a miss - at least for now. I've considered both ends of the spectrum, and one of the main deciding factors was money. I'm currently in the saving mode as mentioned earlier (trying to save for an MA, as well as have some extra cash for a potential move to Malaysia). I'm also making a return home this summer - wish someone could just shoot me out of a cannon so I could avoid the summer airfare

Heading back to Indonesia. I've seen so little of the country, and thanks to Air Asia, a return ticket is only around 150US (Korea being closer to 700US!) While I'm sure Korea doesn't have to be THAT expensive, Indonesia is arguably CHEAPER THAN VIETNAM, so the two are incomparable in this respect. Planning on hopping around Central/East Java on a motorbike/scooter - without a license of any kind...one of the many pluses of going to a developing country Pretty happy with my choice (money wasn't the ONLY factor!)

I'd like to work in Korea one of these days, though this may not be possible because of the route I'm taking into teaching: doing an MA TESOL without an undergraduate degree - got in based on experience, good references, and a couple of certificates.

Regarding Korea being bland: well I've never been, so I can't really comment. However I've heard people mention similar things about Singapore. While I DO hear where they're coming from - in some respects - living in Vietnam for all these years has made me appreciate the city more so than I probably would if I'd just come from Canada (all about the contrasts). For this reason, I wouldn't recommend Singapore to any of my friends back home (Singapore being arguably the most 'western' city in all of Asia). Anyways just my two cents - not saying Singapore is the same as Korea.

Anyways I hope to go to Korea one of these days to see it for myself!

[Quack Addict]

[legrande]

"if i'm traveling, i would want something unique, something that i wouldn't be able to experience back at home. but seoul is pretty modernized and westernized. the culture shock won't knock you off your feet like vietnam would."

Vietnam- unique character earned through perseverance

Korea- teacher's pet who follows orders