Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rainism]

kaypea and others, don't allow yourself to get too angry over it.
I do know where you're coming from, I'm sure everyone who works at a PS does, but be aware that these questions rarely if ever arise from malice.

one shouldn't get too upset if the intent isn't malicious. It'll be either simple curiosity mixed in with a smidge of actual concern (in a good way) mixed in with simple cultural ignorance (their lack of understand of Western culture/norms).

and Korean can have a sense of humor about it all too. I bring in something I make for myself every day to supplement the school lunch menu, to ensure I have something to rely on each and every day, from both a taste and nutrition standpoint. It's the same thing/dish each and every day, of course this was a major source of curiosity and gossip. so one day they asked me, don't you get tired of eating this every day? I smiled and said no, then gestured to the big blobs of sticky white rice on their plates and asked, don't you get tired of eating this every day? as often as three times a day?

they nodded in understanding and smiled or laughed. The question has never been asked again.

[loose_ends]

It isn't advice...it's a gesture that shows they care.

A simple, "I'm OK, but thanks for asking" is all this needed.

[RMNC]

The best solution to these kinds of questions it to do what another person said, just make a huge grin and give a silly answer. That usually satisfies them as much as a serious answer, with the added benefit that they won't be able to continue to prod for information.

Speaking with some Koreans is like in Terminator 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNkU8caLVtY

[brickabrack]

^^^ good advice here.


and here:
"one shouldn't get too upset if the intent isn't malicious. It'll be either simple curiosity mixed in with a smidge of actual concern (in a good way) mixed in with simple cultural ignorance (their lack of understand of Western culture/norms). "

Sometimes they are just curious. They may be concerned about you because of the 'coddling' culture they have here. 30 yr old boys still ask their mothers and fathers to be excused so they can use the bathroom, etc. Most of the time they have very limited English and don't have any other words to use. Koreans love stating the obvious about things, too. Ex: Commenting on how cold it is 20-30 times a day, just to have something to mention in their mundane and sometimes morbid lives.

I like to make up funny stuff. OP, it gets annoying. You can make A HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT in the teaching office that you're sick and tired of it. It won't change. I've tried....

[decolyon]

Showing collarbone or shoulder, especially at work, is still considered a bit riskay for women. Have you never seen the Korean girls button their blouse up all the way to the neck like some frumpy old grandmother?

As for them offering you more rice... this is something foreigners just can't grasp. Rice is life to these people. Always has been, always will be. To offer more rice is offering you health, regardless of what diet you may/may not be on. They feel if you eat more rice, you will be better person.