Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cj1976]

Make no mistake, a lot of Koreans don't understand vegetarians and they think you are weird. To them, what you do is unnatural. Food and dining together plays a huge role in Korean society, and unfortunately for you, most of the best food here is meat-based.

[drydell]

On the main news here a few nights ago there was a report on the "vegetarian wave" sweeping Korea ( lots of vege K celebs have big influence here).

Some foreigners like to suggest that Koreans can't handle an idea such as vegetarianism - patronizing a bit isn't that?.. and enjoy pointing out your being "anti- social" by not eating meat. there are plenty of ways to bond aside from sharing a meat dish together..

I don't eat all the tons of meaty food here - ditto the same at home.. What I do know is that I don't feel deprived at all.

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

My first head coteacher was a "vegetarian" which meant that she was a pescatarian, but by Korean standards she was a vegetarian (at least the other teachers considered herself one.) We used to eat packed lunch together. She was a strange one, but at least I had a lunch buddy.

[Gorf]

I find it hilarious that she posted a picture of Davey Havok to show her hairstyle.

OP, remember that Korea is about fitting into the square peg hole you're supposed to. Trying to look or act different might not be overtly defamed, but if you show any aspect of being a special snowflake here, you'll be melted pretty fast and turn into one of those teachers who posts blogs getting angry about why Koreans keep talking to them about their weird appearances and then leaves after 6 months. Simply put, it's Korean style to conform to the societal norms. People posting things like "I look like a teacher in the classroom but a gothic knight outside of it" probably have no Korean friends and hang out in Itaewon at crappy foreigner bars and have only gotten laid by other ugly foreigners, if at all. Also, vegetarianism is doable but you're self-ostracizing yourself by doing it. It's your choice to act different, but if you want to be a success (and liked) then you need to conform.

[luckylady]

[12ax7]

[madoka]