Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sluggo832004]

It seems Korea had gotten saturated with us waygooks that most dont even speak to each other when walking. Are we obligated to?

When Im in small towns, I usually get greeted from foreigners. Theres been times I was in a city and foreigners look down or the other way so they didnt have to greet me when walking. strangey.

So do you guys address random teachers or foreigners while waiting in line or on a bus? Or are you too cool to talk to other foreigners? lol.

[NQ]

I don't talk to foreigners because I don't wanna seem like I'm only talking to them cuz they know English.I guess I wanna try and seem I'm above that and I'm comfy being in Korea, when really deep down I'm not! So I try to avoid conversations with them sometimes. But some other times I can't help it and say hi to them because yeah they do know English and Western culture and it's nice to connect with someone who 'gets it' right away.

[KimchiNinja]

One theory I heard from a non-ESLer expat is that foreigners become Koreanized subconsciously; meaning don't talk to people you don't know and be cliquish. Which leads to a rather isolated/fragmented expat scene, somewhat different in my experience from other places in Asia.

[JustinC]

One will deign to give them a subtle nod, acknowledging their presence in one's vaunted vicinity, but to actually engage them in conversation is outside the remit of all but the most desperate of individuals (unless emergency help is required).

No, best to keep at arms' length or, even better, out of smelling distance. Out of sight would be ideal but one has to go into the public on occasion where the activity is not possible for the hired help. Fortunately we have plenty of help in the office where I work. hurr durr

[KimchiNinja]

[sluggo832004]

I know the word "self hate" is strong, and maybe too over the top to describe, but do you think other foreigners tend to believe the stereotype about other foreigners as well?

I mean if we all are here to teach and have a good time, why wouldn't you make friendly conversation with another foreigner?

Ive seen foreigners walk in a restaraunt and other foreigners just look at them with disgust. lol.

[fermentation]

I talk to non-Korean women on the street because I assume they speak teh Englishee. Yeah, I'm racist.

[Who's Your Daddy?]

I think people stop saying hello because they know there are many difficulties living here, and don't want to get involved in other people's difficulties.

I don't see foreigners in my area. But when I lived in Busan I used to say, "hey, are you doing okay?" Because sometimes people needed help. Usually people would reply, "I'm good." One time a guy sat down with me at a restaurant, and basically broke down. It was bizarre, and I felt sorry for the guy. I listened to him, but couldn't help him. I ate my food, and said "I hope things get better for you."

[nate1983]

[sluggo832004]

[dairyairy]

[Zackback]

I pretty much try to avoid. I don't want them knowing how weird I am.

[AbbeFaria]

If I pass a foreigner on the street I will usually make eye contact and nod a greeting. To me, it's just about courtesy. We both stand out, I see them, they see me, we both have something in common and have the shared experience of the struggle of living/working in a foreign land. So I figure, why not? Most of the time I get a nod back. What really annoys me is when they go out of their way not to make eye contact, like they think I'm going to start humping their leg if the acknowledge my presence. They will look everywhere but at me and it's painfully obvious they're trying not to 'see' me. I don't understand this. People who look at me, ignore the nod and look away I class as d-bags.

[transmogrifier]

No. I'm not all that interested in talking to strangers while commuting. I like to space out.

[Peace Train]

I high five each and every one of them.