Korean Job Discussion Forums

[diver]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/03/21/a-fascinating-map-of-countries-color-coded-by-their-openness-to-foreigners/

Seems relevant.

The Russians have always seemed friendly to me. And I just got back from Dallas - one of the friendliest cities I have visited. I am a little surprised the Philippines isn't darker blue as well.

[Shinawi]

Korea has improved. It's more easier to find a Korean who understands enough English to show a tourist the way. Although I agree that much more Koreans need to be fluent in order to be helpful, the situation is much better than before. I remember a time when Koreans were impatient to the foreigners who weren't fluent in Korean, especially if the foreigners were Koreans from other countries. Taxi drivers avoided minorities and people avoided the foreigners who asked for directions.

[le-paul]

[Lucas]

[yodanole]

I'd imagine perceived nationality makes quite an impact on how people react to you ( anywhere ). I've been to some of those pink countries and received quite welcoming treatment from the "people on the street".

[Weigookin74]

Korea, five years ago, and probably even more so 10 years ago was an unfriendly place. Though if you looked like a tourist or high class traveller or diplomat, some folks would talk to you. But it was only a small minority. I rarely get up to Seoul nowadays, but the place does seem more chill than before. More folks speak English. But, they seem less standoffish.

In Japan, I think they like you if you're a tourist and they want to make a positive impression on you. If you live there more permanently as an English teacher, you will definately be discriminated against. I think it use to be pretty similiar here. Still is maybe in a milder form perhaps.

[metalhead]

[Sister Ray]

[Brooks]

Age discrimination. After 40 it starts.

[wishfullthinkng]

[tophatcat]

[Neil]

[World Traveler]

What age does age discrimination start for English teaching jobs in Korea? For a lot, I would say well before 30.

[Jodami]

I find it mildly amusing that other Asian nationalities visit Korea on the strength of watch robotic acting on K-dramas, and K-pop frogs all plastic surgery'd up...........only to be highly disappointed with that they see and find in K-land.

The vast majority of these tourists, leave bitterly disappointed about how bland/boring Korea is, vowing never ever to return!

[yodanole]

Often one of the first questions asked when I meet a korean is "When are you going back to your country?"