Korean Job Discussion Forums

[inkoreaforgood]

Got on the bus tonight to come home, said annyounghasaeyo to the guy, and dropped my 1000 won bill in the till. Stood there waiting for my change, as the bus only costs 700 won, and the guy looks up in his mirror, sees I'm waiting, and says 18(nasty korean word)!!! To say the least, I was taken aback by his pronouncement. He popped a couple of buttons, my change came out, I grabbed it, and took a seat at the back of the bus. I wrote down the name on the photo id over the middle exit door, the vehicle number, and took one of those complaint cards. The wife is going to help me fill it out (she's Korean ).

Now, what did I do to receive this bit of profanity? I caught his bus. That's all. I've been in this country for almost 7 years (and know that I did nothing to deserve this kind of treatment), have taken the bus countless times in several cities, and this is by far the worst treatment I have ever received from one of these individuals. Normally they are indifferent to me, or cheerful and say hello (occasionally). I've been told that they aren't the nicest bunch of people in general, but never have had any direct problem, face to face, with them.

What's my point? While they aren't nearly as good as the drivers back home, they haven't treated me any worse than the average person on the street, usually better. But I never realized that until today. My first 6 years here were difficult, mainly because of my first job being so awful and souring my view on this country and its people. This last year, I have been changing my attitude and my perspective on things, Korea, and myself. In the end, it's the only thing I can control.

By the way, I am a fairly big man, who has studied martial arts in the past. When he said 18 to me, certain thoughts crossed my mind, but there is no good result to be had from that. Completely pointless, and I have some expensive dental work as well .

In the end, I guess that all any of us can do is control our own viewpoint, emotions and actions. Oh, yes, and send in that complaint card Hehe

[just because]

My advice...
Next time you take that bus and get the same driver drop in a 10 000 won note for him and then wait.
I bet you are hit with worse than shippal.

[the saint]

Been here for 7 years? 'Bout time you had a gyotong card isn't it?

Let us know if you get anything back from filling in the card.

Has anyone ever? Sometimes a driver is really nice, smiley and happy and drives normally - I guess I should take one and write in to thank them i.e. not always be negative.

[kangnamdragon]

[just because]

They are available everywhere in every little province and town across this country.

[kangnam mafioso]

what does "18" mean? Was it personal towards you or just frustration because of lack of change. Bus drivers are generally a high-strung bunch (wouldn't you be if you had to drive in Seoul traffic all day in circles for low pay?) I wouldn't get all bent out of shape.

[just because]

18 is Shib Pal.
However when said very fast Shippal it means son of a bitch.

[komtengi]

[just because]

Yes, i was wrong. i think I must be asleep.

Its basic form rhymes with duck.

[Zyzyfer]

[just because]

[captain kirk]

I guess the bus driver looked at you, 'the foreigner', and figured you're 'rich' from all that English teaching you do. Maybe he figures seeing as you were 'born' speaking English you've had an easy time of it settling in Korea and 'raking in the cash' while he tears around getting paid by the kilometer with one frayed nerve left. I headed into a Mom and Pop hardware shop this morning for the kind of paintbrushes that can be got elsewhere for 500 won each and she wanted a thousand each. Some Koreans sidle up to you, playing dumb, figuring you're made of cash and will be 'complimented' by an inflated price (so much so that you won't bat an eye, being 'above it all and rich'). Or they figure you 'deserve' to pay a kind of 'tax' for being here, 'invading' their space with no right to be so offensively in Korea, which is for Koreans (otherwise why would it be called Korea?).

[inkoreaforgood]

Captain kirk, that was definitely the feeling I got in this case. Rich foreigner, he should pay extra!!! Some people just feel they are owed extra in life.

I used to have one of those kyo tong cards, but it died and I haven't replaced it yet. Don't think it would have mattered much in this case anyways.

Busdrivers are very higstrung sometimes, and there were some, a few years ago, caught taking uppers and such to keep them going. He drove quite recklessly as well (even for a Korean), as he drove in the opposing lane at one point in an attempt to make a light at a busy intersection. That is something I have seen before too. Only the worst drivers would ever attempt to do something like that though, in my experience. I think he may just have wanted me off his bus really badly

I guess I should add that bus drivers ( and taxi drivers) are some of the worst people in Korea to get into a fight with. They just have a bad rep, and I have been warned before about them. I guess that's why buses have those complaint cards.

18 in Korean is a real nasty term, basically "fightin' words". I've seen adult students use them around me accidentally, and then smile and explain in great detail why they said that, as any misinterpretation by others, including other Koreans, can lead to an exchange of words at the very least. Some of the first Korean I picked up was profanity from students and drunks on the street. That, and Maekju!!!

[Eazy_E]

In my experience, bus drivers in Korea seem very reluctant to say anything. They reply to any question with a surly nod or a shake of the head. That said, they always give me my change with no hassle and drive like maniacs on my behalf. Can't say they're a problem for me.

[beast]

Drop your pants and take a dump into the cash box.