Korean Job Discussion Forums

[le-paul]

Ive been asked this question a lot lately by Koreans;

'Do you have many Korean friends?'

The question seems innocent enough but I was wondering if there is an expectation when we are supposed to answer it?

(Again, not trolling, just trying to get it right when talking to older Koreans etc.)

[edwardcatflap]

Just tell him you've got more Korean friends than he's got cows.

[cj1976]

[le-paul]

not exactly the response I was looking for...

I want to know what is implied by this question.
Its not something I would ask as a native in my own country, unless I wanted to suggest a foreigner made English friends to improve their english.

[atwood]

I think you're right that it's a loaded question. They are looking to at the very least stereotype you, as when they ask age, etc.

It reminds me of a friend of mine who worked at a kosher restaurant on Miami Beach. The waiters were required to wear yarmulkes, at least on the Sabbath.

So anyway, this one old Jewish lady asks, "Freddy, (whose real name was Fernando) are you Jewish?"

His answer--"Isn't everyone?"

[World Traveler]

I get asked this question a lot, too.

Honesty is the best policy. Say this (or something similar):

한국 친구가 얼마나 될는지 모르겠어요. 왜냐하면 누가 진짜 친구인지 모르겠거든요.

It's hard to know who my real friends are and who are just using me for English conversation practice.

[le-paul]

ha ha

[le-paul]

[wooden nickels]

I have been asked the how many `friends` question many times. All age ranges have popped the question, from elementary students to adults. It's not as common as, `do you have a son` but I'm not surprised when I hear it. I think the number of friends claimed helps the questioner determine how well you have integrated into society.

[Mix1]

It could be just an innocent question, Or... part of the grand s**t test they run to categorize you, as in a way of saying "Do you like us Koreans? Are we ok in your eyes? Or are you prejudiced against us?"

Or... it could be a way of saying, "If you DON'T have many Korean friends, maybe I can be your friend."

I'm kidding, I don't know what it means in every case, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's often a loaded question where they are trying to categorize you somehow.

It's funny it can't just be an innocent question that means what it says. I guess too many of us know Koreans too well by now and are skeptical as hell about anything they say or do.

That whole "elastic truth" thing they tend to do means you can't always take things at face value, even a simple question as this.

[andrewchon]

In similar vein, I get asked: "Do you have any relatives?"

[postfundie]

I never saw that question as loaded...it always made me think about Korean people that I love and care for... What's your age? Why did you come to Korea? and do You like Korean girls? I save my energy and tolerance for those questions..