Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rapier]

I've finally arrived at a short list of several taboo subjects you must avoid when talking to Koreans, and why..any more out there? this is to smooth your intercultural exchange:
1) DRUGS : never boast about your narcotic excesses at university, no matter how amusing your stories. A few Koreans may be a little curious, but most suddenly write you off as a degenerate criminal and view you extremely suspiciously thereafter...even if you only had a single joint once.
2)JAPAN: some younger koreans have been there and enjoyed it, and will talk about their experiences. But most have a general dislike of and apprehension at the J-word.
3) HOMOSEXUALITY: Even though some Koreans will recount tales of seeing gays/transexuals while on holiday in Thailand. Most will react in an awkward, prejudiced slant to any such discussion.
4)AMERICAN FORCES IN KOREA: Its ok to chat about America, plenty of Koreans have been there. But definitely avoid talking about americans stationed here, the war in Iraq, or anything similar. To do so is to open a pandora's box of uncontrollable emotional sentiment.
5)NORTH KOREA: "have you ever been to Pyongyang?" is not a good conversation starter...

[JacktheCat]

Rapier, you forget the number 1 topic to never, EVER, bring up with with Koreans.


George W. Bush

[kiwiboy_nz_99]

Sex

Living at home versus living on your own

Marriage

Religion


Oh hell let's face it, you can't talk about much at all!

[Mashimaro]

here are a few more 'no-nos' as a western guy in Korea.

If a korean woman asks you if have many korean friends say no (if not they will think you are a playboy)

don't speak korean to well (they will think you learnt from all your (girl)friends and you are a playboy)

don't take any phone calls or read/send text messages in the presence of a korean woman (playboy)

don't try to be charming (playboy)

hope this helps

[kiwiboy_nz_99]

Good points, it's almost like every question a Korean woman asks you is specifically designed to work out if you're a playboy ...

[saharzie]

I disagree Rapier, I have found some of the best conversations to be had are when I bring up these topics. Usually said Koreans first reaction is "I hate Japan" or "No gays in Korea". After a while they gradually admit their opinions are based on nothing but prejudice and the sheep mentality.
I certainly wont sit their and nod dumbly every time a Korean talks out of their a-hole.
Why avoid these subjects? Fair enough if it is with your boss or someone, but the average Korean you meet is not going to bite your head off.

Here are two questions I asked Koreans last week in the course of conversations...
1) Can you name any of the six Korean military who were killed by the North two years ago? Why not?

2)Do you want to reunification? (most Koreans under the age of thirty tell me no)

Mashimaro, I disagree with you too...
I do not think that Korean girls are so lame, they are like girls all over thw world, although they hide it with bs most of the time. Peel away a few layers and they actually want to be with a charming, in demand guy more than someone who spends his Saturday nights watching SNL. If asked the playboy question directly, I say 'I used to be, but its so boring, I am looking for something more serious". Then they assume you have some social skills but could be good bf material.
Korean girls are not so different from anyone else...

[diver]

Korean girl: Diver, how are you?
Diver: On the advice of counsel, I respectfully refuse to answer that question as I may incriminate myself.

[Mashimaro]

[Michelle]

[paperbag princess]

harisu: no one ever wants to talk about her (or they get totally digusted looks on their faces).

and the biggie: WOMEN'S RIGHTS

[HardyandTiny]

Is there any thing you dislike about Korea?

Do you own your apartment or do you have a mortgage?

What was your job in the involuntary service?

Does he/she always talk with food in their mouth?
Can you please ask them to stop doing that! Your whole family!

Where is Uncle Joe, I've never met him?

[iamdugmoore]

Will sleeping in a room with a fan really kill me?

How / Why does this happen?

[Swiss James]

These are the kinds of things I always talk about with koreans- to find out if the western myths about these opinions are true, then to challenge them or just find out where they got the weird ideas from.

[Mashimaro]

[Juggertha]

A couple more;

-Marital abuse
-Marital infidelity





*BUT I must say i've talked about ALL of these subjects with my adults... I am just carefull where I step.