Korean Job Discussion Forums

Apple Scruff · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

Stay away from foreigners. They're all fat, loud, arrogant and bitter. And be careful around Koreans. They're all dirty, two-faced, conniving and stupid.

Oh hell, just go home.

royjones · Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Location: post count: 512

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

Sumundur, hi. I don't think you can expect much in your relationships with the Korean teachers at work. Not directly and in the Western style of relating. I've heard 'silence is golden' and 'Korea has a circular culture'. Things aren't said directly and witty reparte isn't high on the list. Koreans don't get cynical/sarcastic comments, and act offended. Like when you point out how the Korean teacher 'so talentedly' wrote her name in English. If you don't get steamed and frustrated with the gap, consider that in other ways, it isn't there. I may not be yakkety yak with them but the Korean teachers at work do like me and do the best they can with my 'jokes'. I've an example like yours of some of the stand-offish regard they can have, which 'happened' yesterday.
The Korean teacher had a problem with paper jammed in the copier. She was pulling at it from the side. I helped and found pushing/sliding it out longitudinally worked like a charm. She said, 'you should get another job'. Potential for hidden meanings there.
If you're used to being in the thick of things socially the Korean teachers off on their own communing can be a bother. The best times are possible with them, but getting along with the kids is more of a sure thing. Most of the day, 90 percent, is with the kids, anyway. With breaks for breaks, not fussing about 'alienation in the staffroom'. And consequently feeling driven to commune with other foreigners.