Korean Job Discussion Forums

kermo · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 4:15 am Post subject: Women in taxis-- safety questions

Once a week, I emerge from my cloistered little village, and indulge into some much-needed face-to-face English conversation with other native speakers . They're hagwon-monkeys, so they don't get off work until ten o'clock at night. This means that the buses have stopped running by the time we've sunk a few, and I'm riding home with Captain Cab.

I'm asking for advice; how significant are the risks for young women taking taxis in Korea? What kind of precautions can I take? I've been told that I should keep a knife in my boot, but that seems a little drastic.

Usually I just stay quiet, and the driver will try to spark a little conversation in Korean. Every few weeks, it gets awkward when a driver makes comments about my looks, asks for my phone number, etc. On my way back from the airport a couple weeks ago, I worried whether I was going to get home, as my cell phone was out of juice and the shrill, giggly ajeossi kept asking me to go some place with him, making absurd and flirtatious remarks. I stopped being polite when I realized he was quite serious, and hoped that my stony demeanour would chill him out. I felt powerless, and watched the road closely to make sure I was actually headed to my apartment.

I promised myself I would keep my cell phone charged and handy after this creepy experience. Maybe I should learn a few repellant phrases, and practise my glare? I don't have any chivalrous male friends to ride along, or who know enough Korean to say "call me when you get home." I've been told to carefully note the name and number of the driver, but that's not preventative.

Am I being paranoid? Should I stop taking taxis altogether? Pack some heat? Wear a moustache? Your thoughts on this matter are greatly appreciated.

phaedrus · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Location: I'm comin' to get ya.

How about pepper spray?

the eye · Joined: 29 Jan 2004

i remember a story on the tv news from busan from a year or two ago.
a couple of slimeball buddies were mascarading as taxi drivers and raped dozens of female passengers. they had meters, radios, fake registration and taxi plates.

i think i would be more afraid of my driver slamming into another car, tho.

peppermint · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 4:41 am Post subject:

I've never had any trouble, but then selective understanding and phone calls to your husband ( doesn't have to be a real call) can be useful tools.

paperbag princess · Joined: 07 Mar 2004 Location: veggie hell

try wearing a shirt that says "i'm a lesbian".

on the pepper spray, if you can't find any, a ziplock full of cayenne or powdered red peppers will also do the trick.

canuckistan · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 5:21 am Post subject:

SuperFly · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Location: In the doghouse

It's the only way to be sure.

Seoultrader · Joined: 18 Jun 2003 Location: Ali's Insurgent Inn, Fallujah

A good strategy for guys:

If the wife/date/gf/hooker is leaving and has to take a taxi, tell the chick that you will memorize or take a photo of the taxi's license plate (if you have a camera phone, you can actually do it, so make it obvious enough for the driver to see it).

Not that I'm particularly concerned, but it's a sure way to win some points for "caring" and other silly things females value so much.

Happy mongering!

FUBAR · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: The Y.C.

1) Sit in the backseat
2) Don't get into a taxi alone when you are really drunk. Stay at a friends or go and rent a hotel room. It cost $30 and you can take the public transit home in the morning.

On a sidenote: A friend of mine got into a taxi so hammered that she passed out and woke up in a hotel, sans wallet, cash, camera, etc. She woke up fully clothed and said nothing happened to her. She is very luck that her possessions was all she lost.

Main point of the lesson: Don't get into taxis for long journeys when you are hammered.

ulsanchris · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: take a wild guess

start learning a martial art. I reccomend hapkido. Its purely for selfdefense. it will be quite awhile before you learn anything that would help you in a serious situation though.

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

The Hammer · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 8:42 pm Post subject:

Another bit of advice:

When you feel nervous in the taxi call someone and tell them your location. Say the location name really loud. I'm at XYZ station... Now I am at ABC park.

Also, if you open the taxi door and don't feel comfortable... Don't get in. Wait for another one.

Stay alert! Stay safe.

The Hammer

(I would love to pummel some of the taxi driving jerks that have scared my gf.)

The Bobster · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

HamuHamu · Joined: 01 May 2003 Location: Seoul