Korean Job Discussion Forums

periwinkle · Joined: 08 Feb 2003

1. Loyalty: my finace stands by me, and there is no doubt in my mind that he will ever waver.

2. Hospitality: every time I went to my pvt. students' houses (pro bono, of COURSE), their mothers were always trying to feed me. They really went out of their way. Now, even when a service guy comes to my house (cable guy or whatever), I feel obliged to at least offer them a beverage.

adventureman · Joined: 18 Feb 2003

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

Khunopie · Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 11:50 pm Post subject:

Khunopie · Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 12:04 am Post subject:

skinsk05 · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Location: Jeonju

I loved to play hide and seek with my brother in the clothing racks in department stores, I would've had a field day in Seoul. Too much sugar aside (and certainly not a Korean-initiated problem), I admire that Koreans let their children be children. I'm glad they don't just buy them every consumer item or game they want, that they take them outside, that the mothers fawn over them. . . well, until the rigors of MS arrive. Now that I'm an aunt, I appreciate my 2 1/2 year old nephew's curiosity, propensity to burst out in song (and occasionally melt-down! It's hard being two and sometimes whether it's mama or omah, they just have to get out some fear or frustration; some of us just fume online, n'est pas?), and that tireless energy. Yes, it would be easier to park him in front of a TV than to answer all his questions, throw pinecones at a bush for 20 minutes, or let him run around and burn off the access energy/sugar, but I admire that Koreans encourage the children, and don't berate them when they can't control their emotions. . .

Too bad your dining experience is ruined. I've never witnessed this in a nice restaurant and if you let it bother you in typical Korean restaurants or fast food (with their usual dignity), it will. If you must, though, there's still something to do: I often smile at the family, and approach the toddler/elementary child and use my best Korean to introduce myself. . . usually, that stops 'em dead. . . you might even be invited to join them.
In other words-- LOOK at their CHILD as the precious individual he or she is!! Forget that the world revolves around you and pay attention! You are unlikely to change other people, so start where you can. Ask yourself, "Why do I let this bother me?" and try from there to change your perspective. And then forgive yourself for being human, smile, and greet the next family!

Im afraid i too have to "break with the magical chummy spirit" of this thread for just a moment to point the fact that this has affected to me on THREE seperate occasions in restaurants here, each time almost completely disrupting and, in effect, ruining my meal. Its what ive found to be the SINGLE most annoying aspect of going out to eat in Korea. Im glad somebody else finnally pointed out how much of an aggrivation this is when it happens.

VanIslander · Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 3:38 am Post subject:

canadian_in_korea · Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Location: South Korea

Just as a side note....my husband and I talked about the "loyalty" of korean men also ...after I questioned him about all these things I heard about Korean men having affairs. Personally I believe it is the person involved...where they are from has nothing to do with it. He did say that the early 30ish generation of korean men aren't following in this "behaviour"....apparently it is the 40ish+ that are notorious for having affairs. Why? Well apparently they are bored....have no time for golf and such things..... Rolling Eyes

...anyway...I'm sure there are younger men having affairs in Korea just like every other country, but you have to judge everyone as an individual....if you have no trust there can be no relationship. It would be interesting to see how many women have been cheated on by a western man....but we can't go around saying all western men cheat...because they don't.

periwinkle · Joined: 08 Feb 2003

Yes, my fiance is the exception to the rule regarding fidelity, but I meant family loyalty. He has an intense sense of responsibility toward me, and he worries about me like a mother hen-it's really cute. For instance, I recently had an ear infection, so I had to see an ear specialist. I've seen the doctor before, and I function quite well will my broken Korean when I'm out and about. Anyway, he really, really wanted to come with me and be my translator (he would have had to leave work to do so, and I want us to stay under the radar since we work together, so I insisted he stay at work. He reluctantly agreed).

I've noticed this tendency to be overprotective quite a bit with Korean guys, in general. Another example is that when I took my current job, I had to have a full medical exam, including a dental exam. My supervisor insisted he stay in the dentist's exam room with me, even though I was a little embarrassed- he thought I needed him (I didn't). I have a feeling it's because the guys see me as a foreigner as being a bit helpless (I think I'm pretty independent), so they want to take care of me. I think it's really endearing.

Khunopie · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 9:41 am Post subject:

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

I too admire their philosophy of "let children be children". Especially when you are getting out of an elevator and you get stampeded by them and their parents are so kind to hold the up button so the doors don't close on you after the blitzkreig is over.

peony · Joined: 30 Mar 2005

on subways, it's happened a few times, when i'm standing holding a few bags, and an ajumma that's sitting in front of me will take my bags and put it on her lap or on the floor by her legs so i wont be burdened during the ride by my packages. i was really touched on those occasions and shocked cuz that will never happen in the states.

if you think kids are rowdy in korea, i've seen the same or much worse everywhere else. i've seen little kids run around like little maniacs in malls or fast food joints, screaming their heads off and the mom calmly watching them from a bench or table, oblivious to the fact that their kids are creating a disruption in a public place. kids are kids no matter where you go.

Cedar · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 2:42 pm Post subject:

periwinkle · Joined: 08 Feb 2003

I think he's got a sense of humor- I know he's been misunderstood before in other posts! BTW- the dog-murderer is LONG gone. My fiance is nice to my dogs, although he refuses to live with the Shar-Pei (see avatar). Ah- the sacrificies I make for love...