Korean Job Discussion Forums

[white_shadow]

A while back, my mom and I went to Namdaemun Market. I turned around and saw something dragging on the ground. I didn't really think about it until a second or so later, then I tilted my body to get a better view.

I saw a man, his lower body had been amputated off or something. He was crawling through the crowds in the market selling goods or making a living. I was shocked, then a few seconds later I told my mom lets go buy a wheelchair. She said theres no place to buy a wheelchair here.

Well by the time we were over talking about it he was gone, no where to be found. If anyone knows who he is and would like to start a fund I'm good for $50. If we can find someone that knows of him and who is honest, it can be done. I'm not in Seoul and I'll be leaving soon.

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

[white_shadow]

I've done my share of crab crawls, and I'm sure you can get used to them.

Some things in life suck to do, but some people do them everyday. As far as a wheelchair not being able to help them, I have to disagree with you. I might understand your point if you gave somewhat of a detailed argument, but you didn't. In the sense of being able to live life more fully, it would help. I don't see in any way it would hinder this!

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

Seoul has never been a very easy place for the wheelchair-bound to navigate, although over the past few years or so that has changed somewhat.

What I really meant though is that the poor guy would likely receive fewer donations were he in a wheelchair. And who's to say that the guy doesn't have a wheelchair at home?

Sparkles*_*

[VanIslander]

There's a legless guy here on the island and the first time I saw him was right after payday and I was so moved by pity that I gave him the bills in one of my pockets, about 70,000 won in all, nothing much to me, but maybe it made his day.

Since then I've seen another guy like him. When I asked the Korean teachers at my hagwon about it, they say I shouldn't give them money because they have food and housing at a local care home, but they just do that to make extra money. Seemed a little callous, since life isn't just about getting food and housing, and I could care less if he buys smokes or soju with it, as long as it's something he wants.

Do what you feel compelled to do to help any individual you come across. Should you do it or shouldn't you do it? Don't do as either of those camps say, but as you feel/think is right.

[Tiger Beer]

[teachingld2004]

I have seen people here in wheel chairs. I have seen them on the subway. And as a matter of fact today I saw one here in Beomgye.

I also feel bad for thee people pushing themselves on the ground, wearing these rubber things that makes them look like mermaids.

I give them money at times. I also heard that they are taken care of.

I remember back when I was going to work in New York via the train, a "blind" guy used to push anothe quyin a wheel chair. I used to feel sorry for him until I heard him curse the people who didnt give money.

P.S. once I saw him on the subway without his "partner". He was reading a news paper.

[Grotto]

I have been told that there are two types of beggers here in Korea.

#1. People that are taken care of and panhandle for money to help out their families and make some money.

#2. Organized crime beggers. These individuals are driven to a location in a van(usually with several other beggers in it on their way to get dropped off as well) at the end of the day the van picks them up and they hand over their proceeds to the 'boss'. If they dont do well enough they are beaten, or mutilated in order to increase the sympathy factor.

At least this is what I have been told by several Koreans that I know.
#1 is okay
#2 is scary as all hell

either way whenever I see these people I throw a chon won or handful of change into their bowl. Doesnt hurt me and often when Koreans see the foriegner giving money to the guy they also dig out change and donate....possibly so they are not to be outdone by me

[Dawn]