Korean Job Discussion Forums

blunder1983 · Joined: 12 Apr 2005

This will probably get deleted but i'm interested in peoples opinions.

I have been here 3 months. And I'm noticing increased levels of evil glares from ajosshis and ajummas, and more negative news reports on the foreign devils. I'm curious if its getting worse or if its me......

1. I've been here three months, so the honeymoon period is ending and i'm more aware of it
2. I've started seeing a korean-american a lot and although she speaks no korean it seems to only exacerbate the situation re. the ajummas and ajosshis.
3. It really is getting more prevalent.

I've also noticed a more frustrated base of people at daves too seemingly responding to this change. So what is it 1,2 or 3?

Chris

Gopher · Joined: 04 Jun 2005

yemanja · Joined: 29 Sep 2004

I'm going to go for 1, but who knows?

I think it comes in waves..I think it depends on the news of the day.
Something anti-foreign in the news or Korean sporting team fares badly and some guy has too much soju and feels the need to defend Korea's honor
A friend of mine while walking with girlfriend was verbally abused and had a chair thrown at him (which hit his girlfriend!) during the Olympics when there was a controversial ruling which Korea lost.

Ironically this weekend, the anniversary of Korea's liberation..you'd think it would be time for some foreigner appreciation

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

The honeymoon is over. That being said you can avoid the K-girl with you glares by not holding hands in public and walk about a foot apart from another side by side. You can also buy a Korean brand name shirt with the logo on it .. E.G. COAX.

My wife and I still get the glares once in a while, I just smile at them ...doesn't even phase me now.

Gopher · Joined: 04 Jun 2005

blunder1983 · Joined: 12 Apr 2005

I guess its one.

This is the main thing I find so funny about Korea, ur sitting on a train happily minding ur own business and people are giving u plenty of evils etc. BUT if u bother someone, ask for directions etc. they will always be super courteous and polite and friendly. Talk about ur mixed messages!

yemanja · Joined: 29 Sep 2004

Anyone know where I can get a "Dokdo is Japanese" T-Shirt?

blunder1983 · Joined: 12 Apr 2005

Lol I'd love a tshirt like that, especially with the translation in korean too. I BET that Tshirt creation shops would refuse to make it too Rolling Eyes

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

I only suggested that as kind of a lucky charm. I'm sure ajoshis don't give a damn what you are wearing.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Has there been an upsurge in the anti-foreigner reports in the media? I check out Chosun Ilbo and Joongang Ilbo pretty regularly, but haven't noticed any recently. Am I missing a big story?

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

Tomorrow is the 60th anniverssary when Korean got divided into North and South. A couple of hours ago I watched a friendly match of the two National teams play together. South beat the Norks 3-0.

yemanja · Joined: 29 Sep 2004

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

That's according to my interpretation of what my K -wife has told me ... and yeah they would celebrate it as reunification runs hot in the minds of these Korean folk...hold on ... getting confirmation from my wife... she's looking in the dictionary.....you're right it is independance day.

yemanja · Joined: 29 Sep 2004

Actually I can see where the confusion came from.
Both events marked the end of a war, (well at least the end of fighting in the Korean War)

Actually how is the end of the Korean War and the start of the DMZ viewed here?
It was the last day a lot of people saw family members, but the end of a nasty war... bitter / sweet??

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Hi blunder,

Well, you now know whyfore and wherefore there is a lot of moaning and groaning on this board.

Good luck. I hope all goes well.