Korean Job Discussion Forums

[youmepicnic]

Hey Guys,

I have been reading threads in the cafe since I decided I was going to Korea. I have since signed a contract, sold my things off and packed a bag. Mind you this is not the first time I have lived abroad... I have never been to Asia though.

So, I have been reading... And frankly it sounds as if I haved signed myself up for a freak hell ride on the bus-o-racism. How racist are Koreans? What kind of aweful things will I encounter> And someone put a silver lining on this grey cloud of mine,
thanks,
you, me, picnic?!

[billybrobby]

check here:

Bus O' Racism Schedule: Canada --> Hell

[laogaiguk]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

You'll get a lot of stares outside central Seoul. If you're with a k-girl once in a while an ajoshi, usually on soju, will make some very rude coments or even yell and point, probably at her. Many people will appear uneasy or downright afraid around you. That's about it.

You're biggest worry should be hogwan owners who think you're a pawn to be exploited and screwed over and hogwan brats who have learned that it's their right to treat foreign teachers like crap.

Out on the street you'll probably receive ten random (and find out it's not really so random) acts of kindness for every act of xenophobic rudness.

[Ya-ta Boy]

On a day to day basis the worst thing that will happen to you will be getting stared at. From time to time, there can more distressing negative experiences. But I think I can safely say that for each rude behavior that might be based on race, you will have 10 positive experiences based on race. The 'super star of the neighborhood' phenomenon.

Relax.

[ajgeddes]

Korea isn't a bad place. Racist things happen sometimes, but I don't know if I have ever been at the end of it. Some people just assume that if somebody treats a foreigner badly, then it is automatically racism, and not just some A-hole.

Sometimes, there are things in the newspaper about how great Koreans are at someting BECAUSE they are Korean. Some Koreans believe it, but there are also a lot that don't. It's also not so much racism as it is a belief that they are superior. It has nothing to do with being white. A lot of the crap in the papers just plays to the nationalists. Then somebody here hears it and blows it out of proportion. Korea is like every other country. There are lots of people of every type.

The only problem is that a lot of them really know nothing about western culture besides what they see in McDonald's, and just like a lot of people from other countries think that everything that is not the same as our own culture is wrong and inferior. Also, there is sometimes the belief that we should change everything we do to fit into their culture, even though we all know, and they know, they wouldn't do it if they went to our countries.
The country hasn't really had a lot of exposure to really differing cultures yet because there really is very, very little tourism from countries other than China and Japan.

You will run into problems here, just like you would run into problems everywhere else you go. Live with it, learn from it and understand that it probably isn't racism. Some people are just idiots and the comment they do make (it may be the only English they know) may have something to do with your country, making it sound like racism. These are usually the same people that are jacka$$es to other Koreans as well.

So, I think I have repeated myself a lot, but just chill and relax and I hope your ride is good.

Please note, this is all just in general, and your experience at work could very well be a LOT different.

[youmepicnic]

that was funny. I needed funny. I need wine more than I need funny.

And to reply: I am a very happy person, and I like to make friends and take it all in. THis is why I chose Korea. And as for Hagwons, my job is far more expendable than my happiness.


Thanks guys!!!

This really helped.

And, Im Katie, a girl, just to clear that up

[RACETRAITOR]

This site is seriously not representative of what it's like living here.

[jinju]

[youmepicnic]

Indeed, girls can be with girls, but I was more clearing up the gender neutral name I have chosen.

Sometimes butter is better on both sides of the bread.

you, me, picnic?!!

[Swiss James]

this reminds me of a joke

do you know the difference between a blow job and a sausage roll?

[JongnoGuru]

To the OP, please read my signature line down there.

If people are going to be racists, they can at least be polite about it.

Japan wins, Japan wins!!!!!

[kermo]

[Swiss James]

[kermo]