Korean Job Discussion Forums

[blunder1983]

Now I like most people put the elbowy way of your average ajjuma down to a "difference" of culture. Every now and then, when I'm in a hurry and they push their way in front of me in a queue, subway etc. I get really annoyed and rant.

I'm wondering what people think, is the ajjuma or ajjoshi pushing in or cutting lines culture shock or is it just plain rude. I think its rude, though i tolerate it nearly all the time. The whole lack of manners is kinda disturbing though.

Incidentally, I dont find this rudeness as I go down age groups so I guess its good ol' Confucianism at work.

[sjrm]

i've learned to just yell at them and push them out of the way, and show them the end of the line. most of the time, the people behind me in line thank me afterwards.

[just because]

I just treat the the way they treat me..

Some are very kind so I am kind to them..

Some are very rude so they get a shoulder charge

It is like Jesus said...treat someomne who you would like to be treated yourself so I am just carrying out his word

[Moldy Rutabaga]

[....]

[cdninkorea]

If they seem like they have trouble standing or walking, I'll usually let them through without hesitation.

But what does annoy me is when I walk to the subway door (when inside), then stand almost with my nose agains the subway door to get off at the next stop, and people try to cut in front of me. Once I even said (calmly) "I'm getting off here too, there's no hurry."

[steroidmaximus]

[Qinella]

Blunda, you remember that guy I scolded at the zoo? For those who don't know, Blunder and I had just bought tickets for a lift at the Grand Park, and Spinoza, who was last, was about to buy his ticket when some dude in his mid 30s appeared out of nowhere and just cut right in front to get his tickets. I curtly informed him that Spinoza had been waiting first and he needs to wait, and I told him how rude he was. He sorta looked embarrassed and mumbled some apology before lumbering off.

I mean, if you're an elderly person that's one thing, but some guy who just wants to get his ticket first and thinks he can pretend the other people aren't alive? Forget about it. I've got no patience for that kind of nonsense.

Last Saturday something funny happened. I was standing around in the subway car, which was not in the least crowded. There was plenty of walking space, but the lady who wanted to get by me shoved into me. I was a bit shocked because, as I said, there was copious maneuvering space. So when the exit was coming and she got up to stand by the door, I walked up behind her and had my petty revenge. She looked at me like she was shocked! Why would that guy bump into me for no reason!? Haha...

Q.

[Demophobe]

[seoulsucker]

I've accepted the cultural norm that Koreans will physically assert themselves and occupy the maximum amount of space humanly possible in most situations. What cracks me up is when I get crazy looks for doing the same. About a year ago I bumped a person on the subway to get by, and when confronted with an insult I just yelled, "From you, alright? I learned it by watching you!!"

[eamo]

They're rude. And younger Koreans think they're rude too. Ask them.

The thing is, very rarely will anyone call them on it. Because of the age thing. And this has been going on forever so it seems normal now.

Believe me, younger Koreans also think talking too loudly, pushing in lines, spitting in restaurants..... etc is rude too.

[out of context]