Korean Job Discussion Forums

ThreeDogNight · Joined: 30 May 2003 Location: Seoul

Who here can compare the difference between Western men and Korean men? I don't mean physically. I mean the differences in male body language.

I find the man thing here perplexing. On the one hand I find Korean men to be sensitive, but on the other hand I see them as bullish and overly masculine, not in their physique, but in their demeanor and body language.

I can't walk like a Korean. I can't swagger, or stick my chest back far enough and trundle like a Sumo wrestler or tree-trunk jock. This body language gets to me. I know Western men have their masculine, macho body language too, like folding the arms, but Korean men seem to be Kings strutting their stuff.

Walking in the park on a sunny day is a debacle, wherein passing every man one feels challenged to 'stick that chest out' and 'hold that head high.' In the West I think some of these guys would be called 'big shots.'

I don't know. Just rambling and tired of the 'get-out-of-my way' walk. Anyway, I heard Grizzly Bears are the same way.

rudyflyer · Joined: 26 Feb 2003 Location: pacing the cage

moved back with a bump after moderator review

keep it clean folks

Avram Iancu · Joined: 05 Jul 2003 Location: Changwon

I find the whole thing quite amusing actually. I am fortunate enough to have an above average physique (rugby/American football), without the restrictions of a muscle-bound appearance. Few Korean men would be challenging me in a chest competition, aside from the gym trainer who is hopped-up on steroids. If a challenge arises, I swiftly take the upper hand in a 'one-man-scrum', or a rousing armwrestle. The latter can be surprisingly challenging as some of the wee srawny boys have considerable wrist strength. When you beat them listen...to the sound of SILENCE...

Making the natives lose face for over a year...

Manner of Speaking · Joined: 09 Jan 2003

What the hell is 'unclean' about this post?

Corporal · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

makushi · Joined: 08 Jun 2003

I am not sure if you could call it body language, but some differences are:

Korean guys that like to give their juniors a pecker check

Korean guys that rub other guys legs

Korean guys that squat down behind another squatting guy and put their arms around them

Korean guys that hold their cigarettes with their palms up

I know that none of the above behaviors have homo overtones to them...but in the west...they would be considered as such and are thus not often seen.

Also...the handshakes tend to a bit limp here....

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

weatherman · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: Korea

Yeah, I have noticed a certain power stance they put on when I walk by or into a room. You have to laugh at it really. Shows how insecure they are in dealing with foreigners. Yeah, bring on the hub of Asia.

Paddycakes · Joined: 05 May 2003 Location: Seoul

Yes, Korean men are quite tough, very scary indeed. In fact, one of them I know put a tattoo on the Hello Kitty doll attached to his bag.

S-C-A-R-Y stuff, man. I almost did a Midnight Run after seening that one.
These K-Boys are just too scary for me.

You ever see how many Zayborgs or whatever they're called a K-Boy can kill with one mouse click on Star Craft? It's frightening.

Godzilla · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

I'll be in Korea in about a months time and I can't wait! These boys sound like a model of masculinity compared to the Arabs I have to teach in the Gulf at the moment. Holding hands.. fondling each other.. doing the kissing thing..

At least they don't take their mates into the desert for a bit of extra-curricular because they can't get hold of a woman!

Bring on the Hello Kitty! It really can't be anywhere near as bad as here.