Korean Job Discussion Forums

[semphoon]

I have mixed feelings on this.

I am the ONLY foreign person in my area. I have been here 10 months and NEVER seen anyone but Koreans

I don't mind too much. Sometimes I wil give a big bow and say "Annyoung as-shem-ne gga?" (The politer form of annyoung haseyo).

Other times I will stare right back to the point where I turn my head to keep staring as we pass each other.

I will also asked some "are you a foreigner?" which confuses them, especially when I maintain that "I am a Korean. (한국인 이예요)

I have also developed strange habits while walking in the street and listening to music. I will sing as I walk down the street or sometimes pretend I am in a music video. My thinking....they are going to stare anyway, so my actions dont really matter.

I think it will be strange when I go back home. With so many white people. I really think Koreans and better looking than white people. I am now conscious of so many flaws with white peoples looks.

[flint]

A lot of times it depends on my mood. My first year here I didn't think much of it. Then it started getting to me. Not so much the normal staring, but the slack jawed staring and the glaring. When it bothers me I tend to just stare back at them until they look away, or ask them what they want. 9 times out of 10 they get embarassed that the foreigner is paying attention to them because now that means Koreans are looking at them.

I think what bothers me the most about it is that it IS considered rude in korea to point and stare. For Korean to Korean interaction, according to any Korean (not just students) I have discussed this with, it is considered rude to do that. If it is rude Korean to Korea it is rude any other way. If it was some sort of cultural thing it probably wouldn't bother me as much. Probably.

[sadsac]

Seriously depends on the day of the week.

[Juregen]

It is not me, it's my son.

He is of mixed blood, but for some reason has very, very pale skin, even more pale then mine, and he has this cute face with sparkling eyes and gigantic eyelashes.

if i walk anywhere in Korea with my son, i get woman of all ages yelling "OOOOOOO Kiopta", " Otoke", etc ...

Every single day.

It is impossible to get used to it.

I am wondering if i can't make a fast buck out of my sons looks, you know, to pay for his "Education".

[periwinkle]

[Qinella]

What is kiptoa?

[sonshine20]

It doesn't really bother me. A couple of times, it has become creepy, and I just walk away. Sometimes (when it isn't a creepy old man), I'll give 'um a big smile. That usually ends it. But it isn't big deal to me. (I'm in Seoul. That helps.)

P.S. I guess kiptoa is supposed to be 귀엽다, cute.

[Homer]

where is the option for get over it already?

[sjrm]

[Homer]

Sorry man but some people make themselves sideshows or basically seek out stares so they can then complain they are being stared at...

[Guri Guy]

Staring can be rude but it doesn't bother me anymore. Usually if Koreans yell "Miguk saram ida!" I look at them and say " Hanguk saram ida!".

The humour seems lost on them though.

[jacl]

If you like being stared at, go to China.

[Qinella]

[Hyeon Een]

[Juregen]