Korean Job Discussion Forums

bhog · Joined: 22 Mar 2006

I'll be arriving in Anyang at the end of the month for my 1st contract (isn't that cute) teaching in Korea. I understand that as a Westerner in Korea in some areas I'll get a lot of stares. Admittedly I've only travelled to countries so far where many people look like me or are used to seeing people who look like me, so this hasn't been an issue but...I'm just wondering your opinion as to whether the K-staring is out of curiosity or hostility?

Juregen · Joined: 30 May 2006

Them i was first

Curiosity for sure.

Newbie · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Mostly curiosity.

Men aged 20-25, out for a drink, perhaps hostility.

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Pity.

Junior · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: the eye

most of its a blank gaze expressing nothing in particular. I guess curiosity. The person forgets that its rude to stare as they are momentarily entranced by the visage of a foreigner. or maybe staring is just not rude in this country, i don't know.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

You won't get much staring in Anyang though.

Sina qua non · Joined: 20 Jun 2006

Where's the "Just Plain Rude" voting option?

It's cultural value that's held probably universally that staring at another person (unless the person has an eleventh finger growing out of their head, or something) is just plain rude.

Reagarding curiosity or hostility, I don't know. I can't see into anyone's thoughts. But if I guess, I'd say that the vast majority of the staring kids are doing so mostly out of curiosity.

But of the older people (especially men in the 40-50 year old generation), I'd say the hostility explanation is more likely.

But of the staring females in the 20-35 year old range, I'm pretty sure it's just because I'm so good looking~ Cool

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Definitely hostility. You gotta watch your back here, especially around Anyang. Keep in mind that all guys in their 20s have been trained by the military or police, and probably grew up studying Taekwondo and Hapkido, so they will definitely own you. And the ajummas? Just check the visor, slick. You are one vocalized syllable away from a suplex, no doubt about it.

I've had a lot of close calls here, where seriously only the rain and a misplaced manhole cover saved my ass. Just don't go out alone, or in heels.

semphoon · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: Where Nowon is

Curiosity for sure. How many old people are doing it to be hostile? I'll take they down and choke them out before they can say "kimchi chigae."

I live in area where I am the only white guy. I have been here 10 months and NEVER seen another whitey. When I see another non Korean, I stare at them. It's more to see if they acknowledge seeing a foreigner.

A great tip if some Korean is staring at you. As you walk towards them, as you approch give them a bow and say "Ann-young-ash-shim-ne-ka"? They will bow back 90% of the time. Makes you feel good, instead of thinking "what the hell is that Korean staring at me for."

Sina qua non · Joined: 20 Jun 2006

Privateer · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Location: Easy Street.

cdninkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

I really think it's curiosity, but many will tell you about hostile stares you might get if you're with a Korean woman (it's only happened to me once, but I hear some people say it happens to them all the time, and it can apparently get ugly sometimes).

Often they're just staring at whatever I happen to be reading on the subway, especially if I'm looking at my Korean notes.

kermo · Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2006 12:27 am Post subject:

I got stared at today on the orange line, all the way from Express Bus Terminal to Gongbukgong. I ignored him, but my friend noticed he even changed spots to sit closer to me. He was an older guy, gazing unashamedly with a little smile on his face. I had to check to see if the back of my dress was tucked up into my panties or something (it wasn't.)
I was having an animated conversation with a friend, so it could have been that he wanted to listen in, or it could have just been plain ol' "Hey, check out the girl in the little brown dress and heels. Ain't she stacked." Korean ladies don't tend to stare like that unless I'm making silly faces at their children or grandchildren.
I get stares not only from Koreans, but from other (mostly non-white) foreigners. Maybe they feel more inclined to give me the glad eye because I probably couldn't tell them off too effectively in their language. I don't worry about it too much.

JongnoGuru · Joined: 25 May 2004 Location: peeing on your doorstep

Koreans staring? In my case, it's either intense envy or erotic thoughts.

gang ah jee · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: city of paper

Disgust and horror.