Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Alcofrolic]

Hi, I'm considering moving out to Korea in the new year and was just after some info really on what the sit is regarding a gay scene/bars/clubs. Is it different for women? Obviously I'm not about to annouce 'I'm here, I'm queer' the moment I get off the plane but equally it would be nice to know what level of acceptibility to expect. Is it acceptable to be 'out'? I was considering moving to Seoul as it's the capital and I thought it would be the most culturally diverse but again I have no realy clue as to whether this is the case or not. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Alcofrolic x

[Hapkido-In]

There are a few night clubs and bars that you can find for the LGB scene in Seoul. I'm not sure if it is still around, but I remember some friends talking about a place called Lesbos.

I wouldn't suggest being 'out' in your daily life, though, especially if you want to work at a hogwon. I strongly recommend not letting anyone at your work know about it, as it can only cause problems and it will never make things better.

On a side note, though, it's rather normal for men and walk down the street with their arms around other men and for women to do the same and not draw a second (or first) glance from others. If you start making out though...that'd draw some attention, I'm sure.

[articulate_ink]

Check out www.seoulsisters.org.

[mikekim]

According to my Korean friends there are no L's G's or B's in Korea.

[Alcofrolic]

no I wouldn't consider being 'out' at work - thank you for the tips

[billybrobby]

Koreans are clueless about what westerners consider signs that somebody is gay. So unless you forwardly come out, you're probably never going to have that "are you? because if you are, i'm fine with that" conversation. People say that Koreans believe there are no gays in Korea, but I think that's a stereotype about a stereotype. There's gays in TV and movies and the society opening up. As far as the expat community goes, I think it's open minded and it should be easy enough to meet other gay people. I don't think you should have any problem.

There's a strip of gay bars in the foreign quarter. The bars themselves are nice, but their located next to a place called Hooker Hill so it's not a real classy part of town. Other than that, I don't know.

[Snowmeow]

Good luck in your search