Korean Job Discussion Forums

[OneWorld]

I�m a newbie to possibly teaching in south korea. I love kids, and eager to venture into this opportunity. What is it really like to be a lesbian in korea. I know it�s common for same sex people to hold hands, and no one would think twice walking down the street. I�m talking openly homosexual. Would it be that bad to �come-out�? is it not safe? Could I really get fired if found out?

[SuperFly]

I don't think openly is safe, but overall otherwise....it's fine, people are cool. You'll have a great time, don't let anything stop you from exploring Asia and using Korea as base to get to other places. Just remember that if you don't like it in Korea, you can always save some cash and try another country. I don't think anyone would fire you unless you came right out and told the boss you sleep with girls. Or get involved with a student and then have it come out...

I think there must be zillions of G/L clubs by now too.


Edit: In fact, I BET you'll get at least five pms tonight regarding your question.

[bnrockin]

I am by no means a professional concerning buisness practices by different schools, but I have seen contracts that essentially say you can get fired for being gay and people knowing about it. I have not, however, heard of anyone getting fired over this so I dunno.

[kermo]

Judging from discussions with my older students, the notion that "there are no gays in Korea" is pretty common. They were stunned when I mentioned I have gay friends, both Korean and foreign.
I don't recommend telling your boss or your co-workers, because I really have no idea what stereotypes are associated with it, or whether they'll be afraid you'll "convert" the students.
However, if you went ahead and mentioned "my girlfriend" in every other sentence, Koreans would probably just assume you were talking about a friend who's a girl. You can be functionally out and people around you will still probably be in the dark.

I don't know how important it is for you to be completely frank with your employer about this, so I'd wait to hear from someone who's actually done it on this one. We all have things we don't mention for the sake of appearances, and I don't like having to hide parts of myself but it's what's expected here.

[uberscheisse]

i have always thought one's sexual orientation was on a need-to-know basis. this is mostly because i'm 100% bored by the topic and don't care who does what with whom. however - it may be quite different here, and i think that being out and proud - and by no means would i knock being out and proud - i just think that it could make your life less comfortable.

will people at your work freak out if they're not kept apprised of who you choose to smooch? no.

they may if you let them know.

from what i've experienced the reaction to behavior that is perceived as unsavory, non-traditional, beyond the korean sphere of understanding... it can all can end up being treated a lot harsher than you would want it to.

[Feloria]

I think Kermo probably has the right idea. Hopefully it won't be a big deal. You wanted to possibly go to Busan, right? I should be there at the end of November if all goes well. If you do end up there; you will already have a potential friend in me! Good Luck!!

[riley]

It wasn't that long ago when a korean TV star outed himself. He was then fired for it. It doesn't sound like there was a big public outcry in his favor either. Do what makes you feel comfortable, but understand it may make life a lot more difficult than back home. I hope people who are gay have given you some good advice about their situation and what they've done.

[SuperFly]

But there are tons of G/L clubs right? Right. There must be by now.

[kiwiliz]

I have a couple of gay friends coming over to visit me next month. My really nice co-teacher is always trying to get me hooked up so I had to tell her my two lovely male friends were gay.
I said they would be staying in my apartment and she..and the other teachers at the school..arfe fine wiuth it all, because they are gay.
Theya re even taking us to the local festival.
the strange thing was though, that whenever she told her collegues, they thought she meant transsexual at first. It seems the words are similar?? anyone help me on this?

[Hank Scorpio]

[Swiss James]

in Korea, straight couples aren't even supposed to kiss in public, so how openly homosexual could you actually be anyway?

I've met a good number of lesbians in Seoul- there's a definite social scene in the capital. Not sure what you'd find in some of the smaller cities though.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

If you're lesbian you should have no problems. Public displays of affection, with the exception of snogging, (holding hands, walking arm-in-arm, groping, bum pats, stroking legs) are fine and you can probably get away with doing it to women who aren't your girlfriend or to your female students. Living in the same apartment and even sharing the same bed as another woman is perfectly fine.

However, never ever tell any Koreans, especially your employer or students, that you're a lesbian.

[rokgryphon]

Hanson seems to think that it is OK in Korea, but, that's just him!

[Swiss James]

[Butterfly]