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Kurtz
Joined: 05 Jan 2007
Location: ples bilong me
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 Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 8:36 pm Post subject: |
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| TheUrbanMyth wrote: |
| Kurtz wrote: |
From a well dressed 30's guy after 3.5 years in Korea.
30's/40's
Very very weird in general. Basically misfits who swan around by themselves in Western bars, or smug, ugly bastards who give you a "look what I have!!" when they pass you with their Korean wife, the ladies seem very introverted and have given up on a romantic life, while the blokes are drunks who are often divorced or still acting like they are in their 20's, getting drunk and hitting on K ladies 15 years younger than them, also a swathe of weirdos thinking they are going to make it as a writer, plugging away at some prose by night, teaching "what's this? It's a chair" by day.
Let the flamming begin  |
Doesn't seem that flaming is necessary.
(bolding mine) |
err reading comprehension, I did say "in general" |
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Kurtz
Joined: 05 Jan 2007
Location: ples bilong me
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 8:37 pm Post subject: |
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| sligo wrote: |
| Kurtz wrote: |
From a well dressed 30's guy after 3.5 years in Korea.
20's age group.
Seem to travel in packs, bit of beach volleyball showing off the body (sometimes good, sometimes bad!), sit around drinking in large groups in front of 7-11 stores, act tough in foreigner bars when they are weak as piss by themselves I would imagine, dress like they haven't a cent to their name, seem to resent those who put some effort into how they look and want to knock them down (tall poppy syndrome) by inane comments, perhaps don't realize just because you have a shit job doesn't mean you have to look like shit, have an Asian fetish (haven't slept with a white girl in 2 years! several have told me), the females seem very weird and standoffish (not that I'm interested in them, but sometimes kind of seem desperate too which isn't my scene either), or loud as hell valley girls "like, this is like kimchi, and like, that's kalbi, like, why don't we like, like get some food now..." also many geeky and nerdy types who look like it's the first time out of their one horse hometown.
30's/40's
Very very weird in general. Basically misfits who swan around by themselves in Western bars, or smug, ugly bastards who give you a "look what I have!!" when they pass you with their Korean wife, the ladies seem very introverted and have given up on a romantic life, while the blokes are drunks who are often divorced or still acting like they are in their 20's, getting drunk and hitting on K ladies 15 years younger than them, also a swathe of weirdos thinking they are going to make it as a writer, plugging away at some prose by night, teaching "what's this? It's a chair" by day.
That's my massive generalizations, sorry if I offended anyone. That's just the general impression I have in my mind, I'm sure there are some very nice people here and a bunch of people will thwart this post by providing the opposite, that's fine, we all have our own impressions of the place. I have met the best people out doing something like hiking but in general I don't socialize much with foreigners, I know a handful of people and that's enough. Some hiking buddies, some kalbi buddies, that's really all I need.
This might sound sad, but one of the reasons I came here was to meet like minded, adventurous people but it seems people only travel in packs or are stuck in some bar. The amount of people who have said they have never left their city they work in, and the amount of times plans have been cancelled due to hangovers on their part isn't funny.
I'll agree with Patrick Batemen, it's made me a little pretentious too but I guess that's not too hard to do when comparing yourself with the lowest common denominator which is the general expat community.
Let the flamming begin |
One "M" in "FLAMING"! (and you were doing so well!) |
DOH! |
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Kurtz
Joined: 05 Jan 2007
Location: ples bilong me
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 8:49 pm Post subject: |
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| edwardcatflap wrote: |
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in general I don't socialize much with foreigners
That's just the general impression I have in my mind,
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These two quotes say it all. General impressions of people you see drunk in bars but don't really know. Everybody looks bad when they're in a big crowd of their friends making a lot of drunken noise in a pub. It hardly needs saying but you have to get to know people as individuals before you start making judgements. But it obviously does need saying again as people still come on these boards and trot out the same cliches.
Deciding on the character of the majority of the expat community in their 30s and 40s from perceived looks you believe some people give you when out with their wives is pretty ludicrous when you analyse it and frankly, a bit undergraduate-like in its maturity. As is still calling people 'geeks' and 'nerds' . And what have you got against people wanting to write? Everybody had to start somewhere and a lot of people become successful novelists quite late in life. |
Fair points. I've just had some unpleasant experiences lately which resulted in my little rant. |
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definitely maybe
Joined: 16 Feb 2008
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 9:01 pm Post subject: |
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| Hotwire wrote: |
The only response I can legitimately form to that is -
rolly eyes. |
You need to worry about the fact that you've lost your job to the jackasses, no? |
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Steelrails
Joined: 12 Mar 2009
Location: Earth, Solar System
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 9:02 pm Post subject: |
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| definitely maybe wrote: |
| It's been said before and it'll be said again. The stigma that some young waegs and the media attach to the foreign horde here in Korea is not uniformly embraced by every Korean. It is well within all of our grasps to prove our own worth to others, Korean and non-Korean. Koreans have been exposed to foreigners, good and bad, for long enough that they're more than capable of forming individual opinions. Worry about yourself, your loved ones, and your students. I see validity on both sides of the argument, but not enough for anyone to get too worked up. There were jackasses here before you came, and they'll sure as hell be here when you leave. Let's not take ourselves too seriously. |
For real. Koreans who mainly associate with workers at the Coca-Cola Seoul office probably have a good impression of foreigners.
Koreans who work at the Itaewon McDonald's at 2AM probably have a
different impression.
Basically any Korean who is working past 10PM is probably going to have a negative impression of foreigners. This isn't fair because any ethnic group past 10PM is probably generally a bunch of morons. But that's reality.
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| The idea that any foriegner who goes to a foriegn country must have 'the time of their life' like another country is your own personal party is frankly absurd...and realised the local people are not merely Disney Land workers there to facilitate our magical adventure. |
Exactly. Its staggering how many people think like this. I think that's because of Teenage culture and subconscious colonialist attitudes. |
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Hotwire
Joined: 29 Aug 2010
Location: Multiverse
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 9:22 pm Post subject: |
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| definitely maybe wrote: |
| Hotwire wrote: |
The only response I can legitimately form to that is -
rolly eyes. |
You need to worry about the fact that you've lost your job to the jackasses, no? |
Nope. I lost my job due to the school deciding to hire Korean English teachers from now on.
I wouldn't have renewed anyway as it's too boring where I live - so ner ner ner ner ner.
It's the kids I feel sorry for - not myself. Though if it's the 3rd grade teacher who just went on a 6 month paid study leave - then all power to her as she's a very good (THE ONLY GOOD) English teacher. I did wonder if she was studying to be an ET. |
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tottenhamtaipeinick
Joined: 05 Sep 2010
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 9:31 pm Post subject: |
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| Who cares what all KOREANS like, you guys think you have face in Korea? you are not Korean therefore they associate you with everyother westerner. So too bad! the only people who take you seriously are people close to you. I live in Brisbane, and our city if full of Koreans, many Australians here are pissed of that our starbucks you cant get a seat because it is full of koreans (who sit there for hours, in Australian culture this is rude) at night, and you cant sit anywhere in the library because every Korean is there learning English! they don't fit in here (not all but heaps) as they eat in Korean restaurants which have suddenly multiplied everywhere or sing K at the new K bars they opened, or in their apartments where they fit at least 6 students.... Yet they very rarely take into how Australians live. They to are loud on buses..so honestly guys who cares! we are learning to accept cultures for who they are and the differences between them and we will need to become more tolerant as more people are choosing to go overseas to experience different places (but this doesnt mean they want to become one with that culture). And guess what after all that I have heaps of Korean friends here and fell in love with a girl who is Korean!.... Living in a big city means you will see everything! so if you don't like it go live in a gated small community where everyone knows each other and you can keep your face. I have designed gated communities in my job and guess what! they are for people who are full of hate for nearly everyone and dont want to experience anything outside their own lives! |
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Hotwire
Joined: 29 Aug 2010
Location: Multiverse
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 9:38 pm Post subject: |
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| So you're encouraging exactly the behaviour that Koreans are upsetting Australians with? |
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tottenhamtaipeinick
Joined: 05 Sep 2010
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 9:48 pm Post subject: |
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| If you are referring to just being western and 'knowing' exactly I am not Korean than yes, I dont want to stand out by being rude because I know what it feels like to have 100 asians starring at you! it aint pretty. but being loud because I am happy! what are you imaging I am going to do? pull my *beep* out on a subway? insult an old man........ I have graduated from a good 'stuck' up Uni and have a very sort after position in a development company.....I am not a drop kick, I can fit into society! haha I lived in Taiwan when I was 17, I am a bit older now but there will still be some crazy nights and sorry but people out at 10pm in cities are usually trying to have a big night out! we aint going out to the library. I have seen fights, even a killing in Taipei, guns and some wicked stuff at the night club areas of drunk people, my friends said Seoul is exactly the same so I don't know what good status I want to keep up when I am getting drunk at night? oh and another thing Korean guys are very immature probably the most out of all Asians, so I cant wait to go out with some young fun loving guys and drink soju and party away the night! |
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Hotwire
Joined: 29 Aug 2010
Location: Multiverse
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 9:56 pm Post subject: |
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Ha ha, Seoul is nothing like that!
One of the least intimidating cities I've ever been to!!
Your friend is pulling your chain good and proper! |
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NYC_Gal
Joined: 08 Dec 2009
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 10:33 pm Post subject: |
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| tottenhamtaipeinick wrote: |
| If you are referring to just being western and 'knowing' exactly I am not Korean than yes, I dont want to stand out by being rude because I know what it feels like to have 100 asians starring at you! it aint pretty. but being loud because I am happy! what are you imaging I am going to do? pull my *beep* out on a subway? insult an old man........ I have graduated from a good 'stuck' up Uni and have a very sort after position in a development company.....I am not a drop kick, I can fit into society! haha I lived in Taiwan when I was 17, I am a bit older now but there will still be some crazy nights and sorry but people out at 10pm in cities are usually trying to have a big night out! we aint going out to the library. I have seen fights, even a killing in Taipei, guns and some wicked stuff at the night club areas of drunk people, my friends said Seoul is exactly the same so I don't know what good status I want to keep up when I am getting drunk at night? oh and another thing Korean guys are very immature probably the most out of all Asians, so I cant wait to go out with some young fun loving guys and drink soju and party away the night! |
I only highlighted two, but the post was rife with errors.
Your sought-after position sounds great, but I hope that it has nothing to do with the English language.
I agree with the above poster: Seoul is TAME. Sure, there are businessmen passed out in their soju-ramen-vomit-stained shiny suits on the street, and domestic violence isn't uncommon, but it's nothing like what your friend told you. He's taking the piss. |
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definitely maybe
Joined: 16 Feb 2008
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 10:52 pm Post subject: |
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| Hotwire wrote: |
| definitely maybe wrote: |
| Hotwire wrote: |
The only response I can legitimately form to that is -
rolly eyes. |
You need to worry about the fact that you've lost your job to the jackasses, no? |
Nope. I lost my job due to the school deciding to hire Korean English teachers from now on.
I wouldn't have renewed anyway as it's too boring where I live - so ner ner ner ner ner.
It's the kids I feel sorry for - not myself. Though if it's the 3rd grade teacher who just went on a 6 month paid study leave - then all power to her as she's a very good (THE ONLY GOOD) English teacher. I did wonder if she was studying to be an ET. |
I see, and do agree that it may be the kids that lost out. My comment was a bit underhanded, but may be reflected in the way a number of people who are ranting on this board view their fellow foreigners. It's hard to live in a place where a number of schools are actively seeking younger, less-experienced teachers. |
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Hotwire
Joined: 29 Aug 2010
Location: Multiverse
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 11:02 pm Post subject: |
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^
Must say it does suck. First time in my life I've ever had to make that kind of adaptation to circumstances. |
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tottenhamtaipeinick
Joined: 05 Sep 2010
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 11:05 pm Post subject: |
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| NYC_Gal wrote: |
| tottenhamtaipeinick wrote: |
| If you are referring to just being western and 'knowing' exactly I am not Korean than yes, I dont want to stand out by being rude because I know what it feels like to have 100 asians starring at you! it aint pretty. but being loud because I am happy! what are you imaging I am going to do? pull my *beep* out on a subway? insult an old man........ I have graduated from a good 'stuck' up Uni and have a very sort after position in a development company.....I am not a drop kick, I can fit into society! haha I lived in Taiwan when I was 17, I am a bit older now but there will still be some crazy nights and sorry but people out at 10pm in cities are usually trying to have a big night out! we aint going out to the library. I have seen fights, even a killing in Taipei, guns and some wicked stuff at the night club areas of drunk people, my friends said Seoul is exactly the same so I don't know what good status I want to keep up when I am getting drunk at night? oh and another thing Korean guys are very immature probably the most out of all Asians, so I cant wait to go out with some young fun loving guys and drink soju and party away the night! |
I only highlighted two, but the post was rife with errors.
Your sought-after position sounds great, but I hope that it has nothing to do with the English language.
I agree with the above poster: Seoul is TAME. Sure, there are businessmen passed out in their soju-ramen-vomit-stained shiny suits on the street, and domestic violence isn't uncommon, but it's nothing like what your friend told you. He's taking the piss. |
I did a double in law and planning, honours lol dont ask me how! but obviously I write in txt writing here, and considering my sentences are all over the place what do u think ?? am I really thinking when I write ahaaha! I am just typing out crap cause this is fun |
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NYC_Gal
Joined: 08 Dec 2009
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| Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 1:58 am Post subject: |
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It's the editor in me. No worries. Don't worry about Seoul. Just be warned that you may have to rinse off your shoes quite often. |
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