Korean Job Discussion Forums

[oldfatfarang]

[Fishead soup]

[oldfatfarang]

[tfunk]

Koreans tend to socialize in certain circles; family, work etc. and are reluctant to meet people that do not have a clearly defined relationship to them. Christianity is unusual in that it is similar to a global relationship i.e. you have a social commonality with another person by virtue of your beliefs. If you look at how Koreans socialize at work and at school there is usually a hierarchical relationship between people with an established protocol on how to behave.

Christianity can be 'an excuse' for getting to know other people, something that Koreans are limited in doing because of their Confucian-based culture. God and Jesus are at the top of the ladder. The Book and the preacher provide the set of protocols on how to relate to each other.

We have similar constructions in the West, although they are less rigidly defined. It's normal behaviour to approach a stranger for conversation in a bar, but it's quite unusual on a bus etc.

To relate this to the original post, I guess more Koreans feel comfortable approaching a stranger if they feel they have a 'just cause' to establish a social relationship and Christianity provides that reason.

[martypants]