Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PEIGUY]

I am going to throw my two cents into this conversation. I am not yet in Korea but it sounds familar to back home. I am Canadian and as most Canadians i was taught french in school (allbeit i couldn't speak it lol). later in life when i had the opportunity to work with french people i did what Koreans do, I spoke to them in there language. Its just commonality really, mind you some times they would reply in english because they get to practise there english. In some situations it would feel uncomfortable having a convo with a perfect stranger ( the eg of the subway car) but lighten up and have fun besides, you could always just speak english really fast and then walk away and laugh at the confused look on their face!

[maxxx_power]

[Universalis]

I bought an MP3 player and began wearing it around town no matter where I went. Worked wonders... As an added bonus it drowned out all the stupid "Look, a foreigner!" comments and half-assed English that seems to surround westerners as they move about the city.

Heck, if you're desperate, just buy a pair of cheap headphones and stick them in your ears... probably work just the same.

[ryleeys]

The only time I've been truly uncomfortable was when I had a guy approach me and try to speak English when I was in the hospital... I'm on the verge of puking and this guy wanted to ask me questions... I don't care if he wanted English lessons or to be nice, I was sick. That's the only case where I have been somewhat rude.

[dogbert]

[peppermint]

It doesn't bother me at all, if the people are friendly and respect that I'm a person too. Pushy people annoy me, whether they're Koreans wanting to practice English, or anyone else with an agenda.

Related to the idea of Koreans wanting English lessons; I had a really odd experience in Seoul a few weeks ago.

I was walking to a bus stop and a young guy came up, and said "Excuse me, can I ask you something?- What's the difference between deck and floor"?

Once I explained that the deck is the floor of a boat, he thanked me and walked off.

[Eazy_E]

[ladyandthetramp]

I tried the mp3 player trick and it worked for quite a while. Usually I read at the same time. Still, twice in one week I was approached by college-aged guys (admittedly, I wouldn't have been bothered if they were ladies) on the subway. I even ignored their initial "advances" at me, but they were persistent and left me no choice but to respond.

So, the board is divided on the main issue at hand, but does it at least agree that it is a little rude to approach a person wearing headphones and reading a book on the subway just to practice your English?

I need your approval, then I will take offense to their actions.

[mithridates]

On the other hand I have seen many a sleazy English (western) guy trying to pick up girls here by using their desire to study English. They learn quick... "Yeah, I know, you don't get the chance to speak English! That's too bad! Actually it's really noisy in here, if you want to go have a beer somewhere else a bit quieter we can practice and I'll correct your mistakes..."
How do I know he wasn't just interested in helping her? Because I can guarantee he wouldn't have said the same thing if it was a Korean guy saying the same thing.
I do like the old men on the train though, I've learned a lot from them and it's interesting to speak to them in Japanese when they find out I used to live there. They are always the first ones to bust out the Japanese when they find out that I understand.
I suppose the worst are drunken men from about 20-40 years of age as they are way too ambitious at that age, plus I generally don't want friends of that persuasion.
Lastly, for some reason I don't seem to mind if the person trying to speak English is gorgeous and in her 20s...I wonder why?

[Imbroglio]

I remember my first time in the subway trying to figure out how to get from Seoul Station to Sincheon. I had been in Korea a whole week. This uni aged guy walks past me and I flag him down and ask for help.

In perfect english this (kyopo) guy tells me how to navigate the map and which side of the subway I should be on to get to my destination. I almost had a heart attack in shock as in the next few seconds he jumped on the train and dissapeared. I never had a chance to thank him...shock...

Always remembered the kyopo who helped me and whenever a Korean would come up to me to practice english - I payed back mother karma.

[buddy bradley]

[The Man known as The Man]

Try "How's your mother"?

They might not get it, but its immensely gratifying

[dogbert]

[Toby]

Pretend you don't speak English and that you are, actually, French?

[The Man known as The Man]