Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ThePoet]

It never ceases to amaze me when I read about the complaints some people have about this country and its policies when they make a good living here and came here of their own free will to work here, for whatever reason.

This thread is centered in griping about the fact that only Korean citizens are allowed to redeem points or participate in promotional programs that are offered in their own country - Korea. I've seen some of you counter this with the white people - no coloreds ideas from the U.S. from 50 or more years ago, or indians in Canada from 30 years ago.

However, it is still happening in Canada and the U.S. today. How many promotional offers are available out there that are "Only open to U.S. residents"? Or "Only open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec"?

Truly, I've seen contests that have that exact wording. In fact, I remember several times gnashing my teeth when I watched "Who Wants to be a Millionnaire" because I knew...KNEW!...I could have won at least to the 125,000 dollar level fairly consistently, but I couldn't enter because I wasn't a U.S. citizen. Should I have written to my M.P. asking them to help me boycott American products because I couldn't enter a gameshow?

Truthfully, I don't believe any of us notice this when it happens in our country because we aren't affected, but do you think people without permanent resident status in our home country spend time worrying about writing to their country's representative to protest it? Maybe we should do more for those poor phillipino nannies in Canada who can't get enter the "Roll Up The Rim" contest for anything more than a free donut or coffee. And before any of you say that at least they get free small items in those same contests, so do we here. I've had so many free McDonalds coupons here I could waddle.

If you really Really REALLY want your Lotteria points, it is quite simple. Become a permanent resident, get a citizen's card, and then go for it. But if this country isn't worth that to you, then accept that, as itinerant workers we will never be given all of the considerations that contributing citizens get. It may seem unjust to us, but it's no different to the itinerant workers residing in the U.S. and Canada (and, although I suspect in all other countries, I have no direct knowledge of them).

Poet

[Qinella]

Drew, you want your answer? So many Americans act like complete freakin assholes when they are here, and they are so pervasive in Seoul. And what area were you in? Itaewon?

The only time I experience anything remotely resembling hostility is when I'm in Seoul, and it's not hard to see why. I watch other white people walking around and I'm often ashamed to be grouped with them. Where I live, just outside Daejon, I'm practically treated like royalty because there aren't any retarded honkeys acting foolish and disrespectful.

Also, hey man, are you a fan of capitalism and freedom of trade? Can't a business refuse service if they want? It's the owner's right, and I believe Dunkin Donuts is a franchise, as well, which will probably make complaints to the corporate headquarters somewhat futile.

Derrek's idea was funny, but that only perpetuates the Seoul stereotype. Go with Mith's idea next time - make a scene, but be calm about it.

[Tiger Beer]

[darrin312]

[bucheon bum]

[Moldy Rutabaga]

[Edit]

[ThePoet]

[itaewonguy]

write a letter to the Dunkin donuts of korea..tell them your story!
and also tell them you will be writing a letter to the English Newspapers in korea so all foreigners, international businessmen and foreigners living in Korea can see how businesses treat foreigners in Korea.
and whats even more absurd is the very business in question is an American COMPANY!!! AND the koreans who have the rights in korea of the business refuse to treat Americans equally as korean..
I feel the world needs to know how koreans who are given company francise rights abuse it once they get it! and are tarnishing the imagine that Americans spent YEARS and millions to build...
Its an American company!! refusing to offer Americans deals!
you dont see starbucks or baskin robbins doing this!

[Qinella]

[JongnoGuru]

Okay, now I've seen everything. The day that Tiger Beer, of all people, posts something that gets himself labelled an internet loudmouth (presumptive or otherwise), then I know the old Guru's early retirement from Dave's has been delayed for far, far too long.




Either that or there's something really nasty in this season's Yellow Dust.

[Qinella]

[nrvs]

Strange, Andrew.

I buy coffee at Dunkin' Donuts at least 3 times a week and the ladies at my local store are constantly trying to push the credit card-style points card on me. They know I'm American -- we've had halting conversations in Korean and English when there weren't customers waiting. I don't believe they'd be doing the hard sell if the points promotion were open to Koreans only. However, since it costs money to get a points card, I stick with the regular stamp cards. I go through one of those 2-3 times a month and I've never been refused my free coffee.

[prairieboy]

I have the "happy point" card that is good at Paris baguette, Dunkin' Donuts, Cafe Pascucci, Baskin Robins and Paris Croissoint. I have never had any trouble using it or redeeming points (as long as you've got around 4,000 accumulated you can usually redeem them).

I did have trouble getting the card though. To sign up, the company prefers that you sign up online. This is impossible since you must have a valid Korean ID number to do so. You can call the help line and sign up that way. Of course you can only do that during weekdays (not nights or weekends) as the people who deal with foreigners accounts are only available then.

Maybe Mith should consider expanding the scope of his petition from internet to include bonus cards at shops and other similar items.

Cheers

[Tiger Beer]

[thorin]

You got a free plane ticket, a free apartment and now you want free donuts and kimchiburgers? I bet you're the kind of foreigner who never pays when you go out with Koreans.