Korean Job Discussion Forums

[littlelisa]

This might seem like a stupid question, but I just want to check.

I'm still wearing tshirts when I go out, and though I've gotten a lot of people asking if I'm cold, it's been otherwise OK. Hey, I get that in Canada too, sometimes.

But yesterday I was hanging out with a Korean friend, and he said I should wear a light sweater or jacket even if I'm not cold. He says he does that too. Is this just to avoid standing out a bit, or is there another reason why I should wear a sweater even if I'm not cold (security, etc)? Just wondering what the non-frilleuse people here do.

[bijjy]

Are your boobs popping out of your shirt? Is your shirt see-through, does it have offensive logos? Do you have crazy pit stains? Do you shower less than daily? Do you have a hunched over arms-crossed posture that makes people think you're cold?

If you answered no to all, I think you should be fine frolicking about with a tshirt!

[spliff]

Probably think you're too poor to afford a jacket.

[pest2]

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

[ldh2222]

I suppose you may be suffering from the Victoria Beckham ailment...

[VanIslander]

I walk to work with nothing over my dress shirt and tie - and the last couple of days the looks have been more than usual in this farming small town.

The funny thing I noticed is the overreaction Koreans have to November 1st, as suddenly heaters are jacked at work and in stores and taxis, choking heat, making me think I'd sweat if I wore a coat or sweater in those places.

The forecast is for 19 C tomorrow afternoon and unless there's a wind I'm not going to overdress just to appease what Koreans think. Just smile when you encounter their ways of thinking. Neither try to change them or try to conform, just notice the difference as part of the richness of the experience of one's time here.

[littlelisa]

[spliff]

[little mixed girl]

if you're not cold, then don't wear one. simple as that.

i wore half-sleeved and short sleeved shirts throughout this past winter, and my co-workers would ask if i was cold every once and a while.

it's cooler now, but not so cold that i need a coat...

[hossenfeffer]

I had a t-shirt on today and noticed that people were giving in me the hairy eyeball.

[PeteJB]

Eh, just say your ancestors came from colder lands - so you can handle it better. Simple as.

[pest2]

[Woden]

I always get asked if I am cold because I wear short sleeves.

I wore a t-shirt one day and a co-teacher gave me a lift...he said, 'are you cold?' I said no, because it was 22 C, he said in shock, 'but it is Autumn!!'

[peppermint]

When a Korean woman asks another woman if she's cold it's generally code for, "your nipples are showing"