Korean Job Discussion Forums

[whatever]

So, I was in a class this morning and the topic came up: list some things that are dangerous. Animals, behaviors, objects, weather, etc.

We'd gotten a pretty good list going and were about to move on when a student mentioned fans. Lovely. I dutifully added it to the list and we ran with it...no sense in taking issue with the kid, since another Korean told them. It's fact to them.

Anyway, I mentioned that I thought it was cute to my co-teacher after lunch during a break. We got into a friendly discussion of silly superstitions from the East and the West. Everybody in the office had a chuckle.

Then, to put a final stamp on the conversation, the co-teacher says...yes, yes, yes...lots of silly things some people in our cultures believe in...BUT...fan death is real. She couldn't explain it, but she read it somewhere, so it's real.

I'm having just a little bit of fun with this, so I probe as to how she could be so sure. Nothing aggressive, nothing mocking, just sort of...how can that be true? Can you give me a rundown on your theory on the subject?

She says, "No, and I don't have to because fan death is part of our culture in Korea. You shouldn't make fun of others' cultures."


So, any other nifty things you've been told are grandfathered under the label 'culture'?

[Benicio]

"fan death" is not part of any culture. It's a fictitious belief promoted in Korea for any number of reasons:
-Cover up for embarassing deaths: alcohol poisoning, suicide, abuse
-Old fans that shorted out and set the place on fire
-Save electricity because "you don't need a fan when you're asleep"

Your co-teacher just didn't know how to explain her "belief" and they are always taught not to question authority figures. If their parents, teachers, doctors, media tell them something, then it is unquestionably true. Do not ever be sceptical about it! Now that is Korean culture.
This Korean as many others felt like you were disparaging to Koreans by not accepting the general belief. She fell back on the only argument she could come up with "It's Korean culture. Just accept it, shut up and enjoy your kimchi like a good little foreigner!".
Basically, her saying "it's Korean culture, accept it" means she doesn't want to discuss the matter any further. Just drop it and maintain the "kibbun" or feelings will get hurt and the locals will be offended.

[markhan]

Oh boy, another post dealing with "fan death."

Of course if I go to some church in the State and have " a little of bit of fun" with locals and demand to know how on earth do you belive in a person that walked on ocean and whose mother is a virgin, I am sure they will be rather defensive about the whole thing.

[Newbie]

[dogbert]

[markhan]

You dont know anything about Korean culture, do you?

If you bother to learn basic Korean and go to major portal sites and read what young Koreans have to say about the current issues, you would be surprised how cynical (and very informed, I might add) they can be.
It is not a coincidence that independent newspapers such as OhMyNews flourish in Korea.

It seems you are the one who is trapped by own lazy, unquestioning bias.

[kiwiduncan]

[regicide]

[endo]

[whatever]

Okay, anybody got any other examples?

...


Another thing that I've noticed is how K-males will, with much chest-puffing, bravado and pinch of 'woe is me', go on and on about how they have compulsory military service. Basically, how tough a demand that is on them, but at the same time how patriotic and brave it reflects on them.

Now, I served in my country's armed forces for slightly longer than the average Korean conscript does, and when out with new acuaintances or the friends of friends, I politely listen and respond that I, too have served. Of course, military service is on a volunteer basis where I'm from.
I never claim that it means that I'm tough.

This gets all kinds of strange reactions from the Ks.

"Yes, but we are tougher/more dedicated/more disciplined/tactically superior on a man-to-man basis/more apt to gain positively from the experience and translate it into becoming hardworking citizens...etc."

"Oh, you must have had no options for education or work."

"Family tradition aside (as it largely is, in my case), you were crazy for offering to serve."

"So, how do we know you aren't spying for the ______ military?"

"No, you are wrong. Your government mandates service for all able-bodied males. I read it in a book."

"I don't believe you."

"But, you don't smoke."

"I was posted at _______ base, and I never saw you there, once."

"You don't dress like a soldier." <-------?

"Soldiers from your country are bad people."

"Having to serve is so difficult. You could never understand what we go through."

"Our country is stronger because everyone serves."

"I guarantee you, you--as volunteers--wouldn't want to pick a fight with us--as conscripts."

etc......Basically, they go on and on about one of these points. I don't wish to argue, but sometimes do feel like throwing out a gentle counterpoint.

The conversation always ends up with me being accused of not understanding Korean culture.

[Justin Hale]

[regicide]

[esetters21]

Although it is not under any "guise" of culture, my jindogae is protected as the 53rd national treasure in Korea. You can eat other dogs here, but you can't eat her, because she is Korean and special . OMG, how many times have I walked down the street with her and heard people dumbfounded by a foreigner having this treasure? "Oh Jindogae!"

[peppermint]

Jindo's are great dogs, but can you take them out of Korea? I'm pretty sure I heard its illegal to take them out of the country

[esetters21]