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laogaiguk
Joined: 06 Dec 2005
Location: somewhere in Korea
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 Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 10:15 pm Post subject: What do you think? |
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| I think why a lot of people hate Korea is their view of what it should be. When I went to Japan, I was expecting a first world country, and that's what I got. When I lived in China, I expected a third world country, and that's what I got. But when I came here, I was expecting a first world country (as it seems like that on the outside). Then you realize it isn't. It's not a third world country ofcourse, but it's not culturally a first world country yet (just look at Emart, their biggest chain - Red Face, food so old it would illegal to even give away, etc). Again, this isn't a rant. I think this is why of the three countries I have lived in (other than my own), I have the most trouble here. |
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polonius
Joined: 05 Jun 2004
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| Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 10:27 pm Post subject: |
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This is something I never understood. If you don't like a country, or a job, why stay there. I understand money may be an issue, but isn't your mental health more important? Certainly Korea isn't for everyone, but many people do like it here. I also agree that there are many shady work places, but with a little research, and especially talking to current or past teachers will inform new teachers of what they are getting into.
I always tell my teachers, "If you don't like your job, or you don't like the country, go home, go elsewhere. You aren't doing a service to my students if you are miserable. It reflects on job performance." Of course not all academies hold this belief, but if they don't, then just up and go. |
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laogaiguk
Joined: 06 Dec 2005
Location: somewhere in Korea
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| Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 10:38 pm Post subject: |
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| polonius wrote: |
This is something I never understood. If you don't like a country, or a job, why stay there. I understand money may be an issue, but isn't your mental health more important? Certainly Korea isn't for everyone, but many people do like it here. I also agree that there are many shady work places, but with a little research, and especially talking to current or past teachers will inform new teachers of what they are getting into.
I always tell my teachers, "If you don't like your job, or you don't like the country, go home, go elsewhere. You aren't doing a service to my students if you are miserable. It reflects on job performance." Of course not all academies hold this belief, but if they don't, then just up and go. |
I'm leaving next month. But, I am not even talking about the jobs. I have had good jobs. It's the culture. And again, I have lived in two other countries before this, so I am not some newbie. Like you said though, it's not easy to just leave. Many have money issues. For me, I can't just pick up and leave my school with no teacher, so I will finish my contract. My school has been great to me. The culture here is crap. There is no respect whatsoever except from the older people. I have been barked at, spit on, constantly harrassed on the subway when they find out I am an English teacher, I won't even talk about the girl issue (though that one showed up in China too). There are more, but your advice is way too general to be of any use.
I don't think many people do like it here though. Some don't mind it, I didn't. But now, I am going on to better places. Many people put up with it, but I don't think "many" like it. Not even the ones with Korean wives and lives. Many I know are just saving up to go back home. Luckily, money has never been an issue for me.
BTW, I like Koreans, I really dislike their culture though (and to be honest, would not shed a tear if it vanished). |
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PGF
Joined: 27 Nov 2006
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| Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:21 pm Post subject: Re: What do you think? |
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| laogaiguk wrote: |
| I think why a lot of people hate Korea is their view of what it should be. When I went to Japan, I was expecting a first world country, and that's what I got. When I lived in China, I expected a third world country, and that's what I got. But when I came here, I was expecting a first world country (as it seems like that on the outside). Then you realize it isn't. It's not a third world country ofcourse, but it's not culturally a first world country yet (just look at Emart, their biggest chain - Red Face, food so old it would illegal to even give away, etc). Again, this isn't a rant. I think this is why of the three countries I have lived in (other than my own), I have the most trouble here. |
What made you think Korea was a first world nation. All the research I did before I came turned up A) they were a Japanese colony until the end of WWii, which wasn't that long ago- historically. and B) they have developed too fast which has left many many many many problems here socially and economically.
It's not Korea's fault you didn't have the insight to figure out that Korea is not as advanced as japan.
PS- don't let the door hit your arse on the way out. |
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Oreovictim
Joined: 23 Aug 2006
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| Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:26 pm Post subject: |
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| So how much money were you able to save in Japan? |
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OnTheOtherSide
Joined: 29 Feb 2008
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| Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:31 pm Post subject: |
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| laogaiguk wrote: |
| polonius wrote: |
This is something I never understood. If you don't like a country, or a job, why stay there. I understand money may be an issue, but isn't your mental health more important? Certainly Korea isn't for everyone, but many people do like it here. I also agree that there are many shady work places, but with a little research, and especially talking to current or past teachers will inform new teachers of what they are getting into.
I always tell my teachers, "If you don't like your job, or you don't like the country, go home, go elsewhere. You aren't doing a service to my students if you are miserable. It reflects on job performance." Of course not all academies hold this belief, but if they don't, then just up and go. |
I'm leaving next month. But, I am not even talking about the jobs. I have had good jobs. It's the culture. And again, I have lived in two other countries before this, so I am not some newbie. Like you said though, it's not easy to just leave. Many have money issues. For me, I can't just pick up and leave my school with no teacher, so I will finish my contract. My school has been great to me. The culture here is crap. There is no respect whatsoever except from the older people. I have been barked at, spit on, constantly harrassed on the subway when they find out I am an English teacher, I won't even talk about the girl issue (though that one showed up in China too). There are more, but your advice is way too general to be of any use.
I don't think many people do like it here though. Some don't mind it, I didn't. But now, I am going on to better places. Many people put up with it, but I don't think "many" like it. Not even the ones with Korean wives and lives. Many I know are just saving up to go back home. Luckily, money has never been an issue for me.
BTW, I like Koreans, I really dislike their culture though (and to be honest, would not shed a tear if it vanished). |
I'm curious, how do you respond to being spit on, barked at and harassed?
Here in America, Canada, or Mexico which is the extent of my travels, if these things were to happen to me, or any guy, the most appropriate course of action would probably be to beat some a$$. However in Korea, I like most of you, want to be composed and behave like a guest in their country and be a professional. So how does a person do this? Do you just smile and walk away every time? I definantly don't want to behave like a chump while i'm there..... not gonna happen.
That might prove to be a bit challenging. Do you ever snap back verbally or show agression right back? Or is this a big no go? |
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mnhnhyouh
Joined: 21 Nov 2006
Location: The Middle Kingdom
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| Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:32 pm Post subject: |
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| laogaiguk wrote: |
| There is no respect whatsoever except from the older people. I have been barked at, spit on, constantly harrassed on the subway when they find out I am an English teacher, I won't even talk about the girl issue (though that one showed up in China too). |
Where have you been living? I ask this as a genuine question. I have only been here for 13 months, but have never been barked at, spat on, and have only had one glare when walking with my girlfriend.
h |
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OnTheOtherSide
Joined: 29 Feb 2008
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| Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:34 pm Post subject: |
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| Yeah, what city are you living in so I can scratch it off my application list? |
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laogaiguk
Joined: 06 Dec 2005
Location: somewhere in Korea
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| Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:49 pm Post subject: |
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| mnhnhyouh wrote: |
| laogaiguk wrote: |
| There is no respect whatsoever except from the older people. I have been barked at, spit on, constantly harrassed on the subway when they find out I am an English teacher, I won't even talk about the girl issue (though that one showed up in China too). |
Where have you been living? I ask this as a genuine question. I have only been here for 13 months, but have never been barked at, spat on, and have only had one glare when walking with my girlfriend.
h |
Seoul. One guy will one bark at me at the gym. I lost it one day and I told him to f-off, and he hasn't bothered me since. I was spit on in a small town in Gyeonggi do, but I didn't do anything. I was so taken back I didn't have time to process it. And for the girlfriend, I just think you haven't noticed yet. It will happen. Like I said, I like many Korean people, but their culture (and superiority) is crap. |
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laogaiguk
Joined: 06 Dec 2005
Location: somewhere in Korea
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| Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:50 pm Post subject: |
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| OnTheOtherSide wrote: |
| laogaiguk wrote: |
| polonius wrote: |
This is something I never understood. If you don't like a country, or a job, why stay there. I understand money may be an issue, but isn't your mental health more important? Certainly Korea isn't for everyone, but many people do like it here. I also agree that there are many shady work places, but with a little research, and especially talking to current or past teachers will inform new teachers of what they are getting into.
I always tell my teachers, "If you don't like your job, or you don't like the country, go home, go elsewhere. You aren't doing a service to my students if you are miserable. It reflects on job performance." Of course not all academies hold this belief, but if they don't, then just up and go. |
I'm leaving next month. But, I am not even talking about the jobs. I have had good jobs. It's the culture. And again, I have lived in two other countries before this, so I am not some newbie. Like you said though, it's not easy to just leave. Many have money issues. For me, I can't just pick up and leave my school with no teacher, so I will finish my contract. My school has been great to me. The culture here is crap. There is no respect whatsoever except from the older people. I have been barked at, spit on, constantly harrassed on the subway when they find out I am an English teacher, I won't even talk about the girl issue (though that one showed up in China too). There are more, but your advice is way too general to be of any use.
I don't think many people do like it here though. Some don't mind it, I didn't. But now, I am going on to better places. Many people put up with it, but I don't think "many" like it. Not even the ones with Korean wives and lives. Many I know are just saving up to go back home. Luckily, money has never been an issue for me.
BTW, I like Koreans, I really dislike their culture though (and to be honest, would not shed a tear if it vanished). |
I'm curious, how do you respond to being spit on, barked at and harassed?
Here in America, Canada, or Mexico which is the extent of my travels, if these things were to happen to me, or any guy, the most appropriate course of action would probably be to beat some a$$. However in Korea, I like most of you, want to be composed and behave like a guest in their country and be a professional. So how does a person do this? Do you just smile and walk away every time? I definantly don't want to behave like a chump while i'm there..... not gonna happen.
That might prove to be a bit challenging. Do you ever snap back verbally or show agression right back? Or is this a big no go? |
If the guy had barked again, it wouldn't have been pretty. Most people looked at him quite strongly too. They knew what he was doing was very wrong, but did nothing. (I don't expect them to hit him or anything, just tell him to f-off. I would back home). |
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laogaiguk
Joined: 06 Dec 2005
Location: somewhere in Korea
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| Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:51 pm Post subject: |
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| Oreovictim wrote: |
| So how much money were you able to save in Japan? |
Having fun, about 500 dollars a month. You could save 1000 if you wanted to. |
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laogaiguk
Joined: 06 Dec 2005
Location: somewhere in Korea
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| Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:52 pm Post subject: Re: What do you think? |
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| PGF wrote: |
| laogaiguk wrote: |
| I think why a lot of people hate Korea is their view of what it should be. When I went to Japan, I was expecting a first world country, and that's what I got. When I lived in China, I expected a third world country, and that's what I got. But when I came here, I was expecting a first world country (as it seems like that on the outside). Then you realize it isn't. It's not a third world country ofcourse, but it's not culturally a first world country yet (just look at Emart, their biggest chain - Red Face, food so old it would illegal to even give away, etc). Again, this isn't a rant. I think this is why of the three countries I have lived in (other than my own), I have the most trouble here. |
What made you think Korea was a first world nation. All the research I did before I came turned up A) they were a Japanese colony until the end of WWii, which wasn't that long ago- historically. and B) they have developed too fast which has left many many many many problems here socially and economically.
It's not Korea's fault you didn't have the insight to figure out that Korea is not as advanced as japan.
PS- don't let the door hit your arse on the way out. |
You obviously have no capacity to read. On the outside, transportation, technology, etc. I knew what I was getting into in China. |
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Roch
Joined: 24 Apr 2003
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 12:01 am Post subject: Re: What do you think? |
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| laogaiguk wrote: |
| I think why a lot of people hate Korea is their view of what it should be. When I went to Japan, I was expecting a first world country, and that's what I got. When I lived in China, I expected a third world country, and that's what I got. But when I came here, I was expecting a first world country (as it seems like that on the outside). Then you realize it isn't. It's not a third world country ofcourse, but it's not culturally a first world country yet (just look at Emart, their biggest chain - Red Face, food so old it would illegal to even give away, etc). Again, this isn't a rant. I think this is why of the three countries I have lived in (other than my own), I have the most trouble here. |
What do I think? I think that you hit the nail on its head, New Brunswicker/Ontarian!!
Cheers, and let's do beers! |
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Oreovictim
Joined: 23 Aug 2006
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| Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 12:08 am Post subject: |
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| laogaiguk wrote: |
| mnhnhyouh wrote: |
| laogaiguk wrote: |
| There is no respect whatsoever except from the older people. I have been barked at, spit on, constantly harrassed on the subway when they find out I am an English teacher, I won't even talk about the girl issue (though that one showed up in China too). |
Where have you been living? I ask this as a genuine question. I have only been here for 13 months, but have never been barked at, spat on, and have only had one glare when walking with my girlfriend.
h |
Seoul. One guy will one bark at me at the gym. I lost it one day and I told him to f-off, and he hasn't bothered me since. I was spit on in a small town in Gyeonggi do, but I didn't do anything. I was so taken back I didn't have time to process it. And for the girlfriend, I just think you haven't noticed yet. It will happen. Like I said, I like many Korean people, but their culture (and superiority) is crap. |
Hey, you're the stinky-hat guy that I read about a couple of weeks ago! Yeah, that professional trainer sounded like a real *beep*.
$500.00 - $1,000.00 a month in Japan, eh? I might have to take a mini vacation there and check it out. I can see myself only sticking with Korea for a few years, tops. |
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laogaiguk
Joined: 06 Dec 2005
Location: somewhere in Korea
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| Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 12:10 am Post subject: |
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| Oreovictim wrote: |
| laogaiguk wrote: |
| mnhnhyouh wrote: |
| laogaiguk wrote: |
| There is no respect whatsoever except from the older people. I have been barked at, spit on, constantly harrassed on the subway when they find out I am an English teacher, I won't even talk about the girl issue (though that one showed up in China too). |
Where have you been living? I ask this as a genuine question. I have only been here for 13 months, but have never been barked at, spat on, and have only had one glare when walking with my girlfriend.
h |
Seoul. One guy will one bark at me at the gym. I lost it one day and I told him to f-off, and he hasn't bothered me since. I was spit on in a small town in Gyeonggi do, but I didn't do anything. I was so taken back I didn't have time to process it. And for the girlfriend, I just think you haven't noticed yet. It will happen. Like I said, I like many Korean people, but their culture (and superiority) is crap. |
Hey, you're the stinky-hat guy that I read about a couple of weeks ago! Yeah, that professional trainer sounded like a real *beep*.
$500.00 - $1,000.00 a month in Japan, eh? I might have to take a mini vacation there and check it out. I can see myself only sticking with Korea for a few years, tops. |
That wasn't me. That was in Itaewon, wasn't it? Anyway, not me. It's not the trainer who did it to me. |
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