Korean Job Discussion Forums

drkalbi · Joined: 06 Aug 2006

I went to see a a doctor today to get a prescription for Proscar. I'm losing a bit on top and thought I would try to get a jump start on the hair loss. I chose this doctor because she spoke English and was recommended to me. After I told her the pills I needed and why, she started to laugh. I was pissed. What kind of professionalism is this? Just wondering if anyone else has received this kind of treatment from a doctor?

Mix1 · Joined: 08 May 2007

Walked into an ear clinic with an ear infection. The secretaries started laughing when I came in. Not sure why, but if they are getting paid they should at least ACT like adults sometimes. The doctor wasn't much better. On the bright side, it cost a lot less than it would in the US, I just wasn't aware being laughed at was included in the price.

I was imagining how this would go down in a western country if an asian walked into a clinic and everyone just started laughing. How would we explain it?

it's full of stars · Joined: 26 Dec 2007

Anytime I've asked this question, I've been told it's because the person laughing is nervous and they are laughing as a release for that nervousness. Not because you're a funny-looking, big-nosed freak.

nicholas_chiasson · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Location: Samcheok

Exactly. the 5'2" Korean dude laughing at my 6'3" 280 pound friend sure felt nervous. I mean most people don't laugh at people a foot taller than them and don't expect to be beaten up. Koreans laugh cause they are just clueless hermits in mushroom hats.

cdninkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

Not the point of this thread, but good for you OP for getting on top of your hair loss. I'm only 25, noticed a little loss, and have been taking finesteride (generic Propecia) for about 5 months now. Hair has restored and is damn well going to stay that way!

Benicio · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 11:38 pm Post subject:

This may sound like an apologist type dismissal, but Koreans often laugh or giggle when they feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.
It usually happens more with women than with men.
Many times they feel uncomfortable around foreigners and unsure of their communication ability, so they let out a laugh that is kind of an embarrassed response.
This can happen at the most improper times when a very serious situation is happening.
Let's just say someone I know was in court, being sentenced for violating a certain law in Korea. As the judge was reading the verdict, it was being translated in court by a young woman. The verdict was a "suspended sentence", but the translator misused the phrase "stay of execution", then she laughed out loud, right there in court as my friend was being informed of his fate.

Generally, you should just let the person know that laughing in these types of situations is very inappropriate. Especially with this doctor.
It may be the case, and I'm just throwing out this possibility now, that the doctor feels his high respectable position puts him above you, so he may feel like he is perfectly alright to laugh at your situation. You can be sure he wouldn't laugh at a man who is older or in a more respectable position than him.

The Grumpy Senator · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Location: Up and down the 6 line

Why is it when someone makes an attempt to explain cultural difference and educate someone, they are labeled an apologist? But bashing something ignorantly before learning about it is exceptable.

Scotticus · Joined: 18 Mar 2007

ChopChaeJoe · Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Location: Seoul

Laughing by adults doesn't mean the same here. usually it means bad news. go figure.

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

Hair loss is high comedy in Korea.

ulsanchris · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: take a wild guess

A guy walks into the doctor's office one days and says "doc I've got a problem but I'm worried that you will laugh."
The doctor says, "No need to worry I'm a professional. I never laugh about a patient's problem."
The man says, "Promise you won't laugh."
"I promise"
The guy lowers his pants and reveals his *beep*, which is about the size of a peanut. The doctor starts to laugh uncontrollably. The man angrily starts to do up his pants. The doctor hurriedly says "sorry, sorry. I apologize. I was just taken by surprise that's all. I promise I won't laugh again. Now what seems to be the problem.
Then man answers, "well my *beep* seems to be swollen."

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

Return Jones · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 4:52 am Post subject:

This will make you feel better about the whole laughing thing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81v6DjPJhPo

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

It's okay, I think a few of us do the laugh when we see the old Korean guys with their 5 strands of Homer type hair and how they try to comb it over there incredible bald spot...

I'd rather be laughed at going to the doctors and having a full head of hair than walking in public with that cheesy comb over they Korean guys do.

ryouga013 · Joined: 14 Sep 2007