Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Been There, Taught That]

Hi, I'm going under my husband's avatar to ask this, but I'm definitely his wife writing. He doesn't have my concern to worry about and, in a way, I need someone other than him to ask this. Especially any western women with experience (or just sympathy) would be a big help.

I'm of two minds. Personally, I can't wait to be in Korea and have an out-of-country experience, since I've never even been on an airplane.. But since I've never really done anything, I also have some concerns and doubts. The biggest is that, from all I've heard and found out, I'm heavier than your average Korean, noticeably so, and want to know exactly what to expect. Western society has found a way to look past what a person looks like and learn to accept you for who you are, but has Korean society? I'm doing everything I can to lose weight, and will continue until I'm where I want to be. I eat healthy and all that.

Do Koreans get heavy? I hear Dunkin' Donuts is very popular there, so I'm going to assume they do. I've read some of the threads about rude, curious and nosy Koreans, especially children, but could handle all that if I knew there were other Western (maybe US) women who are in my position or at least have some kind of identity with the way Western countries are used to large sizes and accept it as just another norm.

My husband tells me that Korean food will help quite a bit, but I admit I'm not yet into spicy foods. But can I expect to get to know any rational foreigners, or even any who identify? Any wives of teachers or others out there I can talk to?

I don't think I'll have a bad experience, no matter what. We'll be there a minimum of two years and I suppose I will eventually develop a thick skin, but I also want to develop friendships for other reasons, naturally. It's just that weight is an issue for me right now.

[Atavistic]

Check out this thread.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=120134&highlight=

[shaggy]

It will be an issue for you because you are making it into an issue. Yes, some hurtful comments are going to be thrown your way from both Koreans and Expats alike. You will be stared at - that will happen to you regardless of your weight. It's really up to you how much an issue you want to make of it. I don't think you should throw away a unique experience to work abroad and see a different country because of your weight dis-ease.

Focus on the important issues like how can I teach English to kids who don't speak it? Also focus on researching your job to make sure you accept employment at a place that will pay you on time and in full.

Don't get all upset over such a small issue. Make sure to bring a credit card so you can order clothes and bras online. I like torrid.com they deliver to Korea. You can buy some plus size clothes in Korea but there is not a lot of variety. Don't show a lot of cleavage and if you have thigh chaff bring some long leg panties along and pick up some baby powder.

Again really focus on the more important issues involved in coming over here. Research your employer talk to other foreign teachers get a real good idea what to expect from your school because once you get that E2 visa you are locked in.

-- side note if you are a friendly genuine person you will make friends. Most Koreans are too busy with their own lives and don't have the time and energy to mock us. You might get some negative "No Fat Chicks" vibe from some dumb white guys, but they are not fit to lick the bottom of your shoe and of therefore no concern to you. It would be a real shame if you put off this big Asia adventure because of that. There are so many good people here that are really worth getting to know and so many good times to be had.

[kingplaya4]

[danby_ll]

[bogey666]

[SirFink]

Some foreigners come to Korea and actually get fatter. That may be due to the abundance of Western foods and restaurants. Ice cream, donuts and candy are fairly popular.

You'll also likely be walking much more as most Korean cities aren't quite as car-centric as American cities.

You will get stared at, pointed at, giggled at, etc. That happens to skinny people, short people, tall people, etc. simply because they don't look Korean.

[BS.Dos.]

You'll need to make sure that the first thing you pack is your thick skin. Koreans can be rather un-pc and insensitive when it comes to what they perceive as personal imperfections.

I'm losing my hair, carrying a bit more weight than I'd prefer and have a big nose, all of which have been pointed out to me by Koreans, both young and old.

Does it bother me? No. Let it roll of your back and keep reminding yourself that they need you more than you need them.

[Atavistic]

[bogey666]

[hugekebab]

You will definitely get some comments, im afraid.

[Dome Vans]

[Atavistic]

[Chris_Dixon]

Koreans are alot more blunt. I have a large friend who gets rude comments all the time, mostly she thinks they are just passing comment on something that there not used to (kinda like the waigook stares), not acting maliciously, but still if your sensitive to comments you could have a hard time i imagine.

[bogey666]