Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Freakstar]

Why do a lot of Koreans dislike Koreans from the Jeolla-do/ 전라도 region?

I know that my parents don't think too highly of people from 전라도 and growing up, I'd often hear them dismiss or criticize someone by saying, "Oh, it's because he's from 전라도..."

Not condoning my parents' prejudices, but am wondering what is the stereotype about 전라도 people?

[Kimchi Cha Cha]

I think 전라도 people tend to be more 'what you see is what you get'. They tend not to be too hard to read, if someone likes you you'll know, if they don't like you you'll know - that said there are still quite a few two-faced people you have to watch out for.

The people seem slightly more laidback and folksy here than up north. They're very strong on connections so if you out of the loop, it'll be hard to get into it. A lot are narrow-minded and racist, but hey they're from Jeolla-do, not Seoul, you gotta expect it to a degree.

The food's awesome and the people aren't as bad as they're made out to be, and besides you could normally tell a fake a mile away. They do suffer from unnecessarily strong stereotypes and still some discrimination from Seoul and Gyeongsang.

I've lived in Jeolla for five years and it's my preferred part of Korea.

[saw6436]

Jeollanam-do people have the reputation of being thieves and liars. Mostly I think this reflects the fact that South Jeolla is/was the traditional bread basket of Korea. Hence, during Korea's improvished past the people of South Jeolla are perceived as not suffering as much as the rest of the nation. Certainly, during the 98 financial crisis Jeolla-do was not as seriously affected as the rest of the nation (very little industry). A-lot of the bad reputation is, I think, based more on jealosy rather than any concrete facts.

But as the poster above said, Jeollanam-do is actually one of my favorite places in Korea. I was in Suncheon for 6 years and would still be there if my spouse hadn't had a better opportunity in Daejeon.

[Kimchieluver]

Not only for the above reasons, but people who were convicted or found guilty of a crime were often banished and sent to the Jeolla region a long time ago.

[Freakstar]

Interesting. Yeah, the Korean cuisine in that region is supposed to be amazing...but have heard lotsa negative things about the people from the area and was wondering where all the negative sentiment came from.

[gangpae]

Isn't a popular Jeolla Do greeting slang for *beep* in other parts of Korea?

[Justin Kimberlake]

Yeah, the Korean peoples wayyyyyy down there, 80 miles away, are wayyyyyy different from the Korean peoples here.

Koreans are also known for being very diverse, and all the cities look completely unique.

[Yaya]

Refer to this previous thread:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=117301&highlight=jeolla

[PeteJB]

I have a thing about Jeollado. Like somekind of attachment I can't explain, even the slang I enjoy and I like the straight to the point attitude of the girls there. Despite Seoul and it's great points I often feel I'd like it there better.

[Bigfeet]

Usually, the more country you are the less two-faced you are. Less worrying about being PC and all.

[Freakstar]