Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Viaje]

I consider myself more introverted than extroverted, but some mix of the two. I am not comfortable in some social situations, especiallly if its a lot of people that I have nothing in common with and something is expected of me which I don't like doing. I'm wondering how many of you in Korea stick more to yourselves, like you do your work and then are home or out touring alone? If that's not you do you notice that some teachers are like that? Part of my curiosity is wondering what social life I will have there and how easy it is to find things in common with people. I am not going to be hanging out in bars or drinking, so I know that leaves out one main connection with many. Do those who feel a little shy in general or are introverts find it even harder to be in a foreign country, or iin some ways is that more pleasing because its easier to just do your own thing?

[Jeff's Cigarettes]

Please explain "touring"?

[Kaypea]

If you are teaching at a school with a lot of foreign teachers, you'll probably go out to the movies or shopping sometimes. It won't all be going to the bar. Maybe you could check out Adventure Korea, and go along on the outings. Just be yourself I think quiet people fit in well here.

[Straphanger]

[blade]

[Horangi Munshin]

[Hyeon Een]

[Ukon]

[Panda]

To me, introverted people could get considerable popularity among their friends...some seemingly outgoing persons are hated by everyone...so called the socially incapable.

It has a lot to do with your common sense.

Dont be a jerk, an asshole or a bitch, then everything will be fine.

You post this question so I guess you are not the very social type...Make one or two or a small group of good friends and keep them...I am sure you will have good time here.

[Straphanger]

I have many more examples of the dickery that I've experienced at the hands of English teachers, from Itaewon all the way down to Busan Station. On the flip side, my second week here I was invited to a house party off-post. If I want to grab a bite and actually speak English with someone for a change, I can head into the local soldier bar (the one that doesn't allow English teachers). Everywhere I go I just run into kids that are screwing around, trying to get some cash for college, etc. It's a good group.

[Viaje]

Thanks for the replies. Touring, yes, just means going places alone, doing tourist-like things or just being out and about.
Yes, I'm not the very social type. I am more likely to have a few close friends than to go to parties or make lots of acquaintances, though that could be different in a foreign country if foreigners appreciate friends from America.
Someone suggested a small town may be better, and that I could get lost in Seoul, that is a very good point and one I will think about.

[D.D.]

In China other teachers were very friendly. Where I live in Korea they look down at their feet and don't even say hello.

I was on the bus asked one guy where he was from -he said east coast. so I said east coast of where. He said Canada. I was from ther so I said which city he then said Halifax. It was like pulling teeth talking to this guy.

Next week he passed me on the street with who must have been his mom and dad and not even a hello was given and we come from the same city.

I notice when I visit Busan taht the westerners are generally friendly there,but my town is full of introverts.

In China we would always have a dinner once a week where westerners could show up to if the wanted western people to talk to. We always had about 8 people show up and after a while Chinese people started coming and we had great parties.

Some peopel even ended up getting married from meeting there on western night.

Korea has been like walking through a desert.

[ChinaBoy]

I hate talking with English teachers. It's always about some pseudo-intellectual bullshit that I could care less about.

[Goku]

I'd say it's about even...

No correlation between Engrish teachers and social disposition.

Although, this mixed bag of fruit we call Native English teachers in Korea, I do meet a higher percentage of socially retarded extroverts.

I think it has to do with either

a) cultural differences
b) Losers flocking to korea

They WANT to be part of the group but invetibaly same something socially/culurally unacceptable, or talk as akward as a penguin.



I do "love" however mixing with the bookworms. They always go on and on and on about the books they read as I'm supposed to be impressed.

Seems like the foreign teachers here seem asbsolutely bloody DAFT to the fact I couldn't care less what they read. Anyone else get this crap? Everytime I go to the bookstore someone feels the need to share the immaculate knowledge about the usual douchebaggery.

HI! MY WHITE FACE GIVES YOU THE GREEN LIGHT TO DUMP THE LIST OF EVERY BOOK YOU'VE EVER READ TO ME.

God, leave me in peace so I can check out girls while pretending to look for books....

[sarbonn]

I've rarely had success talking to English teachers, but every now and then I'll walk by some outdoor bar and a bunch of older expats are sitting there, and I'll ask them a question, and they'll all chime in and there will be a conversation for a few minutes with some pretty cool people. It's never a forced conversation or awkward. But then I'll be on the subway and say hi to someone who is obviously a westerner, and they'll just roll their eyes instead of respond. So I find myself less willing to even make eye contact with foreigners on the subway because for the most part, they're generally rude.