Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Privateer]

I'd like to settle the debate over whether staring is still actually a problem in Korea or not (I think it's not), and thought I'd keep the poll options real simple.

At one time, I thought maybe it was a problem out in the sticks but not in Seoul, but I still never get stared at even on trips out to the country. It could also be that I've lost my youthful bloom and am no longer stareworthy - but I don't see anyone else getting stared at either. Hopefully, this poll will confirm that staring has died a death, leaving the conclusion that those who complain about it are either paranoid, or freaky-looking - or both. (Or really good looking).

[travel zen]

If your different (not Korean) they will stare at you, specimen from another planet.

But..
It's nothing compared to China.

[Senior]

Of course. But I'm ridiculously handsome. So, people stare at me anyway.

[curiousaboutkorea]

[Bucky]

I'm of non-Korean Asian descent, so I don't get stared at. But once I open my mouth and say something, the stares will continue until I leave the vicinity.

It's somewhat amusing.

[VanIslander]

Over six feet tall with brown hair and blue eyes - the stares find me in a crowd, especially in smaller towns where the average height is way less and the number of waygook walkers is much less.

There are parts of Seoul, Geoje and Jeju where I've never experienced stares, but there are other parts of those places where it happens often.

If one is oblivious to one's surroundings, one may not notice. Usually it's so dang obvious. In Masan, Mokpo and farmer towns it's the most obvious.

[Mr. Pink]

[AsiaESLbound]

Yes, I've gotten stared at every where I went except Itaewon. Gawking can't hurt, but if it went further than that in any way, then Houston we have a problem.

"Look at that man, he's a V."

[RobertGR]

But then again I'm really handsome (several Koreans have told me this).

Seriously, First: I don't usually pay much attention and second: I think some Koreans find me a little scary (age, demeanor) so if I look back at them they tend to look away.

[young_clinton]

yeah by the babes that want my body

[Janny]

Like someone said above, some people notice it and others don't. I believe all foreigners get stared at in Korea, but some people don't care and hence are not bothered. It's a psychological / temperment issue; a personal thing.

Some of my friends seriously don't notice the people on the street giving sideways looks or giggling. Myself, I can't seem to ignore it. If they DO detect some staring, they don't mind it. I envy them!

2.5 months ...I will start a new life in a different country. And after Korea, I'm thinking I can make it anywhere.

[Captain Corea]

Most days in Seoul, people just pass me by. Once in a while though, I'll go through a period of being pointed at and such - location is often important.

[VanIslander]

[curiousaboutkorea]

I was just at the bus stop. I was just sitting there. I had a guy staring at me. It happens. And I live in Ilsan where foreigners are not uncommon and people are rather permissive like in Seoul.

[AsiaESLbound]