Korean Job Discussion Forums

[the4th2001]

I've just been told by my girlfriend (Korean) that I'm too Japanese in character. According to her, I spent too much time in Japan, with Japanese, doing the Japanese thing -- whatever that may be. She feels that the culture and characteristics have rubbed off a little too much. Further, she thinks that my coming across as too Japanese may have a negative impact on my time here in Korea . . . if it hasn't already.

In Japanese, there's a saying which translates into "American Rash". Those Japanese who spend too much time abroad (particularly in the West), are said to have adapted too much and eventually find it hard to properly re-assimilate into society. They become too western, or too American as the saying suggests.

What about here in Korea? Do you folks find that you've become Korean? Do you feel as though you've picked up any cultural characteristics, making you less [insert home country here]an/ish? If you have picked up a Korean attitude, has it influenced the way you interact with people from different countries?

Beyond that, have you changed without even noticing it? Up until the conversation with my girlfriend, I thought I was fairly US in attitude.

[Joe666]

You are asking westerners how Korean they have become? A flagrant contradiction in terms, an impossibility!

As a fellow American national, I am disturbed and upset at the idea of one becoming too Japanese for a Korean woman. This transformation is completely unacceptable! What happened to you? If you are a caucasion, you need to get back to your roots and rediscover yourself.

Love Joe

[thrylos]

[Michelle]

Hi There,


Yeah I am fully Korean; I am integrated that is why my skin is a lot fairer I like western food and I can't speak the language well.



It's also why taxi drivers ask russia saram.??...

[jkelly80]

All of your culture belong to us.

[Kurtz]

I seem to have adopted the phrases "so-so" and "my condition is down" but if the time comes when I start packing the soju when I go hiking, then THAT is the time to leave this country.

[jkelly80]

I say "take a rest" non-ironically now.

[Robot_Teacher]

You don't become another kind of people by learning about their culture; you just become educated and experienced on an international level. You learn how to do things Korean, but will never be all that Korean to be treated like and accepted as Korean. Even if you speak fluently, you'll still be less of a man in their minds even if you made a sincere and successful effort to do awesomely well. Sorry for my bluntness about it, but a newbie knowitall can detect these factual findings early on in the game.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

When friends who've known you for a while start noticeing differences - especially Korean friends - there's probably something to it. I remember the other night being at a bar and instinctively reaching over to close the door when the woman I was with lit up a cigarette, not want to be seen in the company of a woman who was smoking by anyone passing by. Suddenly it ocurred to me, four years ago I couldn't have given a rat's ass. Even if I can hardly understand the language, there are times when I think that small-town Korea has really done a number on me, lol.

[AgDragon01]

I find myself following all the hand customs all the time. Two hands for pouring drinks even with fellow expats. Shaking hands or grabbing with two hands or the the left hand supporting my elbow, etc. And of course, I've started completely butchering English.

[bundangbabo]

[curlygirl]

[I'm no Picasso]

I've had several comments in just the last couple of weeks, all from Koreans, about this. Of course, they're over-easily impressed when I use both hands for anything or bow or use chopsticks, etc. But there are other things, like being suspicious when I see a student from grade three speaking to a student from grade two. I'm extremely conscious of who I call by a first name, even if that's how they introduce themselves and we are speaking English. My "sounds" are apparently really Korean now -- "mmm", "aish", long "oh" for "yeah", short "oh" when I'm surprised, and, of course, "wah". I've even started sucking air through my teeth to show that I'm thinking, or I'm not sure, but I'm more aware of the effect that one has.

Uh. I prefer sitting on the floor. I feel as though I'm committing a mortal sin if I step on my ondol with a shoe on. And, I really hate to say it, but the smoking in public as a woman thing is getting to me as well. I usually just won't, now, if I'm not with a male friend, or I'll try to duck around a corner somewhere. That one really bothers me.

[Surfer Rosa]

What's even worse than the x1000 "so-so"''s I hear each day is the hand rocking back and forth. Why is this phrase so ingrained in their English vocab? It's terrible and nobody uses it as regularly anywhere outside of Korea.

I really like "take a rest" for some reason, just makes sense.

[crossmr]