Korean Job Discussion Forums

[poeticjustice]

We've all had a lot of experience with this but I don't see it being discussed specifically on the forums anywhere.

Anyway, like every other foreigner here I have talked to quite a few Koreans since I've been in country. I've sat through all the repeat questions from "do you like Kimchi?" to "why aren't you married?" I have an idea as to why Koreans feel compelled to ask these questions... I think a lot of them grow up being taught that foreigners hate spicy things, just as we grow up with a ton of stereotypes about people from Asian countries (we lump them all into the Chinese-category and think they speak in "chings" and "chongs").

So yes, I can understand that to an extent. The thing is how pervasive it is... and how it doesn't just relate to how Koreans deal with foreigners. Its how they do everything. It's like there is one way to do something and any deviation from that one way is considered strange, unnecessary or weird.

I've been asked a lot of strange-ass questions about my home country. Like, "do you have chopsticks/rice/cellphones/the internet/cars/four seasons etc. in America?" It was cute at first but now I always find myself biting my lip. I really want to say that "we invented most of that stuff" but I realize that would make me an ass.

When I eat lunch in the cafeteria I always mix my rice with whatever else is offered that day. I never eat rice by itself. Everyday someone trys to correct me and tell me the proper way to eat it--but I know that! I just don't care. I like to eat it my way. I like mixing stuff. I also like to eat rice with chopsticks because I did that when I was growing up (my family used to order Chinese food and use chopsticks) and am used to it.

Then there is the refusal to accept certain deviations. No matter how many times they see me avoid meat/fish, I always have to explain the vegetarian thing. No matter how often they see me studying Korean in down time, or hear me tell them about my Korean class, or witness me reading hanguel or joining in on random Korean conversations... they always act so surprised by it. It's like everytime I speak Korean it's like the first time I've ever spoke it to them.

They react this way every time and have this thing where they simply can't accept that any part of their language or culture can be learned by a foreigner.

With Western culture being essentially dropped on them for the past half century, why do you think Koreans are still so single minded about the world? Even though they don't mean any specific harm by it (most of the time). Why is it so hard for them to understand Western culture? They should all be experts on it by now. Just like they should all know a lot more English than they currently do, and I think it is specifically something to do with Korea that is preventing them from doing such because other countries don't have nearly as difficult a time learning English.

I guess I just needed to get that off my chest! That's all.

[McGenghis]

Might it make you an ass if you said that America invented the four seasons?

I don't know for sure, but it WOULD be hilarious.

[redaxe]

[eamo]

I know what you mean, OP. Really.

After 9 years in Korea, and being married to a Korean for 4 years, it's still the thing that gets me about Koreans. They seem so surprised that a foreigner can act/eat/speak/do the same things as Koreans.

The Korean self-perception of their 'differentness' from the rest of the human race is the only thing that really bugs me.

You want to just shake them and say, 'WE'RE THE SAME SPECIES!! WHY CAN'T YOU GET USED TO THAT IDEA??!!'.

There is hope though. My wife was able to quickly see me as just a man the same as any Korean man quite quickly enough!!....................Well. Not in all areas.....ahem......

[CentralCali]

[Forward Observer]

Yeah, but the bbq is good. I like drinking with bbq. Especially with Eamo, he's a good drinking buddy!

[beercanman]

[eamo]

[dc'79]

Why don't Koreans know more about Western culture?

Because most really don't care. They might be a little curious, but thats usually it.

Why don't Koreans have a higher proficiency in English?

Because most don't really want to learn. The majority force themselves to learn it since it's become a requirement, much like a degree, to secure a better job. The ones who are genuinely interested in learning pick it up quite easily.

Why are you asked the same things over and over? Why do they act so surprised when you speak Korean?

Just a guess...they ask to show interest and be polite. But really don't listen and have no real interest in you. In one ear and out the next.


I'm sure most Koreans have no idea that they are being rude/annoying. Trying to get married, send kids to good schools, getting the kids married, blah blah blah.....they are living a 24/7 sprint to the finish line. While the good majority of FET's are trying to enjoy the scenery. They probably resent that as well.

[CA-NA-DA-ABC]

During my last visit to Korea I've been quite pleasantly surprised to see most of what the OP is talking about has so completely disappeared in Korea. I guess it depends on the region. I'd been staying in Seoul mostly. Dare I even say this kind of group mentality is actually now less prevalent in Korea compared to an average redneck town in NA.

[redaxe]

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

I call it "Little Man of Asia Complex-uh"

[Forward Observer]

[poeticjustice]

[Pwillig]