Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jdunca12]

I haven't seen this covered, but most native English speakers enjoy a certain freedom of speech in their home countries. Are there typically things you cannot say, or shouldn't say in regards to expressing your opinion?

[fermentation]

Just don't diss any major corporations, universities, or sometimes even government policies or you'll be sued/fined/locked up for "slandering." Sure the 21st amendment of the ROK constitution guarantees freedom of speech, but nobody pays attention to that, just like everywhere else in the world. Generally, if you say something bad about someone important, rich or powerful, you could get crap. As a foreigner you should take special care to not openly criticize Korea or a lot of Koreans will dislike you.

On a related note, it is also illegal to cuss at or cuss in front of your pet because that constitutes animal abuse. This just one of the many ridiculous laws that nobody enforces except when somebody needs to look like they're doing something.

[mc_jc]

As long as you don't say anything inflammatory about Korea or Koreans, you'll be fine.

[crossmr]

Generally one of the conditions of your visa is that you shouldn't be involved in anything political while in Korea, which would involve certain kinds of speech.
If you see what appears to be a protest, go the other way basically.
you really don't want to give the cops an excuse to think you're involved in it.

[On the other hand]

[Trinidad]

Are you sure we are allowed to talk about this subject on this website?

[Goku]

Frankly I think free speech is overrated. People always get into this slippery slope arguement with me that if free speech doesn't exist, then we will end up with some catstrophic 1984 George Orwell.

But other countries do just fine without overemphasizing free speech.

Especially because it doesn't really exist in our home countries. It's an illusion that we can say anything we want and get away with it. But just like SK and even China.

We can't make threats,
We can't yell fire in public places,
We can't slander,
We can't disturb the public peace (aka. Yelling OOGA BOOGA at 2am in the morning in a sleeping neighborhood)
etc...

It's the same as south Korea, but SK is a bit stricter. However, one big difference is the ability to criticize the government.

But even then America has been a huge grey when it comes to that type of political discussions. It's not like we welcome communism with open hands. Remember http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCarthyism ?

[jdunca12]

Well I would plan on showing some discretion, I'm not going to be in any protests, or really anything that should get me into trouble. I just wasn't sure if I should be worried about things I may say amongst friends. Or cussing.. I need to drop that habit I suppose.

[DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP]

NEVER talk bad about Kimchi.

Try not to talk too glowingly about your trip to Japan.

Never say it's cold and sunny today. Korean students will never admit that it's cold and sunny at the same time, even if it is.

[redaxe]

[redaxe]

[mayorgc]

[fermentation]

[Summer Wine]

[cdninkorea]