Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gladiator]

I know I don't always write posts that give a particularly positive slant to Korea. I've been on the receiving end lately of my fair share of racism, bigotry and xenophobia but perhaps no more or less than any other white English speaking foreigner. Perhaps there is a quota every oekgukin is destined to receive during their time it just seems, in that subjective way, that I have been receiving a large dose plus interest recently. Perhaps it's the year, my horoscope or other reasons. Anyhow I had an experience that has gone some way towards restoring my faith in the humanity of Korean folk and if you've had a particularly disgusting day at the hagwon or office todayI hope it might be uplifting to you all, however slight.

There's a restaurant in my neighborhood run by a young guy. He doesn't speak English but my decent Korean makes that moot. I want to add that not only does he go out of his way to make my dining experience comfortable and satisfying every time I eat there (Got enough side dishes? Need more kookmul?)but overall he gives terrific, courteous service to all his customers.

Anyhow I went in yesterday for some Kimchichigye and greeted him. There was a group of teenage boys seated in front of me who, on seeing me enter and hearing give insamal to the owner proceeded to start giggling and make disparaging remarks about foreigners speaking Korean and the like. Been there many times before. I know where I stand in this country and owners have just turned a blind eye to it before, either oblivious to how this causes offence to foreigners who can understand Korean or not wanting to make waves with Korean punters who may or may not be regulars.

This young guy though was having none of it. He went up to the group and, in a low tone of voice, said the following:

"Excuse me but this gentleman is a regular customer of mine. I know he's foreign but he can speak and understand Korean very well. Please do not make disparaging or snide remarks about foreigners in here. Thank you."

As you can imagine the embarassment smiles soon broke out among these cocky little twerps. "Choesonghamnida" blah. Not that they were apologising to me mind you. Condescending to apologise to a foreigner would have been a Chemyon wound of grave proportions no doubt.

Anyway kudos to that owner and I will appreciate always that gesture of decency. I just there were more folk like him here that's all.

[Mashimaro]

Sounds like a high quality guy. wonder if he would have said anything if they were older ajosshis though. Still that's not the point, it was good of him to step in..

[Corporal]

That was a thoughtful post.

I find the people in the low-paying, food industry menial type jobs here often have better manners and are more pleasant than the "educated" businessmen.

It's nice when they make the effort to show you they realize you aren't just a white-faced monkey.

[Gwangjuboy]

Nice story. This might make a nice forum. Maybe others can share their positive encounters with Koreans. I have no time now, but I will add a couple later.

[Homer]

Nice post Gladiator...very refreshing

I would have to agree with corp about the people in the lower paying jobs...they tend to be nicer.

This seems to hold true worldwide...a sociological trend perhaps?

Anyway, the ajuma that runs the convenience store across the street from our place is like that. She goes out of her way to help me out whenever she can.

[jaebea]

There was a study a while back. People who were in lower socioeconomic conditions tended to hand in both wallet and money during a sociology experiment where researches "misplaced" a wallet containing $50 and staked it out.

Some people who handed both wallet and money in were asked why they handed both in. Most commented that being in a tight financial situation meant they sympathised with whoever lost their money in a direct way.

Perhaps there's a correlation involving similar sympathy in the cases mentioned in this thread regarding people of lower socioeconomic standing?

2c.

jae.

[Eazy_E]

People in the service industry are always totally nice to me. They think my broken Korean is cute, and always try to help me out. Sometimes I get some freebies from the ajumma who runs the local bakery. Never really spent a lot of time around the upper echelon of Korean society but I tend to think they wouldn't be as accommodating.

Being a sociology grad you'd think I could say more about this, but I can only say that the Koreans I meet on a daily basis are really nice

[Tiger Beer]

[tokki]

Rich people, with some exceptions, are almost always stuck up pieces of crap that look down on the poor. Look at the Reapublicans in the States. In Korea, I think that is even worse. Here rich people driving their Equus and living in a 200mil apartment dont give a crap about people lower than them on the socio-economic ladder. To these snobs, the poor are scum. The best people are the ones who are poorer. They are more genuine, accepting and friendly.

[peppergirl]

When my parents and grandparents came over for our wedding they were impressed with the friendliness of Koreans.

We went to Seorak-san together, my father was hesitating for a few seconds where he should next put his foot, immediately a young guy took his arm and helped him down.
We went up with my 85 and 90 year old grandparents on the gondola, which was very crowded. Immediately some people made space so they could sit, and when we had to get off, none of us was close enough to my grandmother to help her get up, but some girls/women immediately helped her.

They had their age (and grey hairs) going for them of course.
In fact, they were very sceptical about me marrying a Korean guy, but after the visit they completely changed My grandmother told my younger sister to get a Korean boyfriend too

One of my own experiences: our landlady, a real loud ajumma who can really get angry when cars are blocking our street again, helped me take out the garbage and told me to fill up the bags more because they are so expensive. I've only seen her shouting at other people before, and she was helping me with a smile (it was just 1 small bag, I really don't know why she was helping me).

[the_beaver]

[tsgarp]

[Juggertha]

ah, good story man. I run into decent Koreans all the time.. just can't think of a story off hand right now.

I must say though I helped push my landlords car outta some ice tis winter and he seemed more than grateful for it. hehe, if my rent wasnt free maybe i'd get a discount?

honestly though, i htink theres more kindness going on in this country than the greif thats posted sometimes.