Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Halcyom Chimera]

I do not mean this post as a joke or to "troll" as they say; I am truly concerned regarding this matter.

I am a 25 yr old white male heading to South Korea in early January. I am in good physical shape, I have a nice smile, and other traits employers might find appealing; however, I am 5'2. Yes, this is extremely short for a white male (or any male, as far as I know). How will I be treated or regarded in light of this fact? I know many Asian men and women are small compared to American and European standards, but I think I am still even smaller than them. I did not mention (nor did I feel the need to) my diminutive stature to my recruiter. Will their first reactions be negative? I'd like to not think I am going to get over there and get sent back based on something I cannot help.

I guess the reason I am so concerned over this is because I keep seeing posts about how SK employers base so much on physical appearances: they love beautiful women, they are not likely to hire obese candidates, they are even less likely to hire minorities. Well, where does height discrimination stand (no pun intended) in there? I just do not want to be judged incompetent or incapable based on my appearance, even though such is a practice of employers worldwide, not just in South Korea.

Positive comments are welcome, especially from veteran teachers or anyone who is familiar with the culture and hiring practices over there.

Yes, I get crap from all around about my height and always have. No, there is no short joke I haven't heard. No, I am not personally insecure about my height; I just don't want it to be an issue when it comes to my professional career.

Thanks

[seoulsucker]

Short answer? Yes. It will be a problem, at least for 6 months.

Due to a recent episode of a shallow, soulless chat show, height has become an "issue" in Korea. Some gal stated that men under 180cm are "losers" and the country is up in arms about it. I would be prepared to hear people say that under their breath when you arrive.

I've been asked how tall I am more frequently in the last 3 weeks than in the previous 6 years combined.

However, "issue" trends like this tend to die out after a couple of months.

[ytuque]

I have only heard Koreans make strongly negative comments about fat westerners for example those with BMI's probably in excess of 35-40.

[Pa Jan Jo A Hamnida]

Yep and similar attitudes permeate this board with regard to a person's weight.

Don't let the low self esteem of others (ESl Cafe, co-workers, people on the street) impact your time in South Korea. Those who thrive on making comments and jokes are unhappy due to poor choices or lousy working conditions. Or, they are simply unemployable in their home country.

[janafromfrance]

why are you so short?

[Old Gil]

[The Goalie]

I think the worst thing you'll get at this point is sympathy (pretty annoying to be felt sorry for when you don't feel like there's anything wrong). The girl who sparked this whole height issue (it was always an issue, but not like this) has actually, I think, shifted the public sentiment from being against short people, to being against people who are prejudiced against short people. I don't live in Seoul, so I'm kind of guessing on this, but I think you're probably less likely to be discriminated against now than ever before.

[PeterDragon]

If anything, I think the Koreans might be delighted to be around a Westerner who makes them feel tall instead of short. I'm not being flippant; that will be an actual plus for some Koreans. As far as actual tangible workplace discrimination my guess is nil. I suppose dealing with an angry adolescent who's bigger than you might be a problem in this or any culture, but I'm sure the principal or hagwon manger would have the teacher's back on that.

[I'm no Picasso]

[jvalmer]

[Benicio]

No, there is no big discrimination against shorties in Korea.

I am 5'3'' on a good day and have no problems here.

Recently, there was a very minor uproar over a chat show where a Korean female university student said short guys are "losers".
I really think the media is trying to make it something more than it really is.

Been here for years and have no outstanding memories of Koreans being rude/insensitive about my being short.

On the other hand, if one is fat or even chubby or extremely tall, they get all sorts of tactless comments.
I get no comments on being short. I've gotten them all the time on my development of a slight beer belly.
Many Koreans are often harping on people about being "fat".
As for the overly tall, a friend of mine is near 7 feet tall- he constantly gets comments and jokes from Koreans and he really gets annoyed about it.
The weird thing is the getting challenged and attacked by Korean guys.
I, being the short guy, have had very few problems. My "big" friends get challenged/attacked by drunk Koreans way more often. It's very odd.

To sum it up, most girls the world over have a prejudice against short men. The only time I've been insulted about my height in Korea, it was from a foreign female. Being a short guy in Korea- no worries!

[Triban]

You won't get laid.

[peppermint]

Koreans don't put the same value on tact that westerners do- you might get the odd comment, but if it's not your height, it will be your haircut, or your face shape or some other random thing. Don't let the fear of a few rude people stop you from coming over, if that's what you want to do.

[Brady]

You'll fit comfortably in all the chairs and doorways. I'm 6'6". Daily life for me is like Gandalf in Hobbiton.

[Halcyom Chimera]