Korean Job Discussion Forums

[air76]

I promise that I won't let this thread degenerate if you don't

For a change of pace....I was thinking that we could have a thread where the Korea haters turn things around and share three things about Korean culture that they do like and wish that they could implement in whatever country they're going to next, whether it be home or otherwise (cultural things, not making easy money or girls)

The Korea lovers can share three things about Korean culture that they wish they could abolish.

Here are mine:

1. BBQ at the table, whether it be galbi or sam gyeop sal, I love this communal style of eating as it is far more social and interactive than western style meals. I don't even mind sharing soup.

2. The buzzer at restaurants. The level of service at restaurants in Korea is extraordinary, and even more extraordinary considering the fact that you don't need to leave a tip. If your table doesn't have a buzzer, no worries, just shout "Yogi-yo!" and you'll have a server at your table in a jiffy....you don't even need to wait for him/her to come over, just shout out that you need more of this or more of that and they'll bring it right over.

3. JimJilBang/Sauna - at first it may be awkward the idea of visiting a public bath, but once you're used to it it's a great way to relieve stress.

[conbon78]

There are many things that I wish other countries would implement such as:

- safe & efficient subway system
- Drinking outside convenience stores - great way to save cash and still have fun
- no tipping policy

I would also like to add that the call button in restaurants is the greatest invention EVER. However, I could imagine high school students in America would abuse that button if it existed there.

[Oreovictim]

1. Definitely the buzzer. When I'm eating out in America, the servers are never there when you need them, and they always show up when you don't. Kind of like Merlin in that trippy 1980 Excalibur movie.

2. No tipping/low taxi fares

3. The convenient subway system; I love it. Line 1 can be a pain sometimes, and I wish that the subways were all night, but then that would cripple the taxi industry here.

[Steve_Rogers2008]

[jrwhite82]

I'm not a Korea hater but....

1) Not only buzzer system, but paying at the door before you leave. How annoying is it to have to ask for a bill, then the server gets it and comes back 5 minutes later. Then you forget that you are out of cash so you have to put it on your credit card but she's already walked away. So then you wait another 5 minutes and she finally comes back to get the credit card. Then it takes her five more minutes to finally bring it back after she charges it. UGH!

2) Nationalized health care. I'll open that can of worms. In America we have $5.00 foot long sandwiches. In Korea, I literally had $5.00 laser surgery on my deviated septum.

3) Bidet toilet seats! I had one specially made with 110v and shipped to America. I have the cleanest butt East of the Mississippi!

[edwardcatflap]

[farfromhome]

1. THE BUZZER!

2. THE BUZZER!

3. THE BUZZER!

[DeMayonnaise]

Lots of them but if I had to choose 3...

- Restaurants and all that goes with them. Cheap, good food, good service.

- Public transportation (not really feasible in the US though, since Korea is so densely populated and it makes sense here)

- Jimjilbangs. Love em.

I'm a Korean middle man. I don't love it, I don't hate it...somewhere in between. I like living here, but I'm not gaga over it.

[Oatmeal Prince]

[Oreovictim]

[laguna]

119
114

some things LITERALLY are backward here

[pangaea]

1. Service. Getting free samples with a purchase at the makeup shop, sometimes getting a free drink with a meal, etc.

2. Saunas. Once I got over being naked in front of a lot of other people, I realized how wonderfully relaxing they are.

3. Efficient train and bus service throughout the country.

[climber159]

Street vendors (not food): Though the products they sell may be cheap, they're often practical. If it starts raining I can count on finding an umbrella for 5,000원 at just about any subway station. If I'm in need of a belt, or a new pair of socks, they're easily had.

[air76]

[IlIlNine]