Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ratslash]

Well I've not been in Korea for near enough 5 years and I am just finishing a great ten days staying with my wife's family.

I've dipped into the boards now and then but not really commented or posted after deciding to leave it to people who are nowadays more in the know than me.

However, two things I have noticed, no three things but I'll come onto the third, are nose jobs and pale skin.

Jeez, are there some dodgy nose jobs out there. I never noticed it in the years I lived here, but now, man, there are many dodgy nose jobs out there! Take the poor woman who presented the KBS 9pm news tonight. After pointing it out to my jangmonim hysterics followed!

And I was aware that some Korean ladies were adverse to a bit of sunglight, but it seems to have got worse, a lot worse. Any sign of sunlight and it is into the shade. And as for the pale skins some of them now prefer, well, they look like ghosts.

Acne also seems to have got a lot worse. Is this because of the above? Too much make-up and not enough sunshine? Change in diet?

The third thing, although in theory the fourth because I've slipped acne into my little post, is the speed of change. I went into my old area: my old apartment - gone, my favourite coffee shop - gone, the railway line?! - gone. All to be replaced with a mass of high rise apartment blocks. So many massive new buildings in central Seoul. I would like to know how long it would take London planning authorities to approve this scale of change.

Anyway, we'll no doubt be in Seoul again next year so maybe I'll post again then, or maybe not. Either way, take care and enjoy your time here.

[decolyon]

Yeah, it started with the boob jobs 5 years or so ago. Before then, of course women got them, but the popularity exploded. As per typical Korean behavior, when one store (or in this case clinic) becomes popular, a dozen more of the exact same thing move in next door. My former Korean gf's told me they can get their boobs, eyelids, and noses done (individually) for about 2MKW. Crazy cheap. There was a report out a year ago I think, that said if money weren't an issue, 80% or more Korean women would have cosmetic surgery.

I'm not complaining though. Typically they do a pretty good job. Of course I do see some horror stories from time to time like you pointed out. Sometimes they get the nose tip too sharp and pointed. Anyways, more and more doctors are setting up shop in Gangnam and Apgujung. So to compete every other doctor has to lower his costs. This makes it more affordable for your everyday housewife to get fixed what she pleases. The recovery rate is unreal as well. I had a co teacher go in on Friday after work for her nose. Monday was school holiday, and Tuesday she came in looking fine, but with a new nose. Granted it wasn't an extreme job, there was some bruising she covered up with makeup, and she said she still has to wear the tape at home. But dang that was fast.

[Illysook]

2MKRW for plastic surgery? That's so cheap I'm tempted...except that I have nice eyes, a cute nose, and big boobs. I've even thought of getting the girls reduced. I shouldn't do that here though. It would be too hard to find an experienced surgeon.

[Swampfox10mm]

And it's a scary, scary industry here, too.

Regular doctors with no experience in plastic surgery will set-up shops after asking another doctor friend to watch a few procedures (if even that).

I know one lady who had her nose job fall down on her (just like Michael Jackson) twice.

I've also seen some really bad eye surgery jobs. Looked like they were done with a butter knife. Yick.

[pangaea]

I wouldn't trust plastic surgery here. After the experiences I have had here just with general practitioners, there is no way I would trust anyone here to do any work on my face.

[TECO]

How would surgical talent in Korea compare with those plastic surgeons in say Thailand where a lot of people go to get work done? From what I've read and been told, many of the surgeons in Thailand doing this are some of the best. I guess they get a lot of practice - aha!!

Can anyone here walk down the street and instantly point out people, women, who have had work done on their eyes or nose? It's pretty obvious, isn't it.

[cj1976]

[Draz]

I've realized that a fair number of Korean girls have had their entire faces remodeled.

I used to think this girl I knew was just unusually beautiful, until I saw a before picture. Eyes, nose, chin, cheeks, jaw, forehead... everything. Now whenever I see this look, I know what it is.

[eamo]

It's virtually de rigueur for Korean females nowadays to be outwardly vain. And some men too.

If they've had any recent surgery they're pretty upset if everyone doesn't notice.

It's mostly about looking as good as possible, but it's also a status symbol and sign of wealth. As well as simply the 'in-thing'.

[madtownhustl]

Anyone seen the before and after pics in the subways for plastic surgery? It's unreal how different chicks can look after surgery. scary stuff

[Sector7G]

[TECO]

Fake *beep* are okay, but I don't notice them all that much. I think eyes and nose jobs are more popular.

[Sector7G]

Cosmetic surgery is one thing, but I actually think Asian women are wise to stay out of the sun for too long, because it causes premature aging of the skin. Experts say there is no such thing as a "healthy tan". I am from Florida and have seen too many women and men alike with leathered, wrinkled skin from a lifetime of over exposure. Yes, I know a little bit of sun is a good thing - I have been a beach and water sports fan all of my life. But you have to take some precautions.

Besides, I love seeing women walking down the sidewalk carrying a parasol. It makes me feel like I have been transported back to a bygone era.

[RMNC]

I couldn't care less what's real or not as long as it looks good. Do what makes you happy, I say, whether it's skin bleaching, nose jobs or boob jobs.

[Sector7G]