Korean Job Discussion Forums

[seoulonmind]

I am a male (30) and have both my ears pierced. These are not like small ear rings. They are not REAL big, but are thicker hoops than most hoops are (not big round hoops or anything). What are Koreans views on piercings? Will I be asked to remove them and or be discriminitated upon? My passport which photo which was taken at age 23 I have my ears pierced there too, you cant see them though unless you look really hard. I don��t have any tatoos (not that there is anything wrong woth that) but I know how conservative Koreans can be abd wondered if this will be a problem. What do you think?

Please advise.

Brian

[hellofaniceguy]

Common sense ought to tell you how to answer that question. You're either in the circus or a professional. What you do on your own time is your business. You want to attract attention and stand out....
I think most professional people in the world would not wear them to work.
The responses will be split....
most koreas I think, look at it has being strange, a male wearing earings is not conservative or normal acceptable behavior.
I'm sure young girls will like it it, but not a woman.
If the owner thinks it will make him money, he won't care!

[Demophobe]

I agree with hellofaniceguy.

Earrings are removable, and Koreans are conservative. Take them out at interviews and just ask how they feel about them.

On your time, do what you want. At work, follow the money, which often dictates that you look as clean-cut and respectable as possible.

Of course, these terms carry somewhat different meanings here in Korea, but hey, we have to play by their rules.

[Juggertha]

A few of my co-workers have had them. They simply took them out at work.

[seoulonmind]

thanks, I thought so but just wanted to make sure. The photo in my profile is me when I was 23, I am MUCH more professional now except for the ear earings. Here is the thing though, I have ALWAYS wore my ear rings to work as a substitute teacher here in VA, as well as at my office jobs so.......anywaym Korea is different of course

Thanks mates!

Bri

[kangnamdragon]

I applaud seoulonmind for being professional enough to actually care about how he will be perceived in the Korean culture. That is the first mature step to being accepted by them. Thank you.

[optimus d]

i dont think it will be a problem. i have an earring and a nose ring and its not a problem with the director. if anything it will make you look that much more western - if being white isnt enough - and thats what directors look for. also, itll be a good conversation piece for your students when your starting out.

[jazblanc77]

I have earrings in both ears. I would say that though it may really really hamper your prospects of getting a job in some cases, in general, that's not really a problem after you actally start it. My policy has always been to interview with them out and then on the first day, ask whether it is okay to wear them to work. This has always worked for me and I have never been told to come to work earring-less.

[paperbag princess]

i've a nose ring (a small stud to be exact) and i've never had a problem with it. i didn't take it out for the interveiw, but most people don't even notice it at first.

[seoulonmind]