Korean Job Discussion Forums

[MiXX]

Looks? Personality characteristics? Societal perceptions etc?

[Squire]

I was on the lookout for differences when I visited Japan, but all I really came away with was that Japanese people seemed quieter, more polite (by western standards anyway) and youth culture was far more visible. A week and a half is nothing though. I'd be interested to hear from somebody who has lived in both countries

[Died By Bear]

Japanese parents teach their children well. It's true. Citizenship skills are important.

[IPayInCash]

I've lived in both countries. The biggest thing that stands out is their clothes. Japanese fashion is like what would happen if you walked into your closet, it exploded, and you walked out (this is called an expression, please don't come here and argue thermodynamics Steelrails). Koreans actually dress very boring in comparision. Baseball caps, high heels, "couple tees", and the women all seem to wear the same one piece only in different skin tone colors.

Koreans have better teeth. A lot of Japanese have bad teeth.

And the Japanese are much more polite and have more class. All of that bumping in public, spitting, hogging the left side of the escalator so no one else can move up, putting bags on the chair beside you so no one can sit there, rude noise levels on the train or bus, taxis ignoring you, adjosshis giving you dirty looks when you're with one of "their" women, barging into the train and not letting the people going out exit first, doesn't happen in Japan.

The Japanese also have so many different cultures and subcultures within those cultures. If you're ever in Tokyo go to Yoyogi park near Harajuku station. You'll see more culture in that one area than you will a lifetime in Korea. Korea's youth culture, Hongdae, is a complete joke compared to Japan. Everyone with big framed glasses, fumbling around on a tiny skateboard, with a tattoo on their wrist to show how rebellious they are. Yawn.

[cabeza]

[Died By Bear]

Noise pollution almost non-existant in Japan. No diesel sounds whatsoever (city).

[joelove]

I believe even Japanese people will tell you it is impressed upon them from an early age to not bother other people and to be unobtrusive in public. They don't seem to have as much of the bumping into people problem that many say is due to how crowded a city is. Seems to be a much more 'mind your own business and leave others alone' society.

[Mix1]

[Scorpion]

Japan is a mature society that is comfortable in its own skin. It has a unique culture (which is easily distinguished from other Asian nations) and a polite, civilized populace. It's streets are clean and there is the absense of the 'urban peasantry' factor that is so evident everywhere in Korea. No spitting, no traffic lawlessness, no bumping into people, cutting in line, or emptying one's nostrils onto the sidewalk. Japan is a country that in 1941 was industrialized enough and confident enough to go to war with the United States. Korea at that point was a rice patty. Japan is miles ahead in the 'civilized society' category. Essentially, Japan is what Koreans like to think Korea is, and want foreigners to think Korea is. But it be not so. Korea has a very long way to travel before it can be compared in any way with Japan.

Japan = First World
Korea = still on the bus with many miles yet to travel.

[Scorpion]

[IPayInCash]

I encountered ONE rude person the entire time I was in Japan.

In Korea, I dont think Ive gone one day without some kind of rude person affecting me. Today it was the ajumma that sat next to me onthe train. She had a backpack on, pushed it to her side (my side) before she sat down, and of course I get rammed with a backpack the second she sat down. I immediately shoved the packback into her and she did the common sense thing to do and took it off and put it on her lap.

Oh yea... Japanese women are easier. Girls will literally go up to you and make out with you in the club. I can speak from personal experience.

[Nolos]

Japanese are ten times better,thats all you need to know.

[IPayInCash]

[joelove]

[I'm With You]

Let's be honest here, Japan is a very insular and inward looking nation. They don't care what is going on in the outside world and look down on other countries in Asia. The Japanese government has become increasingly more right-wing and nationalistic and they simply don't like foreigners.

Also, the people in charge of the country haven't been very honest with what is really happening with the Fukushima nuclear plants, either.

Finally, the Japanese are known for their intransigence and are probably the least accommodating towards foreigners - e.g., TEFL teachers - working there. I don't think people seem to understand how tough it can really be working with Japanese people. You never know where you stand with them, either, while they smile at you but secretly wish to cut your head off aha!!