Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cgroch]

Okay, so I'm really glad people are pretty open on this forum, because it helps to just out and ask whatever questions come to mind.

So my boyfriend and I are coming to Korea in a couple weeks, and well, neither of us are skinny. I mean, we're not fat per se, but I mean heck, we come from the fattest country in the world. I'm a size 10ish, but I'm only 5'6", and well, I look a little heavy, I suppose. My boyfriend is 6'2" and like 215lbs, I guess has a belly, nothing huge or anything, just heavier, ya know, and a larger frame.

So basically, we're not really big people, but by Korean standards, are we going to be seen as disgustingly obese? I suppose it wouldn't hurt to prepare myself for some dissapproving looks at my figure, both in public and by my students!

And it's at times like this I absolutely HATE the fact that America doesn't use metric measurements. Guess I better get used to converting.

[laogaiguk]

[cgroch]

I suppose then it'll be helpful that I'm not sensitive about my weight!

[laogaiguk]

[rocklee]

You may be seen as fat, but to some people that says something healthy (like in China).

Obese is like...Kristy Allen.

[billybrobby]

i'm 6'2" and 185ish and Koreans are always talking about my gut. but i spend 80% of my waking hours with my stomach full of beer, so i can understand them. koreans have got a weird habit of brazenly pointing out your physical flaws and giggling as if it's not going to offend you. but even if they do find you fat, you and your boyfriend have already got each other, so it doesn't really matter.

[sjk1128]

Yes, most people will think you're fat and many will say it. However, that doesn't necessarily mean much. You can also be "ugly" and still be "cute" in Korea. Plus, I think the people who are going to stare at you will do it regardless of how much you weigh.

You will, after all, be a foreign freak here....

[RACETRAITOR]

I knew an Australian girl who was what I'd call slightly on the thin side of average.

There was this one Korean guy who used to always call her fat.

The thing is, he himself is pretty large, even for Big Mac standards. It turned out he wanted to sleep with her and he thought he was being playfully friendly. She made it clear she didn't want to be anywhere near him.

[periwinkle]

I guarantee you you will have overweight kids in your classes, and you will have overweight parents of your students, as well. Not everyone is a size 0 here, so you won't stick out too much. Anyway, I'd recommend you bring a lot of clothes over, as you'll be hard pressed to find larger clothing here (unless you shop in the men's section, that is ). Most women's clothing runs like 2 (small), 4 (medium), and 6 being your lg. size here, although the sizing system is either 55 (small), 66 (m), 77 (l), or they go by 90 (s), 95 (m), 100 (l). I hope I haven't confused you!

[mithridates]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=BkKXIIXXaAw

[Apple Scruff]

Lame cartoon. And I think more fat people need to be told they're fat. It's come to the point where obesity is the norm and I get teased for being thin. Thin people have feelings too, ya lard-asses.

[periwinkle]

[ilovebdt]

Who cares if Korean people think you are fat?

When you first get here the comments can get to you a bit, but you get used to them and eventually learn to ignore them.

What matters is that you are happy in yourself and if you aren't then do something about it.

ilovebdt

[Milwaukiedave]

Yes, you will get comments about your weight. Your bf (since you said what his weight is) definately will. I'd say I'm pretty darn close to the same weight he is and I get lectured all the time by Koreans.

If that isn't enough, kids will poke you in the belly. I guess they wonder if its real or a pillow.

[Apple Scruff]