Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Alias]

One of the reasons why I have not been to south east Asian yet is just that. I've heard too many horror stories about single white guys going to Vietnam or Cambodia to prey upon impoverished children. (also heard about similar problems in Latin America). The tought of being suspected as such is nauseating.

Is this an overreaction on my part?

[JAWINSEOUL]

That's the sad reality of the world these days. I had an experiance at the mall a few years ago, I was watching the kids line up to see Santa Clause in a small Candain city. Some guy give me the "What are looking at pervert kind of look"

I say goto the South Asia and give them a good experiance dealing with a the "single white guy"

[Nemo]

I can understand the concern.

I've had friends who have been the "obvious white guys" have their laptops and luggage checked at airports coming back from SEA and suspected, for some reason, of sex tourism.

Millions of Europeans and other foreigners go to SEA each year for tourism. As long as you stay away from renowned RLD/towns, I think you should be fine.

[Tiger Beer]

[tiger fancini]

[Zark]

I agree with the two previous Tigers . . .

There are many very decent and reputable expats who live here. Tourists include many families, and lots of relatively conservative Muslims for the Middle East vacation here.

It is more likely to be one's behavior that leads to suspicion.

I've never had my luggage, computer or anything else checked here and I fly a LOT.

While a serious problem does exist in this part of the world - I am not sure that it is much worse than high rate of molestation back home. It is just that the journalists enjoy flying across the world and sucking down Singapore Slings in the Raffles Bar - and then slipping away to developing world locations to do their "Tsk Tsk - What an Awful World" bit - before slipping back into the bar.

This form of journalism became very clear to us who live on Phuket - after the tsunami. The interest by the reporters was a quick shot and sound bite for the news - and then back to the party at the JWMarriot bar - or elsewhere. No real interest in the situation. More like a free company-paid party. Also a bit true for some of the so called "relief agencies" that were (and many still are) busy running around in BRAND NEW very expensive SUVs - that cost more than 4-5 good local houses. Not a bad gig if you can get it . . .

[Moldy Rutabaga]

Thailand, at least, has its zones-- Pattaya, Patong, Patpong-- and tourists elsewhere are so numerous that they won't be immediately suspected. A tourist in Hoi An, Vietnam, isn't there for the call girls-- it's not a nightclub scene-- and neither is someone in Bali going to be pointed at-- there's too many horny western girls already!

Relax. There's plenty of tourists so that a single man isn't obviously assumed to be a lurid pervert. And those that are seem so obvious and unashamed about it, walking around in broad daylight with their hires, that the locals can tell you're not one of them!

If you go with a buddy, this is the last thing you should worry about. It is in fact more of a problem if you have a Korean girlfriend or wife, as some westerners will not realize the distance and will tsk-tsk you.

Ken:>

[trevorcollins]

[Pyongshin Sangja]

As a random person walking down the street, you're more likely to be buying sex in Seoul than in Bangkok.

[happeningthang]

[Pyongshin Sangja]

Yes, I have. I mean as a random person, not just as a random white guy. Koreans love to pay for play. I'm sure the Thai do, too, but it seems to be part and parcel of being a Korean man.

[trevorcollins]

[happeningthang]

[tomato]

Speaking for myself, I am staying in Korea to get away from that sort of crap.
I had to endure that sort of foolishness continually when I was in the United States, but the subject has never once come up here in Korea.
Here in Korea, there is very little sexual abuse hysteria because there is very little sexual abuse.
If you look up pedophile in a Korean dictionary, you will see a big long definition instead of a single word.

The difference is probably because the extended family system has prevailed longer in Korea, and, to an extent, still prevails now. Studies show that most sexual abusers grew up with no younger siblings to love and nurture.
Industrialization and population increase have forced families into small apartments, but relatives continue to keep in touch.
If you don't believe me, try to travel on a Korean holiday.

Also, somewhere along the line, the people of Korea gave considerable thought to family roles.
Koreans are less inhibited about affection toward family members.
Children and parents walk down the street holding hands, and nobody says, "Oh, look at Oedipus and Jocasta!"
Siblings walk down the street holdsing hands, and nobody says, "Oh, look at Siegmund and Sieglinde!"

This careful thought is also manifest in the Korean language. There are oodlums of words meaning "uncle," depending on whether your uncle is on your mother's side or father's side, depending on whether he is your parent's older or younger sibling, or whether he is your parent's brother or your parent's sister's husband.

If sexual abuse hysteria bothers you, perhaps you should get OUT of Western society!

[I_Am_Wrong]

it's rather simple isn't.

If you're not a sex tourist then you have no reason to worry so why give a *beep* about other people.