Korean Job Discussion Forums

[LateBloomer]

Let the jokes begin....but as someone who�s only been here two weeks, I would like some serious input about what not to do�.and what to do. (I am the first and only non-Korean teacher at my school and I can't help but feel I'm under the microscope.)

For example, I�ve read that you should never write someone�s name in red ink and that some people consider it unlucky to receive a give made up of four components because �four� is the Korean equivalent of thirteen. I also remember reading that blowing your nose in public is frowned upon. So, is there anything else relating to eating, visiting, giving gifts, not giving gifts etc. that I should know?

Apart from cultural generalities, my principal said he and some of the teachers would like to visit my apartment (good incentive to keep up with the cleaning). I have no idea as to what to expect or what would be expected of me in that situation. Are refreshments appropriate? If so, what would you recommend? How long are they likely to stay?

The situation will be further complicated by the fact that none of the teachers speak English well enough that we totally understand each other.

And finally, I've been asked to give English names to the grade three students in my English camp who don't already have them. Are there any English names I should avoid because they mean or sound like something objectionable in Korean?

[Natalia]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I have been out with Korean coworkers who blow their noses at the table and leave snotty tissues sitting ON THE TABLE for the remainder of the meal.

About the apartment visiting. I'm not helping you here, but my apartment is my private space, and I certainly wouldn't be welcoming my boss in for drinks! That's weird (especially if you have a standard - meaning not too flash - teacher's apartment).

I'm sure there are plenty of people who will come on here and actually give you advice.

[bluelake]

It was written a long time ago, but you might like to find a copy of Ugly Koreans, Ugly Americans, published by Min Byoung-chul. I helped in its original editing (along with quite a few other people), so I'm quite familiar with it. It is divided into two parts (respective of the title) and is in both Korean and English. Although some of it is dated, most of the cultural faux pas Koreans and Westerners make with each other are still around.

[The Lemon]

[TheUrbanMyth]

[bnrockin]

That is REALLY disturbing that not only your boss but some of the other teachers want to come over to your apartment. I will openly admit that I am not familiar with Korean culture but it sounds like a kind of set up to me. Definately like they are wanting to inspect your life and use it to place judgement on you. This is, again, just western thought talking. I have never had any of my Korean or other Asian friends request to come over to my apartment before. You do need to have some sacred and private grounds don't you?

[mole]

Easygoing me, I wouldn't invite or allow the whole crew over all at once, at least not yet.
Boss should invite all out for dinner, perhaps drinks. Then a noraebang. Then maybe a beer.

Your space is yours, even here. Invite them on your terms as you get comfortable. Then tell them it's your housewarming party.
They'll all bring gifts and you just have to have clean glasses available.
Or a stack of paper cups.

[SeniorEnglish]

I have never seen Korean teachers visiting each other's homes. At one of my old schools, my flat mate and I hosted parties for work. I think if the principal is requesting to have you host parties, something very fishy is going on.

[Delirium's Brother]

[DaeSung]

I'm really surprised at the responses here. I know most westerner value their private space, as do I. On the other hand most Koreans, if not all will have a house warming party when they move. Usually they invite people from work, or friends, sometimes they will have a party on different days of the week so friends can come one day, and co-workers another. I understand that there are some weird people out there that want to drop by at all times to ask you random English questions. In general Korean people are some of the nicest people you will meet. You can have people over and it'll probably even be fun if your open minded about it. There are good parts to Korean culture and to other cultures, take what you like about both and leave what you don't. I work for a large company and I have been invited to many house warming parties for Korean co-workers, and we had one at my home as well.

[LateBloomer]

[kat2]

Its really up to you if you want to invite them over. I think it would really score high with them if you did. You just need to be sure that the line is drawn, and that its not an open invitation anytime to practice their english. If they do come over, they will expect to be able to open closets, drawers, and generally be very nosy. So hide anything that might be embarassing.

They would probably like it if you made some western food for them. Nothing major, but even just some finger peanut butter sandwiches or something would be fun.

[LateBloomer]

Sorry to post this again but I screwed up the quote thing the first time and I just wanted the comments to be attributed correctly.

[seoulkitchen]

My old bosses used to invite us to their house for teacher dinners. Always very fun and a good way to bond with the coworkers. I hosted quite a few parties for them as well. I don't know why people are being so paranoid about it?
I hope you won;t feel greedy about your time and not want to spend it with Koreans because you think they just want to use you for English lessons. Jeez. All my Korean friends and coworkers have been very sincere and top notch. That's why I've stayed here for so long and why my life here is very smooth and relatively stress free (well, most of the time, I do like to throw the occasional tantrum just for kicks!)

Host a housewarming party and remember, don't pour your own drinks and when someone's glass is empty, refill it.

[peony]

if you do invite them over, some beer and non-alcoholic juices and soda for those that dont drink, fruit (if there are female teachers, they will cut them up for you) and some snacks (chips, cookies) should be sufficient

if you feel comfortable having them over, i dont see the problem