Korean Job Discussion Forums

[MollyBloom]

I didn't see a topic for this, but if there is one could you guide me to it...

But did anyone see the Travel Channel's bit on Korea? The guy who hosted it was a jerk, made fun of Korean food in front of the cooks, and was just plain rude. Oh, and he made fun of the Buddhist priests to their faces by doing "funny" dances and in general made a bad example of native English speakers. I tried to look up the archive with no avail, but his name is Ian Wright, and he works for the UK Travel Channel.

[stvwrd]

Ian Wright. I believe he used to be on the Lonely Planet Travel Channel series, but I don't think they make that one anymore.

I particularly didn't like the show "Travel Sick," which took on Korea in it's firt or second episode. On the one hand, the show has an interesting premise, which seems to be to check out the most bizarre and unusual things a country has to offer, but every episode this dude would have a to do list of five revolting and disgusting things the country is known for.

Now, going into a foriegn country with the explict purpose of discovering the worst things about it and showcasing it to the world as a comedy is something I have a problem with.

I think Travel Sick lasted like 5 episodes on the Travel Channel before being sent to the 2am saturday night spot on Comedy Central, and then I never heard from it again, thankfully.

It was a long time ago, so I may have some facts confused though.

[Endesu]

Ian Wright is one of the best TV-presenters I have ever come across. I used to love his travel shows, as he always seemed to get in touch with the locals, and find out what the other travel shows are missing. He coupled British humour with sheer curiosity which made his travels so much fun to watch.

However, there were two places he visited which he didnt seem to like, and funnily enough it was my homecountry, Norway, and my wifes country, Korea. He didnt seem to enjoy his time in any of the countries for some reason, and it clearly showed throughout. Honestly, I dont blame him, because none of the countries are tourist-friendly, and they are both overpriced and hard to travel in for tourists.

I have noticed from other threads that the OP is moving to Korea, and I think you shouldnt be discouraged by Mr. Wrights depiction. I think what he realized is that Korea has precious little to offer the independent, backpacking traveller, and he would much rather be somewhere else. This doesnt mean that its not a good place to live.

Most tourists find Korea boring and unfriendly, but if you spend some time getting under Koreas skin, you will appreciate so much more.

[stvwrd]

Here here!

I'm a big fan of Korea too. I didn't realize that you're still thinking of coming here. hehe.

I agree 100% with everything the last person just said. Though Korea is not a great place for a one-week vacation, it has a lot to offer the long-term visitor.

[eurasian76]

he makes fun of all countries he goes too, not just Corea

I saw the Travel Sick one also (with Grub Smith). In a way it was funny but a bit over the top.....again he does the same thing to each country he visits, not just this country.

[RACETRAITOR]

I've heard from other people that guy is a knob.

[eurasian76]

[eamo]

[endo]

Were you guys watching the same Ian Wright episode as me?

Because the one I saw (Globetrekkers) in which he visited Korea, Ian had mostly postve things to say about the country.

First he visited Seoul and couldn't wait to get out of there (somewhat understandable).

Then he went to the DMZ and said it was creepy (makes sence).

However, then he went to Soraksan and loved it. He even played soccer with some mons. Next, the harbour front in Busan, which he also liked.

Last, he took the ferry to Jeju and had an interesting time with the old lady divers off the coast.


Overall, he seemed to enjoy Korea, especially once he got out of Seoul.

[eamo]

Anyone know a good place to download Lonely Planet episodes? I've never seen the Korea one.

BTW, for a good TV experience of Korea try downloading The Amazing Race. If I remember, Korea was on the route Season 4 episode 11. It's a funny episode. It seemed that the winner of that episode depended on whose Seoul taxi driver spoke English or not!! Very recognizable stuff for the expat here.

[endo]

you can download the lonely Planet episodes (aka Globetrekkers) at totalvid.com

However, you have to pay about $3 per episode (or a $9 momthly fee) and have a full week to watch them.


Unfortunately, they don't have the Korea episode.

[MollyBloom]

Oh, no, I have not been discouraged at all about not coming. I definitely am, and have been planning the trip/ thinking about it for a year.

I guess I just got kind of sensitive because I felt that he was being rude by the way he was insulting the country and making fun of some of the people he met. I recognized that he was having a good time at places, and he did act respectful at some parts, but I was just kind of shocked when he mocked the Buddhist priests prayer stances, dunked his head in the well of holy water.

I did like the part where the old fishing ladies poked fun at him.

[Lao Wai]

Ha! It's so funny that I read this forum today. I just flicked off the discovery channel about an hour ago in disgust because I couldn't take any more of Ian Wright. I have to agree with whoever said he's a complete knob. In this particular episode he was touring around the home of some British aristocracy. He wouldn't shut up! He would just keep blathering on and on. I could tell his hosts were annoyed. I think he needs to be on Ritalin.

[fiveeagles]

[animalbirdfish]