Korean Job Discussion Forums

Noirmorte · Joined: 26 Oct 2006

First I read alot about drinking so much so that it seems to be a national sport. I don't drink, not because I don't want to but for medical reasons. Is this going to be a cultural problem? So I get a clause in my contract about no booze? Very Happy

Second, has anyone gotten a graduate degree while over in Korea? How hard is it to find a program in Korea or is distance learning the way to go? If so what did you get it in?

Will

i_teach_esl · Joined: 07 Sep 2006 Location: baebang, asan/cheonan

im not in korea yet either, but perhaps this post about getting MBA in korea may be of help to you?
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=69329&highlight=graduate

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

OP- Koreans drink A LOT of alcohol. I'm still amazed how much some of them can drink. Plus, soju is some nasty stuff.

It could be a problem if you have a jerk boss who drinks like a fish.

tiger fancini · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Location: Testicles for Eyes

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

Dude, why didn't you help me? It was horrible, just horrible... Embarassed

denistron · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Location: Busan

I go to dinners with my coworkers every other week. They force me to drink. These days I refuse to drink because as soon as I have one, and they see that I am game, they try to make me drink and drink. I was sick of it so I told them I don't drink anymore because of medical reasons and that I have a bad heart(not true). Even though, they still look like I really hurt their feelings if I refuse a drink. I love those guys though, but they get piss drunk each time. So I try to avoid those dinners like the plague. It's just the drinking culture here. They just want to be friends and show me they accpet me. But Wednesday night on a school night, and I have to get up at 6.30 am, its strange to me to get plastered when you teach kids in the morning.

We've gone on field trips with the kids, and for lunch the guys will drink beer or soju. I've been invited to dinner by mothers, and the mothers will buy me soju to drink in front of their kids. I refuse. We had a sports day at school, and the parents and teachers all enjoyed drinks at lunch, beer, soju, all in front of the kids. I don't get it or agree with it, but that's the way things can be here sometimes.

Sash · Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Location: farmland

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I don't drink. Never have. I seem to be getting by.

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

OP- if someone does insist you drink with them, just make sure that when you throw up- you throw up ON THEM. That way, they will never insist you drink with them, again.

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Pa Jan Jo A Hamnida · Joined: 27 Oct 2006 Location: Not Korea

One of my former co-workers is Mormon. Good guy. Whenever, the school would go out he stuck to water or clear soda. I don't recall him ever being given a hard time. The boss/Korean teachers might have teased him once or twice though. However, he would only stay for 1-2 hours then go home to his wife.