Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cubanlord]

foreigners in general are not willing to accept the fact that because they are in a foreign country, they may have to conform or accept some of the cultural differences? Do foreigners really believe that South Korea will be or should be the same as it is back home? What are your thoughts?

There are times that I have found myself answering yes to both questions. I guess you could say it was because of stress (not much) or it was because I was on a different point of my wave at that time or because I sometimes get fed-up with some of the things they do here. In the end, I take a step back and realize, "hey, I AM in a foreign country. This is their country; not mine." I also remind myself that if worse came to worse, I could always go back home and not have to deal with the "problems" I see in this society. I could easily get a good paying job and say, "Nos Vemos" to Korea.

In a nut shell, that's basically how I feel about the issue. I really do think that foreigners, in general, carry a negative attitude. Now, I am not talking about the "Dave'ers" on here; I am talking about the people I meet in person. For some weird reason, most of the EFL teachers I have met have carried the "F-Korea" attitude. They resent the country and spit on the name every chance they get. Yet, they choose to do nothing about their attitudes. This baffles me.

[laogaiguk]

[Pa Jan Jo A Hamnida]

I'm not surprised at all. A few months ago when I was in holiday I ran across a few teachers and they looked worn down. Perhaps, they were working a split shift and were tired. Or, homesick. There are a multitude of reasons.

That being said, happiness comes from within. If you are that unhappy just leave. Your co-workers and various bartenders will thank you.

[Mashimaro]

A few people are like that, most are not.. blah, blah, blah, next topic.

[Satori]

When I see a thread by Cubanlord titled "Do you find that..." I fully expect the answer to be no. And ye verily, no...

[Milwaukiedave]

CB,

I agree with you to a point, however in terms of how a foreigner is treated when are trying to obtain services in Korea something that needs to improve (where is RR when we need him?). I think Korean companies should be aware of is that western consumers are finicky when it comes to customer service. I honestly don't think they've figured this out yet. My point is there has to be some consequence when they treat a customer like crap, ie the customer takes their business elsewhere and probably tells people their negative opinion.

Even on Dave's ESL I've heard good and bad things about Korean companies. Does that influence me? It does to a certain degree depending on what I've heard.

Yes, people complain (I still do to a point), but some of it is how we are treated as a consumer.

[seoulsucker]

I believe that in the modern world there are certain practices, standards, and behaviors, both social and commercial, that a society must embrace/enforce in order to be considered a global player.

I believe that part of becoming a player in modern global society, you must make significant sacrifices, and that includes giving up some cultural/social beliefs and practices.

I believe that Korea has one foot planted firmly in the door, and one foot stubbornly clinging to an antiquated set of social and cultural norms that have prevented them from stepping out of the shadow of their polished neighbors to the East, and the rousing giant to the North.

That aside, at this point in my life I would still choose a life here over that of my home country.