Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Matilda]

I think of myself as a confident gal.... tonight, I was having a non-eventful evening after work, doing my washing, listening to a podcast etc... looked around and saw a head duck from under my window in my laundry room....

My back windows are covered in that opaque sheeting all except for maybe 1cm all at the perimeter and I face the back apartments. Luckily the adrenaline kicked in and I started yelling whilst walking to the back window. I also started bashing on the window and heard someone scurry away... so it wasn't my imagination.

I felt good my instincts had allowed me to be so confident and thought I would not panic and tape the tiny gap up in the morning.

About 15 mins later (and for the first time in 3 months) I heard my neighbours leaving their next door apartment... I decided to go out (PJs and all) and tell them what had happened. Basically, I needed to vent and felt safe as it was a young couple.

They walked around the back of my apartment with me and what I saw has made me feel nauseous... there were 2 large buckets and an overturned pot plant stacked up under my window (that were not there several weeks ago). The guy had made himself a mighty fine vantage point... I have since taken them inside and will dispose of them tomorrow (they unfortunately are now sitting beside my front door - gotta love the one room living).

FARKKKKK I feel like I have had my privacy violated big time!! I apologise if this post seems rambling... I know there is not much I can do and I simply needed to vent. Also, it feels so premeditated to think that someone has been so resourceful and planned their 'viewing platform' (for want of a farkin better word).

Also, what are the chances of someone removing those bars on my window if they do want to come in?

[crazylemongirl]

ick,
that's terrible. I would definetly let your boss know about this! chances of the bars being removed? umm depends on the standards of construction!

[Matilda]

Cheers CLG.

Other than taping my windows, does anyone have any advice for me?

I am not usually a 'fraidy cat' and have lived on my own for the past 5 years. I also don't want feel uncomfortable when coming home to my villa each night...

Thanks,
M

[huntjuliehunt]

If you're dancing around like Britney Spears in your underwear like that, you've probably had more than one peeper.

[Bibbitybop]

Buy an interior shade or cover that opening.

[djsmnc]

As a peeping tom, I would recommend

1. Don't panic. All we're looking for is something to temporarily excite us while our love is away/ if we don't have a lover.

2. If you really don't want us to see anything, cover your windows a little better. Put something in front of that little part of the window that isn't covered by the curtain. Believe me, even if it's just a little sliver, we can see everything

3. Look out the window often. Nothing scares us back into our nooks than our prey catching us in the act.

4. Make sure we really are peeping toms. Of course, in your case, the guy probably was. However, some guys just don't like to smoke in the house, so we go out on a balcony or side door. Just follow the last 3 steps and you won't have to worry!

Happy hiding!

[Ya-ta Boy]

Is it just my mistaken impression, or has there been a recent upsurge in the number of jerks posting lately?

I think you should definitely inform your boss about this and ask to have the bars on your window checked to make sure they are in good repair. You might also ask if informing the police would be a good idea--there might be other complaints on file. You might also consider getting a can of Mace and a baseball bat, just in case.

[Merlyn]

Wow, a person looked into your apartment. Having had Koreans come right over to my urinal to take a good look, that doesn't seem so bad. You don't even say what you were wearing. It is not like Koreans don't stare at foreigners every time that we do anything at all so it shouldn't freak you out so much that they stared in at you at your apt. Obviously, it isn't normal behaviour and they shouldn't do that, but in the back of my mind, something is telling me that you kind of got a kick out of the extra attention. And were kind of happy about the whole thing telling your neighbors and then finding proof that someone actually thinks you're worth watching. Hey, I could be totally off base here, so an apology in advance. Being confident as you are, you should have put on a show, and then called him a byuntae.

[Matilda]

Thanks Ya-ta and others for the constructive advice. I had a sleepless night just sitting here in the dark and listening to all the noises. I will call my director this morning and get this place fortified and covered up!



merlyn wrote

[Merlyn]

[dogbert]

You've got pot plants under your window?

[riley]

I would say the best thing to buy would be an airhorn or some device that can make a loud noise suddenly. Basically something that would surprise the shit out of him. That could help, also tell your neighbors that if they hear that noise, it means there's trouble.

[Woland]

Definitely let your boss know. And it was good that you let your neighbors know, as well; they should be equally concerned about this.

Does your building have some kind of gate guard or watchman (some do, some don't). If yes, get a Korean, perhaps your neighbor, to explain to him what happened and ask him to check that area more frequently to make sure that this doesn't happen again.

As to the idiots who don't quite understand the violation of personal space you've suffered, ignore them and move ahead with regaining control of your space and life.

[seoulsojourner]

Years ago my wife and I were awakened by someone trying to open our first floor, back-of-the-building bedroom window as we lay asleep at 6am. Whatever the motive it couldn't have been nice. Anyway, I ran outside with our biggest kitchen knife (fillet de peeper) but the person had bolted, leaving behind fresh finger tracks on the dirty window frame...Needless to say our sense of security took a hit.

We went to the local police station to report the incident thinking that if the person came back or was doing this to others in the area a report would get him in more trouble if he were later caught, and hopefully the police would patrol more carefully. The police later came by and advised us our flimsy aluminum bars were inadequate to stop a serious intruder.

A "comforting" thing they did do for us, which is really the point of this post, is produce a very official looking, stamped document stating what law breaking and entering violates and that the area was regularly patrolled. We laminated and secured it outside the bedroom window, where it stayed for years. Real or imagined, taking action gave us back a little feeling of control

[mindmetoo]

Write in Korean on your window "Did an Imperial Japanese army officer peep on your grandmother in the same fashion?"