Korean Job Discussion Forums

meangradin · Joined: 10 Mar 2006

My Korean wife and I (Scottish-Canadian) are expecting our son any day now. In fact, he is already a few days over due. How many of you here are in the same situation as me? Have your kids been singled out and treated noticably worse than other kids? I always figured that kids are cruel to each other anyway, so I really did not think it would be a problem; especially as I assume he will look more like my wife than he will me. However, my brother in law expressed a concern that my child will be made fun of and treated unfairly in Korea. This really freaked me out. I actually thought he may be at an advantage having an english speaking father. I know Korea is not as open minded as Vancouver in terms of mixed ethnic children, but is it that bad here? Any information would be helpful, at the very least, to assuage my fears. This should be the greatest time of my life, but now I am freaked out that my ignorance may condemn my son to a miserable experience.

Newbie · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

There is a regular poster here who swears that his mixed children are treated great. I do believe him. However, I believe his oldest is only 2 or 3. So, perhaps too young to tell?

My Korean wife and I are expecting. She says over and over again that we have to raise the kid in Canada because she will be treated poorly in Korea. I have to agree with her cuz it gets me back home!

I remember two years ago I was on a field trip and saw another school. All the little Korean kids were buddied up (5 or 6 years old) and their was a mixed Korean and African/Carribean kid buddied up with the teacher. Could have just been a coincidence, but my first thought was "ha. no Korean kid wanted to be buddied with the mixed one".

Either way. I'm sure there are good stories and bad stories. And hey, kids back home are bound to tease the kid too.

Good luck

betchay · Joined: 23 Aug 2005 Location: Seoul

i'm not sure about how korean/caucasian kids are treated... i also have a son but he's purely asian (korean-filipino-chinese) but has double eyelids... i'm also worried that he may not be treated well when he goes to school... but my friends, who have kids (korean-filipino) with ages ranging from 2 to 11, said that i need not worry... their kids are treated like the other kids and some of them are doing well in school... in fact, one of my friends' son has been elected president in his class...

SeniorEnglish · Joined: 18 Jun 2006

My daughter was born 2 months ago. I'm (Caucasian) not sure what to think either. My wife(Korean) isn't too worried. There is a boy who is the same mix at my school, I haven't seen any other kids treat him differently. I would guess it's like the west, small town people tend to be more close minded. But, city folk are pretty open. I'm guessing it depends on where you live. Don't worry too much. This is the time you should be excited and ready for the new challenge. I am certain you will not have a miserable experience.

EFLtrainer · Joined: 04 May 2005

Folks, this is a serious problem. Rather than ask on-line, I suggest you do a little research. Suicide and drop-out rates for mixed-race kids is extraordinarily high.

Check out the Pearl S. Buck Foundation. They will be able to give you the scoop better than anyone. And perhaps be a resource to you all later.

All that said, one can choose to be part of the solution should one choose to stay. Could be a huge sacrifice. I do believe mores are changing.

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

dutchman · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: My backyard

We stayed in Korea until our oldest was close to school age. The kids were 5 and 2 when we left. They were treated great in Korea. They got a lot of attention but 99% of it was positive.

That being said, we felt it was time to leave. We really didnt want them having to endure the Korean school system and the five year old seemed to have sinusitis 8 months out of the year. He's now 7. Has no sinus problems. Loves school. His classmates are a mix of most all races so he doesn't stick out at all. He's been on soccer teams, t-ball teams and is now looking forward to basketball to start this January. All things he would never have had a chance to do in Korea. And, since he stayed in Korea for five years, he is completely bilingual. He, our daughter and my wife speak only in Korean at home when I'm not around.

I wouldn't be in a rush to get out of Korea just because you are having a kid. It will be a mostly positive experience for you. Especially if your wife will have the support of her family for a few years. Enjoy it and save your money...it's damn expensive to live in North America.

Newbie · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Scott in Incheon · Joined: 30 Aug 2004

My girls are 5 1/2 and 3 1/2....the older one has been in a Korean kindergarten for the last two years...the younger one starts this March. We have had no real problems.

We plan to stay until the oldest finishes primary school and then we will move back to Canada for junior high and high school.

Things may change when the girls move on to primary school but for now...my eldest daughters classmates love her to death and the teachers are great. In fact, the newest teacher at my uni will be sending his two boys to the same school...so the number of mixed kids will double.