Korean Job Discussion Forums

[MollyBloom]

All the ladies at my work always gather together like a flock of vultures, eating away. They are always interested in what I am eating, and ask why I do not join them. Today, one of them more forcefully asked, but in a gently demanding way, that I share my food with them. I do not want to offend them in any way, but I really do not want to eat their food, or share the little amount I bring. It's nothing personal, but I have never really been the type to pass my food around. They can't pull the "You don't share" card on me because I am always bringing in stuff to eat for the office and giving them American candy my mother sends to me.

How to I stick up for myself, yet, in a tactful way?

[Samantha]

You could tell them that you are on a special diet and only bring enough food for the calorie or nutrients required at that meal. Something like you are doing Weight Watchers or Atkins. The only problem with this theory is if you are bringing unhealthy/junk food and don't want to share but if it is relatively healthy food and a proportional amount it shouldn't be a big deal.

[Corporal]

Tell them you're not going to share because they're just going to puke it up afterwards and that's wasteful.

[seoulshock]

tell them you have hepatitis or something

[Bingo]

Tell them that there are serious differences about eating habits between Korea and the West. Inform them that, in your country, making exagerated eating noises, and displaying the contents of your mouth for all to see, is associated exclusively with gorillas, large dogs and people who haven't seen food in three monthes. They'll appreciate your candor. :D

[kat2]

Just say its "waygook" style. Koreans use this excuse all the time. It usually gets me off the hook in situatiosn where I don't want to tell them what they are doing is disgusting, offensive, or just wrong.

[MollyBloom]

Yeah...I thought I read somewhere that Korea has the highest percentage of cases of Hepatitis.

Thanks for the suggestions...I'll think of something...ehhhh.

[Return Jones]

Just bring stuff they wouldn't want to eat!

[vox]

[MissSeoul]

Tell them you are terrible cook and nobody like your food.

[Privateer]

Just tell them 'no thank-you, I'd rather not share'.

btw they'll never be really comfortable with you if you don't share, but I shouldn't think they'll get huffy with you or anything.

[stumptown]

[vox]

[JongnoGuru]

The idea of claiming some special diet won't work. The American candy already blew that story to pieces. And besides, Koreans hate what they regard as persnickety Westerners. I'm just thankful I have no food allergies, as Koreans can be pretty intolerant even of those. Special diet?? Not a chance.

Unless you want to be wangtta'ed, I would advise buckling under group pressure and letting the Koreans have their collectivist way with you. Not your food! Group food!

[Samantha]