Korean Job Discussion Forums

[leebumlik69]

There's no doubt that looks go a long way in Korea.
What do you do if anything to ride along on this wagon?
Women, do you make sure to keep your hair long and look after your figure. Men, do you look after your health, and try to be more buff, or even bleach your hair or let it grow longer?
I know many of you bleach your teeth as I read about this in another thread. Others alter/photoshop their portrait pics before applying for jobs. Some do nothing and just cash in on their god-given small face/pale skin/light colored hair etc.

I myself don't really do much at all. It hasn't hindered me but I think I could be making myself more of a commodity at the same time. How many of you refuse to renovate or even choose to look shabby to show your disapproval of being looks-centric? For example, I heard Korean women prefer men to dress with bright colors but I usually wear darker colors. I also usually keep my hair quite short.

[SeoulShakin]

I didn't start doing things consciously until I caught myself one day. I find that here in Korea, I tend to put on a little more makeup than I did at home, and I also dress a little more "girly" than I otherwise would. I have a very fair complexion, with dark eyes and dark hair, and Korean's often comment on my skin. I get looked at a lot more here than I otherwise would, so I find myself taking a little more care in my appearance. There have been times where I haven't put on any makeup to go to work, and I get asked if I'm sick, or if I didn't sleep well that night. I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing to take some extra time, but it takes a little bit longer to get ready in the mornings.

[princess]

I've always been looks-centric, but maybe even more so after living here in Korea.

[MollyBloom]

I don't care as long as I look presentable. I still do the same stuff I did at home. I have long hair that I cut myself. Try to exercise everyday.

I feel bad because for my birthday, one of my co-coworkers bought me an expensive Christian Dior hot pink lipstick, which I will never wear. Sometimes, just sometimes, I'll use it every so lightly to let her know I appreciate it.

[fizban]

From a male perspective it's a bit odd.

In the US, I'd consider myself of slightly above average build and decent strength, I don't embarrass myself in the weight room. But in Korea, people keep telling me what "a great shape" or "nice body" I have. It's flattering but puzzling because in my opinion it ain't all that and a bag of chips.

And of course since I'm "Korean American" and my hairstyle is vaguely similar, I get this maddening "you look like Daniel Henney" comparison all the time.

So I guess for me nothing has changed about my self narcissism but seeing school girls and co-workers (men/women) constantly checking their compacts/mirrors/etc, I've become more aware of Korea's image obsession.

Though in moderation, I find it not unpleasing. In America we've gone the opposite route, super casual. I mean when was the last time Mr. Joe or Jane Public wore a dress or suit that wasn't a formal function mandating such attire.

[leebumlik69]

[kermo]

I'm not more looks-centric in terms of judging people by their looks (at least, I hope not) but I do spend more time in front of the mirror.

I don't think make-up necessarily improves my appearance, but it's important (or "polite," as Koreans have put it) to be seen to be making an effort. Also, I teach in a college, and my students are often dressed to the nines-- they strike more of a contrast than grubby elementary school kids, or teens in uniform.

[oskinny1]

The only thing that I have changed is that I shave more often now. I dress the same as I did 5 years ago sadly, but I don't feel a need to change.

As regards to the photo sent to the school, I used the same one that I posted in the Hawt or not post..unshaven and unprofessional (looking).

[mikowee]

Nah. I still don't shave and I still wear clothes from my "clean pile" of clothes on the floor. Some students think I look dirty, while others think it's cool. Can't please everyone so I don't try.

[SeoulShakin]

Haha I wish I'd used the photo that I submitted in the "How Hawt are you" thread, but I didn't have them at that point. Instead I sent in a photo of myself at my University graduation, gown on and diploma in hand. Apparently that went over pretty well.

[MANDRL]

I fell victim to this so bad that I had the school re-write my contract to stipulate that the loudspeakers play "PIMP" by 50 cent when I walk into the office.

Actually, being from California, I still dress pretty casual and have always kept my hair relatively short. My fiancee also dresses the same but we both feel a little more self conscious around our school. Working in Bundang, on the first day of school we did not know if we were on a fashion runway or at our school!

[yesnoyesyesno]

[yingwenlaoshi]

No.

[esetters21]

I can't say that I have any desire to conform to a vain society. I'm not saying Korea as a whole is, but where I live (Apgujeong) its very obvious that people base themselves on their looks and status. My answer to this...I have added to my tatoo collection several times since being here and continue to dress like the motorcycle riding beach bum from Florida that I am. To each his own I guess. As long as I'm comfortable with who and what I am...wtf!

[bobbyhanlon]

i'm pretty sure i have. i can remember growing up whenever i was out in public with my dad, he would often say 'hey, look at that fat b@stard' or something like that, and i would reply with a right-on, pc 'don't be so prejudiced', or words to that effect. now, after 3 years in korea, i'm the one saying 'look at that fat b@stard'... also i would probably have to say that i care a lot more about how a girl looks than i used to. i'm not especially proud of it, but i definitely think korea has had that effect on me.