Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kumuka]

Well, Im vacationing here in Phuket on my two month Uni vacation break pondering life in SK and starting the new semester in September. Two more weeks of polite, gentle, genuine people in Thailand before the craziness of SK.

I know its a pipedream but why can't SK be more like Thailand. It would then be a great place for foreigners to feel welcome, without the incessant staring, spitting, loud manners, and general incivility.
But it is only a pipedream and I think its easier to move to Thailand then to hope SK changes.

Sawadee Kup from a SK Uni professor basking in the heart of paradise!!

[Butterfly]

[rapier]

Unfortunately if you want to make good money, you have to go to developed countries. In such places the people are invariably a pain in the ****. It goes with the territory. Westernized nation = materialistic, arrogant people.
Poorer, less developed nation = genuine happier, chilled out people. But less money to be made from teaching.

[Giant]

Easy answer, Thai people are not American wannabes. Thai people do not work their buts off like they do in Thailand. Thai people are more relaxed and take things easy.

[Patong Dong]

Kumuka!

I am in Thailand and will be heading to teach in SK, done it for a year before, so I know what to expect more or less. "basking in the heart of paradise"? Ok, I won't tell anybody we've only had a bout 6 days of sun this summer
I want to go back to Korea for a combination of money and I agree with Butterfly, I have been here pushing 2 years and it can get a little dull and repetitive. Beach areas are best appreciated after getting away for a while.
As for the chill out, genuine spirit of the Thais, and I say this with Thai friends and a long time Thai girlfriend, there is a whole land behind the smiles. In a place like Phuket it becomes very clear after you stay here a while there is some real resentment of long term Farangs down here - I can't remember it but there is a separate name for those who park it here long term.
Anyways if you're in Phuket and want to get some beers PM or call me 06 271 0147. It would be good to know someone in Korea before I get there. If I ever get there (immigration is killing me!)

[posco's trumpet]

[blah]

I'm with Patong Dong on this one. I have spent two years in the Philippines with a Filipino wife and many local friends. Westerners who come here for a week -- or even for three months -- see everyone here as super hospitable, carefree, and happy. Believe me, a different side can be seen after making the transition from tourist to Expat. There is a lot of misery, backstabbing, jealousy, and selfishness in this place. I'm not saying that all of this does not exist in just about every country in the world. I'm just saying that some cultures let the visitors experience a different reality then the long-termers.

Working in a country is also quite different then vacationing in one. My year in Taiwan sucked because of shifty employers who ripped me off at every opportunity. But the people I met outside of work were friendly and extremely welcoming. I think my impression of the place would have been much more positive if I didn't have to deal with used car salesmen-types day in and day out.

Anyway, I have never even been to Thailand. So maybe I'm just blowing smoke out my but.