Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jajdude]

I'd say there a few situations where the barrier is most frustrating.

The Bank.
Medical Clinics.
Telephone.

[mehamrick]

99.5% of Korea + or - 5% error..

might throw cable or internet in there.

[Lynns]

Appliance repairs.

[blueskies]

Sometimes I can order food to be delivered with no problems. Then there are times when I'm calling some place new for the first time and the person at the other end can't understand what I'm saying...and they hang up on me.

[in_seoul_2003]

The unsolicited Korean interpreters are most frustrating for me. They can smell miscommunication from a mile away and jump in to translate for you.

I know their intentions are good and they are actually being kind and helping me out.

But I like (non-dangerous) miscommunication. I didn't travel halfway around the world to be afraid of using my Konglish and my hands to gesture what I'm trying to say. It adds flavor to my experiences here.

[Qinella]

There was a time after I'd been in Korea only about 2 months. I'd been studying feverishly since I'd arrived, but still, 2 months.. not much. So I was at home, studying of course, when a knock came to my door. I opened it and some lady was standing there trying to tell me something. It was obvious I didn't understand, and after about a minute of growing more and more upset at me for being a dopey waeg, she finally burst out with something like 한국말 배워야지!!! (You need to learn Korean!!!) and stormed off.

I was so excited, because I had understood that last part. haha.. still have no idea what she wanted, though.