Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ca12bon]

I myself being a gyopo have had a considerably harder time than most
getting used to Korean society and culture. I was just wondering if it's just
me or if there are people out there who feel the same way.

I also want to know if gyopos feel like they're treated any differently from
natives or foreigners.

[mikowee]

I haven't had a harder time. I knew a little of what to expect from my parents. My dad's somehow more strict than the average Korean dad, so my impression of Koreans when I got here was actually more favorable than my expectations.

So far I've been treated well by Korean people. They seem to think me one of their own, although I secretly feel differently. And once they accept you, you won't find a more caring and considerate people.

The only thing uncomfortable for me about being gyopo is looking like a Korean. Koreans I interact with expect me to speak and act Korean; things which I have trouble doing. So I feel a little pressure to conform sometimes. Doesn't make sense, I know, but I feel it regardless. Especially with a girlfriend slowly chipping away at my independence.

Can't wait to get back to Canada.

[mercury]

they want to be cool, cool, COOL, like "I am from the west, I am COOL" so they talk loud in English, and dress like they are different, and they want Koreans to know that they are COOOOOOOOOOL. But it is just an act.

[Yaya]

This topic has been done to death, but hey, here we go again. Gyopos cannot get certain jobs Caucasian foreigners can but being bilingual is HUGE. I could barely speak Korean when I first came to Korea but I've studied the language and have had to use it during work and stuff. Using what you learn is a huge plus. I was born in Seoul but received my education entirely in the United States, but I'd say I was fluent in Korean until age seven or so, so I wasn't totally clueless on Korean.

Many gyopos work as English teachers, translators, consultants and the like, and having the F-4 visa helps. The stock industry in Korea has a LOT of gyopos working.

Just remember to avoid Southern California gyopos like the plague, and you'll be fine.

[dncinartist]

I'm don't have any Korean blood in me, but I am from SoCal and hang out with a lot of AAs(Asian Ams). Why do you suggest avoiding Southern Californian gyopos in particular?

[Yaya]

[mercury]

[Passions]

[Alan Partidge]

[quote="Passions"][quote="Yaya"][quote="dncinartist"]I'm don't have any Korean blood in me, but I am from SoCal and hang out with a lot of AAs(Asian Ams). Why do you suggest avoiding Southern Californian gyopos in particular?[/quote]

Ask just about any foreigner in Korea who has met SoCal gyopos, and many will report negative experiences. I made the big mistake of trying to live in Los Angeles, and it's something I regret so bad, mainly because of the Korean Americans there. They're petty, cliquish and most of all, STUPID. Many of the ones working here probably lied about their educational background, as only 16% of SoCal residents have college degrees, according to a 2004 Los Angeles Daily News report. The big advantage that the LA gyopos have is bilingual ability but not much else.

The backstabbing and other conniving behaviors of L.A. gyopos are too numerous to list here, but you get the idea.[/quote]

Great way to stereotype.

Just because you are fat and ugly, don't hate the So Cal KAs.

As for your "16% of SoCal residents have college degrees" quote, that includes a vast number of Hispanics living in LA. So how does this evidence further your argument? Oh, that's right, it doesn't.

Did you goto a nightclub and get turned down by an KA girl? LOL. Waaaaa...waaaaa...

Cliquish and backstabbing? Ehhh...that's called real life. It has nothing to do with LA and everything to do with life.

Once you are done fantasizing in lalaland, go hit the treadmill![/quote]

In a way though, you've proven his/her point somehow.

I'm not saying that I agree though, as I've never met a SoCal. Why are they singled out? I've met a couple of Kyopos from the East coast and they seemed pretty 'normal'.

[migooknom]

I like living in Seoul

[Yaya]

[cangel]

We have a gyopo at my school. He left Korea when he was 13 or 14. Lived in the states, attended college and all, now back in the motherland. When answering a questionnaire by the students, one question asked, 'if you could be reincarnated as anyone/anything, what would it be?" He replied, "a Korean man." Ha Ha ha... Too funny...

[T-dot]

[Passions]

[jhyum]

Korea is sort of an image-obsessed culture, and the biggest Korean-American, and Korean immigrant population is in LA, so that's why Korean G's seem to be very cliquey and superficial.

That's also why I live in San Diego. But I also know plenty of exceptions. And as for Korea itself, I hate it and love it. I think Korea is too image-conscious, and I have a hard time there because I'm neither a fluent speaker nor look like the typical Korean girl (size 1 jeans, pale as paper), but I still love it because its my heritage. (Cheesy, I know).