Korean Job Discussion Forums

KoreaninKorea · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Location: Incheon

Okay, let me explain. I'm a Korean-American. I was born in Korea and was adopted when I was really young. I was raised in a nice white suburban household in Michigan. I had no problems talking to whites, blacks, and asian people. I'm really outgoing and would talk to strangers without thinking much about it.

Now I'm here in Korea. I'm trying to learn Korean, but not doing very well on that front. So I can't talk to most Koreans, because they don't have any idea what I'm saying. Well that only leaves native English speakers. This is where I have my problem.

I look Korean. So I keep having this nagging feeling that when I talk to other native speakers; they are thinking it's a Korean looking for a free lesson. Or maybe they are thinking that they might be getting their first Korean friend. Maybe I'm just parannoyed? For the most part, I can spot a English speaker a mile away, but they have no clue I'm one too unless I tell them directly. And even after that some still don't believe me. I even had someone tell me that Korea doesn't hire native English speakers unless they are white. Rolling Eyes

Anyways, how would you feel if a Korean came up to you and spoke perfect (Mid-West accent) English? And if you were me, what's the best way to approach native English speakers?

afsjesse · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.

Hey KIK, Glad to see there's a fellow Michigander on this other than myself! You're a troll I take it? I'm a Yooper Very Happy

you know what that is right? (Say YA to DA U.P. eh?!) Ring a bell!!!!!

Anyways I'm from Marquette! Here in Korea, I'm in Uljin County in northern Gyeongsangbuk-do. I see you're in Incheon so too bad we cant meetup.

If you approached me I would welcome it. Obviously I would first think you're Korean but it doesn't bother me either way. People are people. Just my opinion though.

I think you should just be yourself and karma or whatnot will come your way! Message me if you care to chat. Oh... anyone know where I can get a pasty and some Trenary Toast!? Razz

Jesse

browneyedgirl · Joined: 17 Jul 2007

I would talk to you.

KoreaninKorea · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Location: Incheon

Yeah, I'm from Flint. I'll give you some some Trenary Toast and a pasty if you give me some Faygo and Kogel hotdogs.

What should I say when I first see you?
"Hey, you must be an English teacher too? Nice to meet you?"
What do I do if they don't see me or walking away from me? . Yell out, "Yo, expat. Want to talk?"

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

afsjesse · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.

I just start out with a simple "Hey, how's it going" gesture. Many expats in Korea hate when people talk to them on the street. There's a few threads from awhile back that talk about this. People get annoyed with the fact that people MUST speak to them just because they're foreign.

If the person wants to talk, than they will. You will be able to judge by their response with a simple "hello".

Jesse.

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

Bryan · Joined: 29 Oct 2007

KoreaninKorea · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Location: Incheon

I do say "Hi" sometime. I usually get get a hello or a nervous smile back. Then they walk away. Should I keep talking? The reason why I ask is because there are quite a few white people in my building. I see them in the elevator and I say hello. They just nod or say hello but look really nervous. Maybe I should change the title to "White people are afraid of me"? Anyways, I don't try to push conversation because they don't look like they want to talk to me.

Maybe because their enough white people in the building, they don't want to talk to me. You know, kinds of people like to stay with kinds of people. I lived near Flint/Detroit. So I saw this happen everyday.

michaelambling · Joined: 31 Dec 2008 Location: Paradise

Bryan · Joined: 29 Oct 2007

KoreaninKorea · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Location: Incheon

esetters21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Location: Seoul

michaelambling · Joined: 31 Dec 2008 Location: Paradise

Provence · Joined: 18 Oct 2008 Location: South Korea

I am also an adopted Korean-American that speaks very little Korean. I agree with you for the most part and if it was not for my husband I would probably agree with you 100%. Most white westerners tend to speak with him first and ignore me all together. Later when they find out more about me there is no problem. I also find that Koreans are quite rude to me when they find out I don�t speak Korean. I have heard we are looked at as traitors, although I am sure the fact I have a white husband doesn�t help. I also feel like my hagwon boss doesn�t treat me the same as other westerners. I end up with more classes and extra work and for the most part get ignored by the director.