Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mysterious700]

What is with some foriegners in Korea? I have only been in Korea a short time and had been warned that some were not friendly. But I found that hard to believe. I figure that people would be happy to see their own kind. I live in a small city and when I go to bigger places, I will run into the occasional foriegner. I mostly say hi or try to talk to other fellow foriegners (Maybe i'm too nice. lol). Most so far have been equally friendly. Keep in mind I have not met very many. But, yesterday, I was in a bigger city and I saw 3 together and said hi to them. They just looked at me and kept walking. I was stunned. It seemed pretty rude and ignorant on their part. Is this common? I have yet to go to Seoul, but hope to soon. When I go, I am wondering if this is how foriegners are in Seoul. I hope not. I instinctively like to say hi to my own kind. I can't get my head around foriegners not talking to each other. Though I guess I know enough Koreans and do ok to spend time with them and date their women, so it doesn't break my heart if some of my own kind are not nice people. I am just curious. (Still I do appreciate the help of nice foriegners who gave me advice on here before coming to korea and who helped give me directions in a bigger city.)

[nautilus]

[tigerbluekitty]

Where are you from?

[mysterious700]

[mysterious700]

[rockstarsmooth]

having the same colour of skin doesn't make us the same kind, nor does it mean we have anything in common. i can't conceive of approaching strangers on the street and chatting them up based solely on the fact that they aren't korean.
that's just weird.
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right now i'm listening to: patti smith - beneath the southern cross

[tigerbluekitty]

[mysterious700]

hmmm. maybe big city people have different attitudes than people from other places. maybe i'm too friendly. though many foriegners were nice that i met and helped with directions. (had some pretty interesting conversations.) i'm from canada (maritime provinces - small populated area). many koreans are nice people at least in the town i live in. so far, i'm wondering if koreans are friendlier than my own kind?

[mervsdamun]

[spliff]

[Alyallen]

[Bondgirl]

Mysterious700, I think the foreigners who can't see you are enjoying their 'me against the world' bubble. They aren't probably the ones you want to hang out with, it's a good way of vetting potential friends in the first place. If people can see you and are prepared to acknowledge you, that's a good sign. Otherwise keep on walking and be thankful you didn't have to listen to their grumblings.

[butlerian]

Certainly in a town or village, I'd say hi to any passing waegooks, but in a big city in Korea it's just not done. There are too many.

[Alyallen]

[tfunk]

Some days when I'm feeling down I don't feel like talking to people.

Also, where I live there are some tourists. I reserve the right to be grumpy at times...do I need to justify how I feel?