Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Adventurer]

I am trying to figure out something about Koreans, and I haven't come to a conclusion regarding that. Do they move out of the way for foreigners or not? Do they move the same for other Koreans? I was walking out the mall. I am a lot closer to the exit, and someone is trying to enter from the same door. Granted, she was carrying her child, but I was much closer to the exit, and she blocked my way to get out, so I had to kind of get back in instead of out, so she could move in. This kind of thing happens with Koreans a lot on the sidewalk from males to females.
One of my Canadian friends finds it irritating (actually two of them do this) and bumps into them on purpose since they don't move. I can't figure this out.... Is this something they do to everyone or what? They don't seem to be considerate of people who have the right of way when walking...

[Junior]

Koreans give way to whoever is obviously higher on their social heirarchy.

So yes, grandmothers get to block anyone they want to. Its a sign of status.


I was talking about this to a korean the other day. He proudly said "yes, I know its wrong, but its our culture".

[Bondgirl]

not a moving out of the way story but...
My pharmacist is always a butthead to me and I wondered if he just had it in for me, so I hung around to watch one day how he treated other customers. I was pleased to learn he is a jerk to everyone. So I got over myself. Don't be too self concious.

[Adventurer]

[pest2]

The really "interesting" thing is that the hierarchy/moving thing is mostly absent when Koreans drive... They cant see into the other person's car to know whether its a man, woman, old, young... so then its like their guidance system is down and they just pull out in front of you and each other randomly without even looking....

[newton kabiddles]

[newton kabiddles]

[DHC]

It is helpful to remember that traditionally foreigners have no social standing.

[whatever]

[Adventurer]

[simone]

Now that I'm 7 mos preggo and VERY obvious, I've noticed that EVERYONE gets out of my way.

It also helps when you don't make eye contact with anyone - remember - acknowledgement means that you see them, so then you are at least equally responsible for avoiding a major collision. If they're not sure if you see them or not, then it's their responsibility to prevent a crash.

So, yes, they will move for a foreigner. It helps to be old, wounded, preggo or white haired, as it would with any Korean.

Watch where you're going, but try to avoid making it obvious that you're watching where you're going.

Newbies are usually so enthralled with looking at everything and everybody, that their awareness projects itself like a nervous chihuahua. The result is, newbies tend to get whacked more than long-termers. You'll get better at it as you stay longer...

[Dev]

[Jizzo T. Clown]

I've noticed that people tend to veer to their left when walking, which is opposite of folks back home.

[cdninkorea]

One favourite trick of mine: when a whole flood of people are coming up the elevator stairs, leaving no room for anyone to come down, I squeeze myself right in the middle and stand perfectly still, shoulders square, and stare straight ahead into space. Once I even put my sunglasses on too (more dramatic that way).

People do walk around me. Its only when I try to navigate down (ie moving) that people shove into me.

[Hollywoodaction]