Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wylies99]

Begin rant mode-
Anyone else sick of listening to foreign teachers complaining about Korean food? I like it, but my point is that if you hate the food then what are you doing here? I'm in my second year here and I've actually had to work with FT's who hate Korean food, Japanese food, fish!, and one who told me he hates rice! HATES RICE! Why teach in ASIA if you hate RICE?
Those in Canada, US, UK, wherever- BEFORE you come to Korea, go to a Korean restaurant and try the food. Liking the food is a VERY important factor to consider when choosing where you are going to work.

Rant finished, now back to your regular TV show.

[Draz]

I've never tried it and won't get a chance to before I go. Here's to adventure!

[kat2]

I don't hate Korean food, but I don't love it either. I'm happy to eat it when I"m out with friends or coworkers, but would never choose to eat it on my own. I cook a lot at home. There's nothing wrong with disliking hte food. I know which Korean dishes I like, so it's not a problem when I'm at a Krestaurant. The rest of my lifestyle in Korea is pretty sweet, so the food is not a big deal.

[LateBloomer]

It's not that simple. I'm far from a fussy eater and will try almost anything. I liked the Korean food I had eaten before coming to Korea. In fact, I didn't mind the food here for months. But public school food has finally done me in after more than a year. I have friends in the same boat.
Just the smell of lunch in the hall some days is enough to turn me off.

Have had some good food in restaurants or private homes but now I find there is a "sameness" to much of it. I cook at home as much as possible but miss the variety of foods available elsewhere.

This is my experience--not a comdemnation of Korean food.

I also know people who have been told (by Korean doctors) to stop eating
some Korean food because of existing stomach problems (ulcers) or because they developed stomach complaints.

[Mr. BlackCat]

Why is it when anyone doesn't like something here in Korea, people have to tell them to go home? You know what, no where is perfect and some people don't have the same likes/dislikes as you. So what if someone doesn't like fish or rice? Is that really a reason not to travel? If you met someone in England or Canada who said they've never left the country because he didn't like rice, I think you'd come running to this board complaining about his ignorance. Or is it that some people have to prove how 'interated' they are by complaining about how 'unitegrated' others are.

You don't like rice?! GO HOME!

My lord....

[PRagic]

I always get a kick out of these threads. Can you imagine telling a Korean in the States or Canada that if they insist on eating kimchi and rice, they should pack it in! No, you should be eating hotdogs and hamburgs!

Classic. Eat what you want. We're all adults. I do think, however, that if you don't particularly like the food in Korea, you could at least be respectful enough to keep your trap closed about it in public.

[wylies99]

[minorthreat]

My only complaint about Korean food is the lack of variety. Korean food effectively only uses two spices - garlic and gochujang - and as a result everything starts to taste the same after a while.

[PGF]

the foreigners here who do not like traditional korean food usually eat non-traditional korean food like mcdonald's, TGIF fridays, outback steakhouse, and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

i know a few brits who cry cause they can not get fish and chips and their mums aren't here to make it for them.....but they usually STFU when I tell them I do not want to hear about their f-ing battered fish and french fries anymore.

Can't you do the same? Just say, "STFU". they'll stop complaining to you and shift their complaints to the new guy or some poor korean.

[Young FRANKenstein]

[faster]

I pretty much refuse to associate with anyone who doesn't like Korean food.

[PeteJB]

My ex-girlfriend hated Rice and she was Chinese (born and raised). It's not that hard to get by

[shaggy]

I am not a big fan of Korean food, but I know better not to criticise the local cuisine in front of Koreans, who might potentialy be rabid nationalists or sensitive. It's good manners and tactful.

My Korean freinds have taken me out and have tried to introduce me to new foods and it has been hit or miss. I try to choke down a few bites and not make a scene if I don't like something. That's called being an adult.

The point I am trying to make is that you don't have to like the food but be a little sensitive if Koreans are buying you dinner or if you are at a school dinner hosted by your boss.

A lot of times I cook for myself. Sure you have to be creative but you can whip up some good meals with just a fry pan and a gas range. I love the taste of strong Korean garlic. Vegetables are expensive, but they are not totally out of my price range and I can cook up some decent pasta dishes, stews, and soups.

So, I don't think it is neccesary to leave the country, but don't waste time complaining. Just be flexible and deal with the situation.

[CeleryMan]

I don't think it's hared to Korean food but rather a "hatred" to the fact your fixed income and adherence to a strict budget afford you mediocre/monotonous korean food at best. Earlier, someone made reference to everything in Korean being "shoddy," well it applies to food and food preparation folks. I've always regretted eating "cheap" foods both gastrotestinally and palate-wise.

[atomic42]

Help for the n00bs:
http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Language/korean.cfm?Subject=food