Waygook.org
All about South Korea => Life in Korea => Topic started by: mjc08 on November 15, 2014, 08:34:46 pm
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When Koreans ask you why are you studying Korean I believe they are actually surprised... actually not alot of people in the world are studying korean. I dont think they are insulted at all that you want to learn korean they are just curious how you got interested in Korean I think ~~
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By far "How old are you?"....within 2 minutes of meeting someone, especially since i am on the wrong side of thirty. I will never get used to this.
Runner up is "Are you Christian?"
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When Koreans ask you why are you studying Korean I believe they are actually surprised... actually not alot of people in the world are studying korean. I dont think they are insulted at all that you want to learn korean they are just curious how you got interested in Korean I think ~~
Thanks for your answer. The curious thing about it though is that only Koreans who speak English will ask me this question. Koreans who don't speak English never ask me. And I could understand being surprised if we were in America or England, but we are in Korea. Many foreign people are in fact coming here not to work but to study the language. I still think the question is strange.
Most of the foreigners that an average Korean might run into who have come to Korea to work (as opposed to the many thousands that are essentially purchased as wives from SE Asia, the tourists, migrant workers, etc.) are either military, English teachers, professional folks, or in some other line of work that requires a certain level of education. Many of those people do not study Korean. They conduct their business in English. Many others get by with very basic phrases. Very few genuinely study Korean.
For that reason, Koreans may be interested in someone who is making that a priority. They may be curious about your job or motives for being in Korea as studying the language in earnest may indicate to them your intention to stick around long term. Because the foreign population is so transient, they may be curious about the few who have decided to make a life in Korea for the long haul.
It could be, although maybe not consciously, that they understand at some level just how unnecessary the Korean language is to 90% of the foreigners living here. Many people live and work in Korea for several years without going beyond the absolute basics of the Korean language. The hours and personal resources required to effectively study Korean can, for most people, be better utilised for other purposes. I started studying seriously (and doing quite well) until it occurred to me that I would leave Korea and likely never use it again. Instead, I decided to use those 6-8 hours/week for practicing, working out, exploring Korea, meeting friends, reading, studying other subjects, watching movies, attending concerts, and making spontaneous plans. When I leave Korea, the effort that I had put into those things will be far more valuable to me than learning Korean.
I think there are many (maybe the majority) people in that position. Therefore, a foreigner who is studying Korean may not be as common as you may think. Koreans love Korea and they get really excited if they think someone else loves it too.
...or they just don't know how else to start a conversation.
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Koreans who can't speak in English (said in Korean): "Why are you so bad at Korean? You've been immersed in the language. How are you not fluent by now? Korean is the most logical and scientific language ever. It was so easy for me to learn. English on the other hand is unnecessarily difficult." (Yeah right. What a crock of crap. Learning any languages as an adult is hard as hell.)
Koreans who can speak English (said in English): "Why are you wasting your time studying Korean? It's not a global language." (Maybe they wanted to practice speaking English and were annoyed I was speaking Korean to them?)
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Most of the foreigners that an average Korean might run into who have come to Korea to work (as opposed to the many thousands that are essentially purchased as wives from SE Asia, the tourists, migrant workers, etc.) are either military, English teachers, professional folks, or in some other line of work that requires a certain level of education. Many of those people do not study Korean. They conduct their business in English.
Migrant workers don't come to Korea to work?? (They have the most difficult jobs in this country.) Well, I guess if you exclude every foreign person who needs to speak Korean, no-one speaks Korean.
Sorry, I didn't mean to suggest that migrant workers don't work. I meant to say that they are not among the foreigners average Koreans are likely to run into day to day.
And yes, my point was exactly that. If you exclude all of the foreigners who don't need to speak Korean, you are left with a small minority whose motivations may be interesting to Koreans. That is exactly what I was thinking. I suggested that as a possible reason for them asking you so frequently. I get the feeling this was somehow insulting to you... I'm not sure how that's possible, but I assure you I meant no offense.
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i used to visit a lot of public schools (professionally) when I was in Korea and there would usually be an obligatory trip to the principal's office with his 6 nineteen thirties style chairs, potted plants, huge TV screen and some kind of undrinkable beverage. The procedure was usually the same, the adjosshi principal, who could never speak English, asked me through the English teacher how long I'd been in Korea and then as surely as night follows day, the next question would always be 'does he speak Korean?' This would then be followed by some anecdote about how wonderful their NET teacher was at the language after only being there a few months etc...Followed by awkward silence. Those guys really know how to do business small talk.
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Also, I always feel like the person asking me this question is somehow upset that I'm studying their language. However, I only hear Koreans who speak English ask this question.
I've never heard of any Korean being upset that I study their language. Why would they be upset? On the contrary, it seems to be the easiest way to impress people here. And I don't know about you, but I often get asked:
"왜 한국에 오셨어요? 와!! 한국어 잘 해요! 왜 한국어 배우세요?"
To which I respond that I started studying Korean because I wanted to meet girls (honest answer) and I continue to study it because it makes life easier here.
The most annoying questions for me are any general "getting to know you" questions from random strangers. I don't want to make new random friends on the street or exchange phone numbers at the bus stop. I don't want to be someone's friend simply so that they can practice English. That's not what friendship is.
I teach uni English majors and they often ask me, "Why is it so hard to make foreign friends? Where can I meet foreigners?" I ask them why they want to meet foreigners. The answer is always, "Because I want to practice English!" :undecided: First I commend them on their dedication to learning English, but then I clearly explain that wanting to practice English is not a good basis for friendship. I tell them that in order to attract foreign friends, they themselves must be fun, interesting, outgoing, and casual. Drop the Korean formalities and just act natural. Share opinions and make raunchy jokes, but for the love of god do not ask, "Where are you from? Do you like Korean food? Is it too spicy for you?" >:( That's an instant way not to make new friends.
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Not much of a question that bugs me, but whenever I'm in public, with another foreign friend the following situation annoys me:
We're usually chatting together, in English, and a random ajoushi will try and join in on the conversation. No problem, but what bugs me is that 9/10 times I'm ignored and they only want to speak with my friend. One time, there were 3 of us and said ajoushi solely attempted to converse with one friend. It should be noted that I have Hispanic blood, and a tan complexion (my other friend is black), whereas my friend is Caucasian.
Honestly, I don't want to make small talk with random strangers, unless they have something very interesting to say. I just find it pretty insulting.
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The thing that annoys me the most is when Koreans assume I automatically won't like their food. I was working a teachers's training camp this past summer, and there was lunch in a different restaurant each of the three days of the camp. The person who was running it would always twist her face, genuinely concerned, and say, "Oh no, I don't think you'll like this. It's octopus and spicy....I don't think you will like this soup, there's intestines and blood in it."
She wouldn't believe that I loved octopus, blood, and spicy food until she saw me happily eat them. By the second day I was so annoyed by people asking if the food was too spicy, I took a whole chili pepper and popped it into my mouth in front of them. They didn't ask me anything on the third day. It makes me wonder what kind of ridiculous foreigners they must have met before me, though.
Also, "Do you believe in Jesus?" That annoys me quite a bit as well. I don't want to lie to my coworkers, and I know that branding myself as an atheist wouldn't really be a good idea.
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I don't like questions that are framed to elicit responses that a) admit some kind of superiority of Korean culture or b) compel you to insist that you aren't entirely stupid and/or helpless.
There's the age-old "Isn't that too spicy for you?" (Subtext: Because Koreans are stout, hardy people, not weaklings like you sugar-eating losers.)
"Isn't Korean too difficult for you?" (Subtext: English is a baby's language, that's why it's so popular. Not like Korean, so full of subtlety and graceful, nuanced complexity.)
"Don't you miss your family?" (Subtext: Because fo-ree-ners don't love and respect their families like we do.)
"Why did you choose to work in another country?" (Subtext: Because yours is going down in flames in the face of the Asian juggernaut rising!)
"Oh, you must be fluent at Korean, right?" (Subtext: Because my mommy and daddy sent me to Canada to study English full-time and it was one hilariously fun vacation; obviously you are doing the same thing here and not, like, working full time, cleaning your own house and doing your own chores, and having a social life with friends who only want to speak English.)
That last one really bugs me. Yeah, I make an effort to learn Korean, and I do alright. But no, I don't spend 10 hours a day "studying" as I leech pocket money from my parents. In the handful of hours I have free each day, no, I don't obsess over Korean. I've had people say "Wow, I wish I had a few years to live in another country and learn the language!", as if we're all here for fun. Give me a break.
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makes me wonder what kind of ridiculous foreigners they must have met before me, though.
Are you saying that foreigners who don't happen to like Korean food are ridiculous?
The thing that annoys me the most is when Koreans assume I automatically won't like their food. I wa
Actually that was one of the more convenient assumptions for me. I remember spending a few days in hospital after an operation and not even being asked about what kind of food I wanted, just being fed the Western menu everyday. It was pretty good stuff though and a lot better than anything you'd likely to get with the NHS.
"Isn't Korean too difficult for you
Yes it's funny the way Koreans on the one hand like to boast about how easy and scientific their alphabet is, while on the other wanting to believe that their language is far too complex and extensive for foreigners to learn.
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"Russian?"
And then they get offended when you ignore them or tell them to go away, or try to make further conversation. Sorry mate, but if your opening gambit is essentially, "Are you a prostitute?" then I'm not going to stand around chatting to you and the only person who has room to be offended here is me.
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Whenever I go one day without shaving: “Are you tired? You look tired.“
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"Do you rike the kimchi?”
“Can you teach me the Engrishee?”
“Do you rike the Korean woman or American woman?”
“I hear the foreigner have the very big pen-is. True?”
“Can I touchee your hair?"
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I don't like questions that are framed to elicit responses that a) admit some kind of superiority of Korean culture or b) compel you to insist that you aren't entirely stupid and/or helpless.
I completely agree with your first paragraph. I hate patronizing and loaded questions. But your subtext assumptions are presumptuous and kind of stupid.
"Isn't Korean too difficult for you?" (Subtext: English is a baby's language, that's why it's so popular. Not like Korean, so full of subtlety and graceful, nuanced complexity.)
Most Koreans think English is very hard. Just ask them. I have never met a Korean who thinks it is a "baby's language." Many complain about English's subtleties, especially differences between varieties of English. English is popular because the US and the UK's economic/cultural might have made it the international language, not because it is easy.
And Korean is a difficult language for English speakers. The US Defense Language Institute puts it in Level 4 (highest) in terms of difficultly (along with Arabic and Mandarin). I enjoy studying it, but it is damn hard.
"Don't you miss your family?" (Subtext: Because fo-ree-ners don't love and respect their families like we do.)
Most people miss their families if they are away for over a year; that's why they ask. They worry that you get sad and homesick. There is absolutely no assumption that we love our families less than they do. This notion is simply ridiculous.
"Why did you choose to work in another country?" (Subtext: Because yours is going down in flames in the face of the Asian juggernaut rising!)
Despite their national pride, most Koreans think our home countries sound awesome to live in. They see our countries as being more fun, less stressful, and lacking the strict Asian social hierarchy that they hate so much (yes, they hate it just like we do). Talk to any Korean who has studied abroad and they are usually dying to go back to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the US, the UK, or wherever it is they lived.
Therefore they tend to ask this question because they are genuinely curious why we choose to live in the 빨리 빨리 pressure cooker that is South Korea as opposed to our home countries. I've had many students say, "I want to live in your country so badly! Why on earth do you choose to live in mine???" I always explain that Korea is generally easier on foreigners than it is on Koreans, and if it gets too frustrating, we can just leave ;D
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I was talking with a Korean friend the other day and we were discussing things Koreans say that annoy foreigners and vice versa. I was eating some tteokbokki so of course the obligatory, "Isn't it too spicy for you?" was asked, generating our discussion. However, this got me thinking and the question that Koreans ask that annoys me the most is, "Why are you studying Korea?" I find this very strange since I live in Korea and speaking Korean would obviously be helpful. Also, I always feel like the person asking me this question is somehow upset that I'm studying their language. However, I only hear Koreans who speak English ask this question. The explanation I always hear is that people are just surprised; but many people studying Korean and I don't believe it's that big of a surprise. The ability to speak English in this country is obviously a big status symbol and I've come to the conclusion that if I could speak Korean well, it might in some way negate that status symbol, perhaps because they wouldn't be able to show off their English in public. What do other people think? What questions annoy you the most? Also, this isn't meant to bash Koreans or anyone else; it's more about better understanding the different cultures.
Well it should be because they're reasoning is usually coming from very cynical and xenophobic place.
The questions you listed all annoyed me greatly (after a couple of years). It took me a while to wise up.
It's not just the questions. It's their loaded ignorance/cynicism/xenophobia that comes with these loaded questions.
It really doesn't matter what questions a Korean asks me. I have all the data on them I need. It's simple really. A Korean has nothing to say that I can respect. It's a pity for those few Koreans that actually have something interesting to say. I met one of them once. He left Korea!!! He's in Wisconsin now I believe.
Who really cares what the forsaken Koreans ask? Not me, not anymore. Not in their sh1t factory toilet country at least, and generally not anywhere else either~
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I teach uni English majors and they often ask me, "Why is it so hard to make foreign friends? Where can I meet foreigners?" I ask them why they want to meet foreigners. The answer is always, "Because I want to practice English!" :undecided: First I commend them on their dedication to learning English, but then I clearly explain that wanting to practice English is not a good basis for friendship. I tell them that in order to attract foreign friends, they themselves must be fun, interesting, outgoing, and casual. Drop the Korean formalities and just act natural. Share opinions and make raunchy jokes, but for the love of god do not ask, "Where are you from? Do you like Korean food? Is it too spicy for you?" >:( That's an instant way not to make new friends.
Those people don't sound like they actually want to make friends, they want a English practice partner. I would think it would be best to point them towards a language exchange.
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It's not that I find this question particularly annoying, but just hate being asked.
"Do you like Korea?"
I feel like, most of the time, Koreans are trying to trap you with this question. They ask it with the implication that you should only say GOOD things about Korea.
If you say something like, "Yeah, I enjoy it, but sometimes it's hard to live in Korea as a foreigner."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN!"
Just want to roll my eyes (here we go again....)
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I teach uni English majors and they often ask me, "Why is it so hard to make foreign friends? Where can I meet foreigners?" I ask them why they want to meet foreigners. The answer is always, "Because I want to practice English!" :undecided: First I commend them on their dedication to learning English, but then I clearly explain that wanting to practice English is not a good basis for friendship. I tell them that in order to attract foreign friends, they themselves must be fun, interesting, outgoing, and casual. Drop the Korean formalities and just act natural. Share opinions and make raunchy jokes, but for the love of god do not ask, "Where are you from? Do you like Korean food? Is it too spicy for you?" >:( That's an instant way not to make new friends.
Those people don't sound like they actually want to make friends, they want a English practice partner. I would think it would be best to point them towards a language exchange.
A lot of Koreans view having a foreign friend as a status symbol. They love to brag about their "foreign" friend. My cousin does the same thing with me...
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Teacher, candy?
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It's not that I find this question particularly annoying, but just hate being asked.
"Do you like Korea?"
I feel like, most of the time, Koreans are trying to trap you with this question. They ask it with the implication that you should only say GOOD things about Korea.
If you say something like, "Yeah, I enjoy it, but sometimes it's hard to live in Korea as a foreigner."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN!"
Just want to roll my eyes (here we go again....)
Yeah I'm a pretty down to Earth guy and I normally tell them it's hard for foreigners. To which they reply *that.* Then I just give them a few reasons: the racism, alienation and xenophobia- which they just don't get even after I tell them, but after that I just ignore them and drop the conversation even if they try to bring it back up. I do this every time now, pop their bubble and leave it.
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My worst: Do you have four seasons in your country?
Second: Anything that starts with "Do you know, in Korea....?"
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"Why don't you have a baby?"
"When are you going to have a baby?"
"Where is your baby?"
"Doesn't your husband want a baby?"
"Is there something wrong with your health? You don't have any children..."
SHUT UP.
SHUT UP.
SHUT UP.
I don't care what the sociocultural mores are here. This is a ****** rude question and I won't answer it anymore. My school's former gym teacher used to sit across from me at lunch and grill me in rapid-fire, loud Korean about why I wasn't giving my husband children. He even pointed at my stomach with his chopsticks one day and went "Balli balli!! BALLI BALLI!!!"
I just smiled and told him (through my CT) that I would have a baby as soon as he paid for a nice, big apartment.
I know it meant to be caring or whatever. I don't care. I've been at my school for a year and a half and they are still asking me about it every goddamn day. It's not like I'm approaching menopause and it's a time-sensitive issue, either.
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He's an ignorant **** and he's way out of line.
I'd love him to talk to me like that. I'm just looking for a fight. But everyone steers clear of me for some reason.
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I don't like questions that are framed to elicit responses that a) admit some kind of superiority of Korean culture or b) compel you to insist that you aren't entirely stupid and/or helpless.
I completely agree with your first paragraph. I hate patronizing and loaded questions. But your subtext assumptions are presumptuous and kind of stupid.
"Isn't Korean too difficult for you?" (Subtext: English is a baby's language, that's why it's so popular. Not like Korean, so full of subtlety and graceful, nuanced complexity.)
Most Koreans think English is very hard. Just ask them. I have never met a Korean who thinks it is a "baby's language." Many complain about English's subtleties, especially differences between varieties of English. English is popular because the US and the UK's economic/cultural might have made it the international language, not because it is easy.
And Korean is a difficult language for English speakers. The US Defense Language Institute puts it in Level 4 (highest) in terms of difficultly (along with Arabic and Mandarin). I enjoy studying it, but it is damn hard.
"Don't you miss your family?" (Subtext: Because fo-ree-ners don't love and respect their families like we do.)
Most people miss their families if they are away for over a year; that's why they ask. They worry that you get sad and homesick. There is absolutely no assumption that we love our families less than they do. This notion is simply ridiculous.
"Why did you choose to work in another country?" (Subtext: Because yours is going down in flames in the face of the Asian juggernaut rising!)
Despite their national pride, most Koreans think our home countries sound awesome to live in. They see our countries as being more fun, less stressful, and lacking the strict Asian social hierarchy that they hate so much (yes, they hate it just like we do). Talk to any Korean who has studied abroad and they are usually dying to go back to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the US, the UK, or wherever it is they lived.
Therefore they tend to ask this question because they are genuinely curious why we choose to live in the 빨리 빨리 pressure cooker that is South Korea as opposed to our home countries. I've had many students say, "I want to live in your country so badly! Why on earth do you choose to live in mine???" I always explain that Korea is generally easier on foreigners than it is on Koreans, and if it gets too frustrating, we can just leave ;D
Completely agree. I would have written something like this if you hadn't.
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"Why don't you have a baby?"
"When are you going to have a baby?"
"Where is your baby?"
"Doesn't your husband want a baby?"
"Is there something wrong with your health? You don't have any children..."
SHUT UP.
SHUT UP.
SHUT UP.
I don't care what the sociocultural mores are here. This is a ****** rude question and I won't answer it anymore. My school's former gym teacher used to sit across from me at lunch and grill me in rapid-fire, loud Korean about why I wasn't giving my husband children. He even pointed at my stomach with his chopsticks one day and went "Balli balli!! BALLI BALLI!!!"
I just smiled and told him (through my CT) that I would have a baby as soon as he paid for a nice, big apartment.
I know it meant to be caring or whatever. I don't care. I've been at my school for a year and a half and they are still asking me about it every goddamn day. It's not like I'm approaching menopause and it's a time-sensitive issue, either.
I don't get the baby questions yet, but I get the marriage questions. From everyone! My students, teachers, his family and friends. Randos on the street. Seriously annoying. Calm down, I will get married when I am ready but bleh!
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My boyfriend is Korean and I get (from both Westerners and Koreans alike who know I don't speak Korean well):
'Does your boyfriend speak English?'
Like no... our whole relationship is one extremely long game of charades :rolleyes:
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I always get, "can you eat spicy foods?"
That may be a genuine question I guess, but I'm Korean-American and I was weened on spicy foods before I even tasted milk. It's funny how I can out drink most teachers at my school and can tolerate spicy foods more so than others and they're always shocked by this fact.
Now, whenever someone asks me if I can eat spicy foods, I just ask them if they can eat hamburgers or pizzas and looked surprised and then laugh out really loud when they say, "yes".
I swear sarcasm is lost on Koreans. :laugh:
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The most annoying questions for me are any general "getting to know you" questions from random strangers. I don't want to make new random friends on the street or exchange phone numbers at the bus stop. I don't want to be someone's friend simply so that they can practice English. That's not what friendship is.
I teach uni English majors and they often ask me, "Why is it so hard to make foreign friends? Where can I meet foreigners?" I ask them why they want to meet foreigners. The answer is always, "Because I want to practice English!" :undecided: First I commend them on their dedication to learning English, but then I clearly explain that wanting to practice English is not a good basis for friendship. I tell them that in order to attract foreign friends, they themselves must be fun, interesting, outgoing, and casual. Drop the Korean formalities and just act natural. Share opinions and make raunchy jokes, but for the love of god do not ask, "Where are you from? Do you like Korean food? Is it too spicy for you?" >:( That's an instant way not to make new friends.
The thing that annoys me more about this than the actual questions is being singled out simply because I'm a foreigner. If a Korean started chatting with a random Korean at the bus stop, they would probably awkwardly walk away. But it's totally cool to practice your English on me because... reasons.
Also, you should explain the English word they are looking for is is not "foreign friend" it's "free tutor". That's what they are really looking for.
Teacher, candy?
Haha, yes! I gave my students candy on Halloween if they came to the office and said Trick or Treat. Some still came in and just said "Candy!" or "Candy please!" I sent them away.
"Why don't you have a baby?"
"When are you going to have a baby?"
"Where is your baby?"
"Doesn't your husband want a baby?"
"Is there something wrong with your health? You don't have any children..."
SHUT UP.
SHUT UP.
SHUT UP.
I don't care what the sociocultural mores are here. This is a ****** rude question and I won't answer it anymore. My school's former gym teacher used to sit across from me at lunch and grill me in rapid-fire, loud Korean about why I wasn't giving my husband children. He even pointed at my stomach with his chopsticks one day and went "Balli balli!! BALLI BALLI!!!"
I just smiled and told him (through my CT) that I would have a baby as soon as he paid for a nice, big apartment.
I know it meant to be caring or whatever. I don't care. I've been at my school for a year and a half and they are still asking me about it every goddamn day. It's not like I'm approaching menopause and it's a time-sensitive issue, either.
This can be incredibly annoying. I never thought this happened anywhere but apparently it happens in the US too. I guess just not to the same extent it does here. I've had people point to my crotch and ask if I have some problem. I've had others ask how hard I was trying. And then of course, the ones that are really concerned want to take me out for stamina food like eels.
To many Koreans, though, there is a time issue. If you aren't having babies by the time you're 30, "it's very dangerous" for the women, I've been told. I think the mindset has to do with the fact that medicine wasn't as good as it is now and despite the rapid changes, most Koreans don't understand/believe that 30 is not expiration date for a uterus.
But don't worry. It's not just foreigners that are getting annoyed. The younger generation of Koreans are having less children too.
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I don't really mind all the questions about age and height and babies and stuff like that because it's what Koreans are conditioned to ask anyone within 5 seconds of meeting them. The "do you know about kimchi/do you know about songpyeong" questions are pretty inane because you know they only learn that kind of thing from textbooks with weird sentences in them that no native speaker ever uses.
What gets to me is the fact that whenever a random Korean starts talking to you in English and seems like a really friendly and nice person, it always turns out they are a Jehovah's Witness proselytizing. Koreans just don't talk to strangers, especially foreigners.
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One of my teachers always asks me if we have the most ubiquitous things in Canada.
"Do you have mushrooms in Canada?"
"Do you have beer in Canada?"
"Do you have peaches in Canada?"
And he's always surprised when I say yes, as if these things only exist in Korea along with grass and orgasms. Jesus Christ.
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I can't really pin down the most annoying question. I know the first one that comes to mind is "Is it too spicy?" I even found it in a sample dialogue of our school's textbook. Haha one of my 3rd graders were giving a speech on ramen and included "It is too spicy for foreigners like teacher." I've met more Koreans who can't eat their own food than I have foreigners.
I'd say the most annoying thing Koreans do is get scared and begin to babble in broken English when I go to buy something. I speak pretty decent Korean and even after saying "한국어로 말하세요. 2 년 동안 공부했어요." The still act like a scared puppy with their tail between their legs. Do me the decency of speaking to me in Korean first. If I can't understand you, then use your body language, but at least respect someone enough not to assume they can't survive in your country.
For those Koreans who do speak to me in Korean, I hate it when they speak to me like Emimen in Rap God. I cut the older Koreans some slack as they probably haven't been learning English like the younger Koreans. But as for the young Koreans, you know what it's like to learn a language. Slow down! But again, I'd rather that they pay me the respect and speak to me in fast, confident Korean then scared English.
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Have you heard of Gangnam Style?
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I always get, "can you eat spicy foods?"
That may be a genuine question I guess, but I'm Korean-American and I was weened on spicy foods before I even tasted milk. It's funny how I can out drink most teachers at my school and can tolerate spicy foods more so than others and they're always shocked by this fact.
Now, whenever someone asks me if I can eat spicy foods, I just ask them if they can eat hamburgers or pizzas and looked surprised and then laugh out really loud when they say, "yes".
I swear sarcasm is lost on Koreans. :laugh:
For me this goes away when I tell them we have Mexican food and Indian food back home which is much spicier than Korean food. "Ah, Mexshico food. Very very spicy."
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Well it should be because they're reasoning is usually coming from very cynical and xenophobic place.
The questions you listed all annoyed me greatly (after a couple of years). It took me a while to wise up.
It's not just the questions. It's their loaded ignorance/cynicism/xenophobia that comes with these loaded questions.
It really doesn't matter what questions a Korean asks me. I have all the data on them I need. It's simple really. A Korean has nothing to say that I can respect. It's a pity for those few Koreans that actually have something interesting to say. I met one of them once. He left Korea!!! He's in Wisconsin now I believe.
Who really cares what the forsaken Koreans ask? Not me, not anymore. Not in their sh1t factory toilet country at least, and generally not anywhere else either~
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God i loved that post. :)
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He's an ignorant **** and he's way out of line.
I'd love him to talk to me like that. I'm just looking for a fight. But everyone steers clear of me for some reason.
I didn't yell at him because my coteacher told me he had stage 4 stomach cancer and was coming to work anyways.
Found out later he just had his appendix out.
Still not sure how she got from point A to point B...rather sorry I missed an opportunity to get shitty with him, as he spent one post-lunch period telling me how happy he was during the 2011 tsunami in Japan. He knew full well that I had left Japan just a few months prior to the incident and that my husband had lost former students. The guy was a thunderdouche of the highest order.
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In general I don't mind when random people ask me questions on the bus, unless it's clear I'm already engaged in another conversation with someone in person or, heaven help me, on the phone! Not okay to interrupt.
The one that gets me is whenever I show up to work sick and tell coworkers I'm sick their next question is almost always "why?". Of all the times to ask 'why?', Korea, why is it for when I'm sick?! 'Because it worked out that way on my schedule? Because I rolled around in some used tissues? What do you want from me? People get sick!'
Lol. It's not that big a deal but I just find it funny and I have to keep myself from giving sarcastic answers.
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Don't mind the questions in general but I was recently asked 'Why do all foreigners think Korean girls are easy?'
I just walked away.
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If random work people are wondering about "why" you are sick, this is the perfect time to disgust then with tales of vomiting and diarrhea. Tell them you got sick from a communal side-dishes, go into detail about what side dishes you eat, where you eat. The times of the pains, then the vomiting, how you had to run to the bathroom, how you couldn't even keep down a piece of dry toast. Too much information is often a useful tactic. Also, with such a in-depth and gross story nobody could suspect you of lying.
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If random work people are wondering about "why" you are sick, this is the perfect time to disgust then with tales of vomiting and diarrhea. Tell them you got sick from a communal side-dishes, go into detail about what side dishes you eat, where you eat. The times of the pains, then the vomiting, how you had to run to the bathroom, how you couldn't even keep down a piece of dry toast. Too much information is often a useful tactic. Also, with such a in-depth and gross story nobody could suspect you of lying.
"No one washes their hands after going to the bathroom."
"No one uses toilet paper."
"The kids are covered in snot 24 hours a day, all 4 glorious seasons."
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How much do you weigh?
Not too fussed when the kids ask me. I usually just say 1,000,000 Kilograms and they laugh and move on.
But when adults ask me it really pisses me off. Obviously they are asking cos I'm overweight and look like Godzilla compared to most folk. What are they aiming to achieve by asking me 'how much do you weigh?'
Like there is no outcome that ends well here. If I say x then they are gonna follow it up with 'you need to go on a diet' or the crowd favourite 'you would look handsome if you lost some weight'. It's a weighted question and it really tips me over the edge.
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In Korean I get asked "Does he bite?" almost every effin day. They are referring to my dog, of course. I started saying yes. Who cares? Don't come near him, either way.
Another that annoys me is when I go out to eat with Korean friends or co-workers to a restaurant we've been to before and I order the same thing as before and they ask "Oh, you like bibbimbap?" or "Do you know ________(dish)?" Yes, I do, I ate it with you a week ago.
Do you have a religion?
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"do you like kimchi"
"do you have a boyfriend"
"Why are you not black" --> in reponse to me telling them I'm from South Africa
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In Korean I get asked "Does he bite?" almost every effin day. They are referring to my dog, of course. I started saying yes. Who cares? Don't come near him, either way.
Another that annoys me is when I go out to eat with Korean friends or co-workers to a restaurant we've been to before and I order the same thing as before and they ask "Oh, you like bibbimbap?" or "Do you know ________(dish)?" Yes, I do, I ate it with you a week ago.
Do you have a religion?
Yes, I am a member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Want to come to a service, we get free pasta?
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How much do you weigh?
Not too fussed when the kids ask me. I usually just say 1,000,000 Kilograms and they laugh and move on.
But when adults ask me it really pisses me off. Obviously they are asking cos I'm overweight and look like Godzilla compared to most folk. What are they aiming to achieve by asking me 'how much do you weigh?'
Like there is no outcome that ends well here. If I say x then they are gonna follow it up with 'you need to go on a diet' or the crowd favourite 'you would look handsome if you lost some weight'. It's a weighted question and it really tips me over the edge.
One summer I went home for three months between two different contracts at the same hagwon. At home I lost about 25 pounds. When I came back all of my friends and most of my coworkers congratulated me. Even students noted my weight loss. But my favorite coworker (up until then) told me "I like the old you better." :cry: That's probably the cruelest thing any person (Korean or otherwise) has ever said to me.
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Can you cook?/Do you know how to cook?
Why don't you [already] know [how to speak] Korean [fluently]?/How come you can't [already] speak Korean [fluently]? (shortly after I first started working in Korea)
Oh, you like kimchi? (in a very surprised tone of voice)
Why don't you change your hairstyle?
What is your blood type?
Also, pretty much any question that clumps all foreigners together in a weird assumption that is, more often than not, off (e.g. "Why do all foreigners ____?"). Two that come to mind that I've been asked by two different former co-teachers on two different occasions in the past are "Why do all foreigners never brush their teeth after eating lunch?" and "Are all foreigners vegetarians?"
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Can you cook?/Do you know how to cook?
Why don't you [already] know [how to speak] Korean [fluently]?/How come you can't [already] speak Korean [fluently]? (shortly after I first started working in Korea)
Oh, you like kimchi? (in a very surprised tone of voice)
Why don't you change your hairstyle?
What is your blood type?
Also, pretty much any question that clumps all foreigners together in a weird assumption that is, more often than not, off (e.g. "Why do all foreigners ____?"). Two that come to mind that I've been asked by two different former co-teachers on two different occasions in the past are "Why do all foreigners never brush their teeth after eating lunch?" and "Are all foreigners vegetarians?"
"Why are all foreigners afraid of spiders?"
"Why do all foreigners like Starbucks?" (Although that one might be legit- my mom always goes to Starbucks when she travels to a country where strong coffee isn't the norm because she feels like she knows what to expect.)
"Why do all foreigners hate the jjimjilbang?"
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"do you like kimchi"
"do you have a boyfriend"
"Why are you not black" --> in reponse to me telling them I'm from South Africa
:laugh:
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I don't think any question annoys me as they're just questions. Sure, asking about whether or not I can tolerate spicy food, if I like Kimchi, my age, my religion, if I'm solo or not gets repetitive and old. But it's the first time they've asked it so I don't mind.
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I don't think any question annoys me as they're just questions.
Well, when we lived outside of Seoul and my wife was alone, she would get asked, "Russian?" on a regular basis.
I can tell you, that THAT is not just "a question" to my wife or from them.
It is asking, "Are you a whore?"
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"Teacher, you are so beautiful! So why don't you have boyfriend?"
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Can you cook?/Do you know how to cook?
Why don't you [already] know [how to speak] Korean [fluently]?/How come you can't [already] speak Korean [fluently]? (shortly after I first started working in Korea)
Oh, you like kimchi? (in a very surprised tone of voice)
Why don't you change your hairstyle?
What is your blood type?
Also, pretty much any question that clumps all foreigners together in a weird assumption that is, more often than not, off (e.g. "Why do all foreigners ____?"). Two that come to mind that I've been asked by two different former co-teachers on two different occasions in the past are "Why do all foreigners never brush their teeth after eating lunch?" and "Are all foreigners vegetarians?"
I always answer 'I dunno' to this question and the looks on peoples faces are priceless. Try it.
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"Was it funny?"
I dunno why Koreans (students and even adults) get the words "funny"and, I assume "interesting", mixed up.
For example, I tell them about this awesome horror movie, then they respond with "was it funny?"
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Can you cook?/Do you know how to cook?
Why don't you [already] know [how to speak] Korean [fluently]?/How come you can't [already] speak Korean [fluently]? (shortly after I first started working in Korea)
Oh, you like kimchi? (in a very surprised tone of voice)
Why don't you change your hairstyle?
What is your blood type?
Also, pretty much any question that clumps all foreigners together in a weird assumption that is, more often than not, off (e.g. "Why do all foreigners ____?"). Two that come to mind that I've been asked by two different former co-teachers on two different occasions in the past are "Why do all foreigners never brush their teeth after eating lunch?" and "Are all foreigners vegetarians?"
I always answer 'I dunno' to this question and the looks on peoples faces are priceless. Try it.
I genuinely don't know, and when they realize I'm not joking - like you said, priceless.
I get the questions about how much Korean I can speak from my family, too, not just Koreans.
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"Why don't you have a baby?"
"When are you going to have a baby?"
"Where is your baby?"
"Doesn't your husband want a baby?"
"Is there something wrong with your health? You don't have any children..."
SHUT UP.
SHUT UP.
SHUT UP.
I don't care what the sociocultural mores are here. This is a ****** rude question and I won't answer it anymore. My school's former gym teacher used to sit across from me at lunch and grill me in rapid-fire, loud Korean about why I wasn't giving my husband children. He even pointed at my stomach with his chopsticks one day and went "Balli balli!! BALLI BALLI!!!"
I just smiled and told him (through my CT) that I would have a baby as soon as he paid for a nice, big apartment.
I know it meant to be caring or whatever. I don't care. I've been at my school for a year and a half and they are still asking me about it every goddamn day. It's not like I'm approaching menopause and it's a time-sensitive issue, either.
This is incredibly annoying to me.
I have a boyfriend back home, and people are asking me when I'm going to marry him and have babies. When I told them that I'll likely never get married (having that piece of paper isn't important to me) and that I was never having children, you'd think I'd taken off my pants and exposed myself to the entire school.
"But children bring joy! Every woman wants marriage and children!"
...Well, no.
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Definitely the, "Do you know [insert something that literally EVERYONE knows about]?"
Examples:
"Do you know apples?"
"Do you know 3D movies?"
"Do you know Samsung?"
"Do you know kimchi?" (Okay.... maybe not EVERYONE knows this.... but we're in Korea...)
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What is your blood type?
Of all the questions mentioned in this thread, if I could snap my fingers and make one disappear in a puff of logic, it'd be this one. I personally find it inoffensive, but knowing the history behind this particular meme makes the very question rather tragic.
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'Do you want a fork?' in hangul obviously, but this question really gets on my nerves these days. Do they think using chopsticks is hard or something?
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'Do you want a fork?' in hangul obviously, but this question really gets on my nerves these days. Do they think using chopsticks is hard or something?
I prefer the question to just being a.) given the "you're a foreigner" look and b.) being given a fork in lieu of chopsticks. At least the question is more polite than making the assumption that I'm too stupid or uncoordinated to operate chopsticks. Granted, the uncoordinated part is sometime true.... of both chopsticks AND forks. But that's more of a personal problem. :-P
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Yep. Fine line between genuine curiosity and coming from a point of condescension. I've done my fair share of grimacing and saying "No, we enjoy spicy food in America too. Please give me back my food. No, I don't need a fork to eat this samgyeopsal."
But after a few years -- after the newbie moonbeams have worn off -- it's plain to see that many people are just sounding out their ridiculous assumptions about foreigners, and it's always a negative assumption. It's in the same vein as when people who've never once been to China will offer up a full description of how dirty it is or how dangerous Japan is now (it's a radioactive hole in the ground, you know).
I generally avoid talking to people who say stuff like the food is too spicy, etc., because I don't want to go 10 rounds with someone who's looking for something I can't do or understand. Sorry, but I'm not keen on always having to prove myself and my race and my nation and my culture against people who feel like everything is a zero-sum struggle -- "But but but...if you can eat spicy food, then Korean food is not special! Why do you hate Korea?!"
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For me every time it starts with someone approaching me, speaking to me in Korean and then:
Oh you're not Korean?
Oh you're Chinese?
Are you sure you're Chinese?
Do you not speak Korean?
Where are you really from?
Oh do you have to join the Army in America?
It's not mandatory? Why not?
Why won't you join?
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'Do you want a fork?' in hangul obviously, but this question really gets on my nerves these days. Do they think using chopsticks is hard or something?
I prefer the question to just being a.) given the "you're a foreigner" look and b.) being given a fork in lieu of chopsticks. At least the question is more polite than making the assumption that I'm too stupid or uncoordinated to operate chopsticks. Granted, the uncoordinated part is sometime true.... of both chopsticks AND forks. But that's more of a personal problem. :-P
Because when I worked at a restaurant in America I asked all the Asian international students if they wanted chopsticks. It's annoying any time you're treated differently for being a foreigner. Give me what I ordered (whether you think it's too spicy or not), speak to me in Korean, and give me chopsticks if that's what the meal uses.
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'Do you want a fork?' in hangul obviously, but this question really gets on my nerves these days. Do they think using chopsticks is hard or something?
Hangul is the written language. Hagukeo/ Hangukmal is the spoken language. Since the rest of your paragraph is in alphabet you can just say "Korean." I mean English--now you got me saying it!
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Hey I see foreigners, they must be your friends right? Even though I'm a Korean American, some Korean friends assume I must know them. I just respond "hey look there are some Koreans, you must know them too, right? :cheesy:
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I don't think any question annoys me as they're just questions.
Well, when we lived outside of Seoul and my wife was alone, she would get asked, "Russian?" on a regular basis.
I can tell you, that THAT is not just "a question" to my wife or from them.
It is asking, "Are you a whore?"
Of course, and that's just being rude and uncultured.
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I always answer 'I dunno' to this question and the looks on peoples faces are priceless. Try it.
I genuinely don't know, and when they realize I'm not joking - like you said, priceless.
I get the questions about how much Korean I can speak from my family, too, not just Koreans.
Yeah, for most of my life, I didn't know my blood type, either, so for a long time I could honestly answer "I don't know," and it would have been the truth. I finally got my blood type confirmed during a health check-up a few years ago, so I finally do know it, but I still don't answer/tell them when I've gotten asked that question since then. I just ask "Why?" and then explain to them that it's not something people in the West usually talk about candidly/casually, and then the Korean person who asked usually backs off and doesn't push the topic further.
And yeah, I also get asked by family back home things like, "So you're fluent in Korean now, right?/You must speak Korean fluently now, right?" But as I mentioned before, Koreans here in Korea were asking me (when I first started working here) why I didn't already know/learn Korean to the point of fluency back when I was growing up in my home country (right, because Korean is commonly taught as a foreign language in grade schools in English-speaking countries...).
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The fork issue isn't a big deal. I prefer it and appreciate it.
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"Why don't you have a baby?"
"When are you going to have a baby?"
"Where is your baby?"
"Doesn't your husband want a baby?"
"Is there something wrong with your health? You don't have any children..."
SHUT UP.
SHUT UP.
SHUT UP.
I don't care what the sociocultural mores are here. This is a ****** rude question and I won't answer it anymore. My school's former gym teacher used to sit across from me at lunch and grill me in rapid-fire, loud Korean about why I wasn't giving my husband children. He even pointed at my stomach with his chopsticks one day and went "Balli balli!! BALLI BALLI!!!"
I just smiled and told him (through my CT) that I would have a baby as soon as he paid for a nice, big apartment.
I know it meant to be caring or whatever. I don't care. I've been at my school for a year and a half and they are still asking me about it every goddamn day. It's not like I'm approaching menopause and it's a time-sensitive issue, either.
This is incredibly annoying to me.
I have a boyfriend back home, and people are asking me when I'm going to marry him and have babies. When I told them that I'll likely never get married (having that piece of paper isn't important to me) and that I was never having children, you'd think I'd taken off my pants and exposed myself to the entire school.
"But children bring joy! Every woman wants marriage and children!"
...Well, no.
No joke, happened to me two weeks ago after one of my coworkers was away for her honeymoon.
"WaygookRAWR, when are you getting married?"
Um, I think I should concentrate on being successful at dating first.
"Are you going to get married to a Korean, or an American?"
I don't know. Never really thought about it that specifically.
"When do you plan to get married?"
I don't.
"But...don't you want children?"
If I decide to, I'm not sure marriage is absolutely necessary.
".....what?!"
I suppose this is the first time they had heard that response. They looked at me as if I had just headbutted the King Sejong on Dokdo while screaming "Takeshima!"
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I very rarely have interactions with Koreans outside of strictly professional communication, this includes coworkers and folks who work in grocery stores or markets.
I skip the school lunch more often than not because I don't like Korean food. I haven't been to a Korean restaurant in years.
So being asked questions that bother me doesn't really enter into my day to day life. What does really bother me, however, is getting stared at and getting bumped into. I can totally understand little ones, no problems at all with them. It's grown adults staring at me like I'm an alien from another galaxy or walking into me that sends me around the bend.
I've done two things to help solve this problem. I'm a reasonably big guy and I live in a small rural town. I have taken to walking around like Jax from "The Sons of Anarchy", swinging from side to side in his style. I do not move aside. I have also learned how to say "What are you staring at" in Korean, in the most ignorant way possible. A co-teacher taught me. He lived in the USA for a couple of years and he now understands the staring thing and it bothers him too.
I gotta admit. People tend to get out of my way and the staring has really been cut down to a minimum. Almost exclusively little ones, and that's fine.
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I like the crazy over personal questions from Koreans because it gives me a chance to give crazy answers. I know most people find these qusetions way to personal. If they are a stranger an ask say " Are you married" I would give the answer "just divorced for the 5th time" " you know where single women hang out at round here?"
If I know them at all I give them the truth
It's fun for me
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I don't think any question annoys me as they're just questions.
Well, when we lived outside of Seoul and my wife was alone, she would get asked, "Russian?" on a regular basis.
I can tell you, that THAT is not just "a question" to my wife or from them.
It is asking, "Are you a whore?"
Of course, and that's just being rude and uncultured.
I still get this question on a nearly weekly basis. I have lived in my village over two years. Males, females, pharmacists, grocery store clerks all ask me. At the bus stop while talking to my students I get approached and sometimes they will then proceed to keep pushing 'but I am a kind man, you Russian. Talk to me' those students are now familiar with the word A**hole...
I live across from a K-military instillation in a village up north but my school can't understand why I am not renewing.
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Du yu leobu Jijyasu?
So tired of that.
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"Why don't you have a baby?"
"When are you going to have a baby?"
"Where is your baby?"
"Doesn't your husband want a baby?"
"Is there something wrong with your health? You don't have any children..."
SHUT UP.
SHUT UP.
SHUT UP.
I don't care what the sociocultural mores are here. This is a ****** rude question and I won't answer it anymore. My school's former gym teacher used to sit across from me at lunch and grill me in rapid-fire, loud Korean about why I wasn't giving my husband children. He even pointed at my stomach with his chopsticks one day and went "Balli balli!! BALLI BALLI!!!"
I just smiled and told him (through my CT) that I would have a baby as soon as he paid for a nice, big apartment.
I know it meant to be caring or whatever. I don't care. I've been at my school for a year and a half and they are still asking me about it every goddamn day. It's not like I'm approaching menopause and it's a time-sensitive issue, either.
This is incredibly annoying to me.
I have a boyfriend back home, and people are asking me when I'm going to marry him and have babies. When I told them that I'll likely never get married (having that piece of paper isn't important to me) and that I was never having children, you'd think I'd taken off my pants and exposed myself to the entire school.
"But children bring joy! Every woman wants marriage and children!"
...Well, no.
No joke, happened to me two weeks ago after one of my coworkers was away for her honeymoon.
"WaygookRAWR, when are you getting married?"
Um, I think I should concentrate on being successful at dating first.
"Are you going to get married to a Korean, or an American?"
I don't know. Never really thought about it that specifically.
"When do you plan to get married?"
I don't.
"But...don't you want children?"
If I decide to, I'm not sure marriage is absolutely necessary.
".....what?!"
I suppose this is the first time they had heard that response. They looked at me as if I had just headbutted the King Sejong on Dokdo while screaming "Takeshima!"
Your last sentence made me laugh out loud.
I'm not even 100% on the idea of having children, but I'm not going to say that, because they'd probably be horrified. It's what I'm SUPPOSED to do.
Last time my CT brought it up, it ended with her saying sadly, "I guess you and [husband] will never have any babies." I laughed and changed the subject.
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Du yu leobu Jijyasu?
So tired of that.
Translation: Do you believe in Jesus?
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Here are the most annoying questions:
Can I touch your hair? (Annyoing enough if you are black)
Why are you not married?
Why are you so dark?
Do believe in Jesus?
For the second question, I would tell Koreans up front that too many of them are too racist to give their daughters hand to me and that they love white people too much. I would surely tell that especially to Korean Christians.
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Here are the most annoying questions:
Can I touch your hair? (Annyoing enough if you are black)
Why are you not married?
Why are you so dark?
Do believe in Jesus?
For the second question, I would tell Koreans up front that too many of them are too racist to give their daughters hand to me and that they love white people too much. I would surely tell that especially to Korean Christians.
You 100% sure that is the reason mate?
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"Was it funny?"
I dunno why Koreans (students and even adults) get the words "funny"and, I assume "interesting", mixed up.
For example, I tell them about this awesome horror movie, then they respond with "was it funny?"
I'm going to probably write a lot cause this topic is interesting to me. Feel free to skip over it.
They get it mixed up because the Korean counterparts are not quite as cut and dry as the English words. 옷기다 should mean funny and 재미있다 should mean fun/entertaining. But when I ask how was the movie, I usually hear 재미있다 instead of 웃기다 (They are saying the movie was fun. Sounds right...). But then, after something really funny happens and the entire group is laughing, usually I hear 재미있다 (now they are saying it was funny...).
Similarly, other words have two English meanings for one Korean word: scared and scary (both 무섭다); look for and find (찾다). I once had a student write "I was finding my book in my room when my mom found it in the kitchen."
I have a similar problem in Korean. I use the word "come" when I should be using "go".
Example:
Wife - 자기야, 이리 와봐 (Honey, come here!)
Me - 온다 (I'm coming.) is wrong
Me - 간다 (I'm going.) is correct
tl;dr Just because a word translates to the "same" word does not mean that word is used the same way.
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"Do you like Korean girls?"
Anytime I hear this question, this immediately pops into my head
(http://digitalclaritygroup.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/trap.png)
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All the shady questions-
"Do you like the taste of hongeoh? " I think this might be a vague reference to oral sex. They always laugh during that.
"Do you want to go to the sauna together?"
"Can you drink more?"
"Kingdom or Scotch Blue?" :evil:
I wonder what questions we ask that tick them off?
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Do you know blah blah blah Korean athlete in the US? For one, I don't know any athletes in the US. For two, why do you care? Do you really find them to be a reflection of yourself? The nationalistic undertones here really turn me off.
Maybe I should just start saying "yeah, he sucks."
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Do you know blah blah blah Korean athlete in the US? For one, I don't know any athletes in the US. For two, why do you care? Do you really find them to be a reflection of yourself? The nationalistic undertones here really turn me off.
Maybe I should just start saying "yeah, he sucks."
The "do you know XYZ" is actually quite a common one for many non-American people.
Even the most ignorant Korean probably knows of 100s of American celebrities. The average American may be able to name one or two Koreans. South Africans are also pretty bad at this. "Did you know XYZ is from South Africa?"
Obviously Americans don't need to do this, as their culture is pretty ubiquitous in this day and age.
I've even heard Canadians throw that out the ol... "Actually ABC is Canadian"
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Im ok with pretty much whatever people ask but there is one thing that just kills me. Im white, and pretty white at that. To the point where im really more pink and red that white. Whatever, the point is that whenever something is spicy, not uncomfortably hot just basically spicy, my face gets really red. Im fine with what im eating and happy. but koreans who are not my friends will give me that super annoying smile like they know how much pain im in and finally ask the question. Spicy? I just say yes and breathe deeply through my newly cleared nostrils with a thumbs up. they probably arent trying to be dicks. . . right?
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Do you know blah blah blah Korean athlete in the US? For one, I don't know any athletes in the US. For two, why do you care? Do you really find them to be a reflection of yourself? The nationalistic undertones here really turn me off.
Maybe I should just start saying "yeah, he sucks."
Actually I think you'd annoy them a lot more if you just said 'no' . I started doing this every time a Korean asked me if I knew PSY and the looks of hurt pride and total astonishment I got were priceless
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"You have perm?"
Nope, not everyone with curly hair does.
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Do you know blah blah blah Korean athlete in the US? For one, I don't know any athletes in the US. For two, why do you care? Do you really find them to be a reflection of yourself? The nationalistic undertones here really turn me off.
Maybe I should just start saying "yeah, he sucks."
The "do you know XYZ" is actually quite a common one for many non-American people.
Even the most ignorant Korean probably knows of 100s of American celebrities. The average American may be able to name one or two Koreans. South Africans are also pretty bad at this. "Did you know XYZ is from South Africa?"
Obviously Americans don't need to do this, as their culture is pretty ubiquitous in this day and age.
I've even heard Canadians throw that out the ol... "Actually ABC is Canadian"
I do this.
I also group sony, samsung, toyota, kia, and pokemon in the same group. It's enjoyable.
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My students asked me if I wanted to visit Dokdo and I replied, "I just went to Japan for summer vacation. Why would I go back again so soon?" Oh I am so evil...
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I think most of you guys know the "Do you like broccoli/ice cream song" It's basically a song that starts out with two foods "do you like..." and then mixes them "do you like broccoli ice cream" for instance.
So I recently started teaching first graders and a few kids say that they really like foods that they shouldn't like. Even the damn video says "yucky" but they still like popcorn pizza or tomato pancakes. It doesn't make sense to me! A few kids always say "mashketa" and stuff. I mean maybe I can understand popcorn pizza since Koreans definitely **** pizza up--sweet potato pizza ahemm--but stuff like spaghetti yogurt? No way.
What other things that Koreans do irks you guys?
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In my 4 years here, I have found that any level of discomfort is to be avoided at all costs.
Sometimes, you're hungry, it's okay. Deal with it.
Sometimes people are cold. It's okay, deal with it.
Sometimes awkward conversations need to be had, it's okay.
I find that Koreans will avoid any sort of discomfort like the plague.
Back home,
"It's cold out."
"Yup."
And you move on. We don't go around saying that it's cold for the next 4 hours, every 3 mins.
My Co-T is a great example of this. I mentioned building a small prison behind the school for the bad students (AS A JOKE, OBV) and she said, Oh, no, don't say that. That's not good.
Like, lighten up? I get that it's a different culture, but even if it's weird, just snort a chuckle and MOVE ON.
Example 2 This one is really weird. So, I went camping and my buddy has a drone. There were 9 tents on the beach and he got a top down shot of all of us. I show her the picture.
:police: Yeah, that's my tent there.
:-* Wow! Great picture. Drone is very interesting.
:police: Yeah, my buddy went to Yeouido for the cherry blossom festival with his drone. Bad idea, he got arrested because of the National Assembly building, hahaha. His Korean wife came to the station and explained everything, they let him go (Funny, silly anecdote, right?)
:-* Oh, I don't like drone, That is bad. IMMEDIATELY CHANGES SUBJECT
Like, what? I don't understand. Her English is good, it's not a vocabulary problem. Just............wei rd.
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I quiet enjoyed sweet potato on pizza.
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I'm actually a fan of some of the Koreanized pizzas. Sweet potato? Oh yes. Corn? Aight. Chicken tenders with sweet chili sauce drizzled over? Oh hella to the yes.
But mustard? Aw nah! >:(
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I think most of you guys know the "Do you like broccoli/ice cream song" It's basically a song that starts out with two foods "do you like..." and then mixes them "do you like broccoli ice cream" for instance.
So I recently started teaching first graders and a few kids say that they really like foods that they shouldn't like. Even the damn video says "yucky" but they still like popcorn pizza or tomato pancakes. It doesn't make sense to me! A few kids always say "mashketa" and stuff. I mean maybe I can understand popcorn pizza since Koreans definitely **** pizza up--sweet potato pizza ahemm--but stuff like spaghetti yogurt? No way.
What other things that Koreans do irks you guys?
Those kids are probably being little jerks. Most of my 1st and 2nd grade boys (elementary) last year would say "yummy" at the gross parts just so the girls would get upset. I'd just roll with it and be like "REALLY!??!?!? Ewwwwwwwww". They'd think they were hilarious, and they'd do it the next time too. I had a girl who thought it was hilarious to mix random foods (sometimes animals) together in the format of that song just to see my reactions. They're just being kids and trying to irk you :P
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Mustard doesn't belong on the pizza. Just for dipping the pizza.
Also Pizza School etc are great and should be praised.
Also mustard belongs on the beat.
Napoli Pizza is based pizza.
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I think most of you guys know the "Do you like broccoli/ice cream song" It's basically a song that starts out with two foods "do you like..." and then mixes them "do you like broccoli ice cream" for instance.
So I recently started teaching first graders and a few kids say that they really like foods that they shouldn't like. Even the damn video says "yucky" but they still like popcorn pizza or tomato pancakes. It doesn't make sense to me! A few kids always say "mashketa" and stuff. I mean maybe I can understand popcorn pizza since Koreans definitely **** pizza up--sweet potato pizza ahemm--but stuff like spaghetti yogurt? No way.
What other things that Koreans do irks you guys?
1) They're kids. Kids do kid stuff. They aren't rational adults who give mature answers to this. I'm mystified so many NETs here, who each think they're geniuses and great at their job, are too dumb to realize this. They're kids. Of course they're not supposed to make sense. The day kids make sense is the day the world is no longer a fun place.
2) Anyone who thinks sweet potato pizza is "wrong" and thinks a "real" pizza is what they get from some pizza place back home is an idiot. It's no more wrong than pineapple, bbq chicken pizza, a Mexican pizza, and all the other pizzas we get back home. I also love how the people who think shrimp or squid is "inauthentic" or an abomination when in fact you're more likely to find those on real Italian pizza than frickin Canadian bacon.
3) You'd be surprised what tastes good even though it sounds odd. Perhaps the most famous is the Wendy's Frosty and french fries but there are loads out there. Be open minded.
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I'm irked at how dense OP is
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I think most of you guys know the "Do you like broccoli/ice cream song" It's basically a song that starts out with two foods "do you like..." and then mixes them "do you like broccoli ice cream" for instance.
So I recently started teaching first graders and a few kids say that they really like foods that they shouldn't like. Even the damn video says "yucky" but they still like popcorn pizza or tomato pancakes. It doesn't make sense to me! A few kids always say "mashketa" and stuff. I mean maybe I can understand popcorn pizza since Koreans definitely **** pizza up--sweet potato pizza ahemm--but stuff like spaghetti yogurt? No way.
What other things that Koreans do irks you guys?
1) They're kids. Kids do kid stuff. They aren't rational adults who give mature answers to this. I'm mystified so many NETs here, who each think they're geniuses and great at their job, are too dumb to realize this. They're kids. Of course they're not supposed to make sense. The day kids make sense is the day the world is no longer a fun place.
2) Anyone who thinks sweet potato pizza is "wrong" and thinks a "real" pizza is what they get from some pizza place back home is an idiot. It's no more wrong than pineapple, bbq chicken pizza, a Mexican pizza, and all the other pizzas we get back home. I also love how the people who think shrimp or squid is "inauthentic" or an abomination when in fact you're more likely to find those on real Italian pizza than frickin Canadian bacon.
3) You'd be surprised what tastes good even though it sounds odd. Perhaps the most famous is the Wendy's Frosty and french fries but there are loads out there. Be open minded.
Umm, no sir, if I may interrupt. If you would consult the dictionaries and the encyclopedias, then there are truly only two types of pizza (marinara, margherita). So, all other pizzas are indeed abominations and honestly they shouldn't even be called pizzas at all. However, Koreans go a step further and catapult these already-abominations into some sort of Sodom and Gomorrah era. It is unspeakable, sir!
Furthermore, yes they are kids. But they are capable of rational thought and I only expect rational thought from my students. They are aware that broccoli ice cream is irrational but still incorrectly claim that they like it. This sort of jest, for I am assuming that it is in jest they do this, has no place in our great educational systems and should be swiftly rooted out.
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Mustard doesn't belong on the pizza. Just for dipping the pizza.
Also Pizza School etc are great and should be praised.
Also mustard belongs on the beat.
Napoli Pizza is based pizza.
Any pizza under 10,000 for a whole pizza is based pizza.
Plus once you put half a bottle of sriracha on it, and half a dozen beers in you, it tastes awesome.
Speaking of tasty food abominations, I could really go for some deep fried cali rolls slathered with sriracha mayo.
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Furthermore, yes they are kids. But they are capable of rational thought and I only expect rational thought from my students. They are aware that broccoli ice cream is irrational but still incorrectly claim that they like it. This sort of jest, for I am assuming that it is in jest they do this, has no place in our great educational systems and should be swiftly rooted out.
Have you considered that they full well know that this will irk you?
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Mustard doesn't belong on the pizza. Just for dipping the pizza.
Also Pizza School etc are great and should be praised.
Also mustard belongs on the beat.
Napoli Pizza is based pizza.
Any pizza under 10,000 for a whole pizza is based pizza.
Plus once you put half a bottle of sriracha on it, and half a dozen beers in you, it tastes awesome.
Speaking of tasty food abominations, I could really go for some deep fried cali rolls slathered with sriracha mayo.
That sounds like some delicious trash. I've never had deep fried cali rolls, before. Is that a thing?
:shocked: Never?? It's amazing garbage!!! I thought it was a common bastardization but maybe not. Mmmm get you some!!
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I'm irked at how dense OP is
Yeah, I'm not really "irked" at much of anything in Korea, except maybe all these petty irkings. :azn:
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For a country that doesn't seem too cool with THC, I swear their R&D teams must be stoners:
(http://pds.joins.com/jmnet/koreajoongangdaily/_data/photo/2013/06/21204438.jpg) Slice of summer - Domino’s Pizza unveils its “Twist Shrimp Pizza” for summer on Thursday. Pizza ingredients include shrimp, cherries, cookie crumble and citrus dressing.
Things that annoy me:
driving skills, lack of
walking skills, lack of
scooter skills, lack of
skiing skills, lack of
anytime someone says "Woori-nara"
anytime someone says waygookin, especially if they are Korean, but not in Korea
When dumbasses people think foreigners can't eat spicy food
Being told Hanguel is the best thing ever
Explaining to people that King Seojeong didn't invent hanguel himself
Explaining to people Korean Independence Day wasn't a battle in which Korea won
Explaining that soju, kimchi, and hot peppers contribute to cancer risks, not just foreign devil food.
Doctors, immigration officers, police officers, bank tellers, and postal workers not knowing their job.
Places not serving coffee before noon.
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(http://pds.joins.com/jmnet/koreajoongangdaily/_data/photo/2013/06/21204438.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Xg2CYnF.png)
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I'm irked that the OP of this thread didn't invite us to talk about what irks us in our home countries as well. Oh wait, that'd make too many people on this forum angry and "trigger" people here wouldn't it?
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I'm irked that the OP of this thread didn't invite us to talk about what irks us in our home countries as well. Oh wait, that'd make too many people on this forum angry and "trigger" people here wouldn't it?
Considering your genetic "blend", I'm curious...does that make it so NOTHING bothers you from either "culture"or EVERYTHING bothers you from both cultures? None of the above?
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OP let me introduce you to THE RANTING/VENTING THREAD: THIRD ITERATION (http://www.waygook.org/index.php/topic,99098.msg699300/topicseen.html#new) :wink:
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I'm irked that the OP of this thread didn't invite us to talk about what irks us in our home countries as well. Oh wait, that'd make too many people on this forum angry and "trigger" people here wouldn't it?
yeah i mean, what are the chances that someone living in korea would make a thread about something to do with korea on a forum dedicated to life and teaching in korea? this madness has got to stop.
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I'm irked that the OP of this thread didn't invite us to talk about what irks us in our home countries as well. Oh wait, that'd make too many people on this forum angry and "trigger" people here wouldn't it?
yeah i mean, what are the chances that someone living in korea would make a thread about something to do with korea on a forum dedicated to life and teaching in korea? this madness has got to stop.
Will everyone just stop bickering and just think of the children! For ****'s sake
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I'm irked that the OP of this thread didn't invite us to talk about what irks us in our home countries as well. Oh wait, that'd make too many people on this forum angry and "trigger" people here wouldn't it?
Considering your genetic "blend", I'm curious...does that make it so NOTHING bothers you from either "culture"or EVERYTHING bothers you from both cultures? None of the above?
I'm human, I'm not a robot... in other words, there are things that bother me too.
With that said, I also don't really give a crap when people make fun of Korea or America, so this thread doesn't necessarily bother me, but what does bother me is that we aren't really being reflective of our own cultures either. (Wearing shoes in houses, food portion size problems, etc.).
Edit: Also I'll mention, if I were to consider myself very much dominantly Korean, then yes I'd probably find many posts in this thread offensive... but I don't necessarily.
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I'm irked that the OP of this thread didn't invite us to talk about what irks us in our home countries as well. Oh wait, that'd make too many people on this forum angry and "trigger" people here wouldn't it?
Considering your genetic "blend", I'm curious...does that make it so NOTHING bothers you from either "culture"or EVERYTHING bothers you from both cultures? None of the above?
For those of us with a bicultural experience, what bothers us the most is when one side or the other talks like they're hot shit and totally overlook the messed up stuff they do as well.
The other reason a lot of us do the "but back home" thing is that a lot of people seem to not realize or forget what goes on back home when they post.
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I'm human, I'm not a robot... in other words, there are things that bother me too.
With that said, I also don't really give a crap when people make fun of Korea or America, so this thread doesn't necessarily bother me, but what does bother me is that we aren't really being reflective of our own cultures either. (Wearing shoes in houses, food portion size problems, etc.).
I wish there was a middle ground. I forgot my wallet on the table in the kitchen. My shoes are on. It's 2 long strides to get it and my shoes are "clean." (as in NOT filthy)
Let it go. The floor is not sacred. There's a spectrum between sleeping with your damn shoes on and treating the floor like it's the Holy Land.
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I'm human, I'm not a robot... in other words, there are things that bother me too.
With that said, I also don't really give a crap when people make fun of Korea or America, so this thread doesn't necessarily bother me, but what does bother me is that we aren't really being reflective of our own cultures either. (Wearing shoes in houses, food portion size problems, etc.).
I wish there was a middle ground. I forgot my wallet on the table in the kitchen. My shoes are on. It's 2 long strides to get it and my shoes are "clean." (as in NOT filthy)
Let it go. The floor is not sacred. There's a spectrum between sleeping with your damn shoes on and treating the floor like it's the Holy Land.
I do the same actually. My mom used to scream at me whenever I did this. I think that that is okay... I mean... what is two steps? :evil:
What I'm talking about is for example- I had a friend in middle school and when I went to his house, because I had been so accustomed to taking my shoes off I did just that. He told me I could keep them on but that just felt really weird to me... until I not only stepped on some weird sticky spots in the carpet... I stepped on some frickin' old gum his 5 year old sister spat out on the carpet. Had another friend in high school whose house was also a shoes-in house and if I took my shoes off for even one hour, my socks/feet would be black and dirty... This is what I mean.
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The other reason a lot of us do the "but back home" thing is that a lot of people seem to not realize or forget what goes on back home when they post.
a black american friend of yours posts about a racist incident they experience in the US on facebook. you write "well it's okay, there's racism in south korea too. and in south korea there aren't even any anti-discrimination laws like there are in the US!". this person has never been to south korea in their life.
a british friend of yours complains about Theresa May. you write "well in south korea they have park geun-hye, she recently got impeached for corruption! theresa may is a saint in comparison, be grateful you live in england".
can you see how ridiculous those comments are? would you even write something like that in the first place? and yet that is exactly what you do when someone living in korea talking about issues with koreans or korea and you pull the whole "well what about in the US?" or "in the US this happens too!" card.
never mind the fact that it's actually a logical fallacy and not a valid argument at all.
http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Tu_quoque
http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Whataboutism
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Mustard doesn't belong on the pizza. Just for dipping the pizza.
Also Pizza School etc are great and should be praised.
Also mustard belongs on the beat.
Napoli Pizza is based pizza.
Any pizza under 10,000 for a whole pizza is based pizza.
Plus once you put half a bottle of sriracha on it, and half a dozen beers in you, it tastes awesome.
Speaking of tasty food abominations, I could really go for some deep fried cali rolls slathered with sriracha mayo.
That sounds like some delicious trash. I've never had deep fried cali rolls, before. Is that a thing?
:shocked: Never?? It's amazing garbage!!! I thought it was a common bastardization but maybe not. Mmmm get you some!!
Sushi place in my hometown does this. I think they call them crazy boy rolls. Really good. I've never seen them anywhere else though.
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the sound of smacking lips and slurping of food. :cry:
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IT'S ELECTION TIME EVERYONE VOTE FOR ME
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKYf36im6rM
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The other reason a lot of us do the "but back home" thing is that a lot of people seem to not realize or forget what goes on back home when they post.
a black american friend of yours posts about a racist incident they experience in the US on facebook. you write "well it's okay, there's racism in south korea too. and in south korea there aren't even any anti-discrimination laws like there are in the US!". this person has never been to south korea in their life.
a british friend of yours complains about Theresa May. you write "well in south korea they have park geun-hye, she recently got impeached for corruption! theresa may is a saint in comparison, be grateful you live in england".
can you see how ridiculous those comments are? would you even write something like that in the first place? and yet that is exactly what you do when someone living in korea talking about issues with koreans or korea and you pull the whole "well what about in the US?" or "in the US this happens too!" card.
never mind the fact that it's actually a logical fallacy and not a valid argument at all.
http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Tu_quoque
http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Whataboutism
But in many cases, people making these comments are either insinuating or explicitly stating that such things don't happen back home are saying they are a uniquely Korean phenomenon. It would be like someone saying that British culture is flawed or there is something wrong with British people because of such and such a thing involving May or Corbyn or some guy on the street. Pointing out it happens in other cultures is done because it points out the incorrect assertion that it is some sort of uniquely Korean phenomenon. In that case, it is not a logical fallacy, instead it using an example to disprove an incorrect assertion.
Also, people who make these comparisons tend not to object to bringing up other countries when it supports their point, then when someone points out that indeed such a thing does happen in their own country, the response isn't the logical one of admitting an error, it's to criticize the person for the very thing they did- bring up an example from another country.
Furthermore, the goal is not simply to win a debate, but to increase understanding. Citing other examples serves to expand a person's thinking and consider other events which may be analogous to back home. No analogy is perfect, but they can be quite close. Samurai and knights are not a perfect match, but you can draw comparisons to them. The average poster on here isn't looking for a debate championship, they are looking to survive, adapt, and thrive in a foreign culture to which they may not have much exposure and may be a bit of a shock. Using such examples allows a person not to overreact emotionally to certain things they may see.
And as many posters admit, most of these cases are not logical arguments but 'rants' or 'venting', and I'm quite certain that neither of those is a logical argument either.
Also, ranting and venting is not a healthy way to deal with stress. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/high-octane-women/201102/feel-venting-you-may-want-think-again-literally
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Also, ranting and venting is not a healthy way to deal with stress.
Swearing and pointing my index finger at someone is my preferred method, works great! :azn:
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Also, ranting and venting is not a healthy way to deal with stress
+1
Recently, I've been needing to "solve" a commute problem.
When I take the bus home, there are these two Korean men smoking at the bus stop.
The first two times, I pointed to the "no smoking" sign, they muttered some nonsense, and walked away.
However, the third time, I simply looked at them and didn't say anything, because they swore openly as I approached (no muttering, which indicated to me that they didn't intend on walking away or putting their cigarettes out).
Solution: I started walking to a different bus stop (the stop before that one).
The beauty of it...
When they got on the bus, who do they sit next to...
You guessed it :) (lovely smoke smell, thanks guys)
Thankfully, the weather is getting nicer, so I can start walking home to avoid the issue.
In short, I agree with you Mr. D. Removing myself from the situation is much healthier than beating my head against the bric/those two rude smokers (I think "rude" and "smoker" are unnecessarily redundant).
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1) using the car's horn instead of the brakes.
2) using the car's horn when they cannot see or understand why you are stopped with your right turn signal on - reasons often include pedestrian crossing the side street, or a car exiting the (single lane) side street.
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the only actual day to day stuff that irks me is not having a set walking pattern. except filling up the whole road when possible. i just don't understand why schools aren't starting to enforce even though there's signs everywhere. even my korean course supplied by the government talk about keeping to the right.
and maybe blocking exits (locking them, putting stuff there, standing in door ways)
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I've noticed some bike riders driving in the street, instead of the nice bike paths that are made for their safety.
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I've noticed some bike riders driving in the street, instead of the nice bike paths that are made for their safety.
:laugh:
(http://ph.idomin.com/news/photo/201305/414861_318197_2531.jpg)
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I've noticed some bike riders driving in the street, instead of the nice bike paths that are made for their safety.
Which breings me to one of my pet peeves: THE FACT THAT ALL THE NICE BIKE PATHS THAT ARE MADE FOR OUR SAFETY ARE BLOCKED BY &@$^$*# PARKED CARS, VENDOR STALLS, AND IDIOT PEDESTRIANS!!!! >:(
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I've noticed some bike riders driving in the street, instead of the nice bike paths that are made for their safety.
Which breings me to one of my pet peeves: THE FACT THAT ALL THE NICE BIKE PATHS THAT ARE MADE FOR OUR SAFETY ARE BLOCKED BY &@$^$*# PARKED CARS, VENDOR STALLS, AND IDIOT PEDESTRIANS!!!! >:(
They always look surprised when they realize that the bell you are ringing is to get their attention.
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DON'T TOUCH MY DAMN COMPUTER SCREEN!
What is up with the damn screen touching here? if i'm discussing a lesson with my coteacher(s) in the office and showing them the materials for the class, they'll always point and claw at the computer screen.
and they do the same thing in the classroom. and when we teach in the classroom that has a smartboard, it's the same! and then of course the PPT moves to the next slide and my coteacher always acts amazed at this.
last night had my korean GF over and i was showing her something on my laptop and she touched my damn screen too. i tried to smack her hand away but it was too late and she actually left a small scratch on it, so i'm super pissed off at the moment >:(
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relax guys. I'm just doing a bit of trollin'
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DON'T TOUCH MY DAMN COMPUTER SCREEN!
What is up with the damn screen touching here? if i'm discussing a lesson with my coteacher(s) in the office and showing them the materials for the class, they'll always point and claw at the computer screen.
and they do the same thing in the classroom. and when we teach in the classroom that has a smartboard, it's the same! and then of course the PPT moves to the next slide and my coteacher always acts amazed at this.
last night had my korean GF over and i was showing her something on my laptop and she touched my damn screen too. i tried to smack her hand away but it was too late and she actually left a small scratch on it, so i'm super pissed off at the moment >:(
So much this with one of my coTs. IT'S A DAMN TOUCH SCREEN, YOU TOUCH IT AND IT REACTS
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last night had my korean GF over and i was showing her something on my laptop and she touched my damn screen too. i tried to smack her hand away but it was too late and she actually left a small scratch on it, so i'm super pissed off at the moment >:(
Pee in her BB cream.
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As far as the WAIT THO THERE ARE PROBLEMS EVERYWHERE argument, yeah hot take. The difference is, the problems that exist back home (to me) are severely depressing while having a laugh about how Lotte flatly denies that Pepero is a straight knock-off of Pocky (and all other "Ramyeon" iterations), for instance, brings about less despair. :undecided:
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last night had my korean GF over and i was showing her something on my laptop and she touched my damn screen too. i tried to smack her hand away but it was too late and she actually left a small scratch on it, so i'm super pissed off at the moment >:(
Pee in her BB cream.
Things that irk me: Pee in my BB cream
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I've noticed some bike riders driving in the street, instead of the nice bike paths that are made for their safety.
:laugh:
(http://ph.idomin.com/news/photo/201305/414861_318197_2531.jpg)
I think the local gu-office call that "integrated public transport".
"Look see, you can cycle safely to the bus stop."
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Something happening right now which really irks me. The science teacher is brushing her teeth at the mini kitchen sink next to my desk in our SHARED office. Go to the f%$king bathroom and do it!!!
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Something happening right now which really irks me. The science teacher is brushing her teeth at the mini kitchen sink next to my desk in our SHARED office. Go to the f%$king bathroom and do it!!!
I don't know about this one. I think half the point of having sinks in our offices is so we can do things like brush our teeth away from the children.
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Also, ranting and venting is not a healthy way to deal with stress
+1
Recently, I've been needing to "solve" a commute problem.
When I take the bus home, there are these two Korean men smoking at the bus stop.
The first two times, I pointed to the "no smoking" sign, they muttered some nonsense, and walked away.
However, the third time, I simply looked at them and didn't say anything, because they swore openly as I approached (no muttering, which indicated to me that they didn't intend on walking away or putting their cigarettes out).
Solution: I started walking to a different bus stop (the stop before that one).
The beauty of it...
When they got on the bus, who do they sit next to...
You guessed it :) (lovely smoke smell, thanks guys)
Thankfully, the weather is getting nicer, so I can start walking home to avoid the issue.
In short, I agree with you Mr. D. Removing myself from the situation is much healthier than beating my head against the bric/those two rude smokers (I think "rude" and "smoker" are unnecessarily redundant).
You've just enabled their law breaking.
That's pretty much the Korean solution to problems--just ignore them.
The police getting paid with tax won to do as little as possible is on my list of irks.
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Klown logic, common sense & city planning are demonstrated perfectly with a single image.
(https://s24.postimg.org/t501jkoc5/111.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/fbbouivqp/)jpg images (https://postimage.io/)certificity.com (https://certificity.com)
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last night had my korean GF over and i was showing her something on my laptop and she touched my damn screen too. i tried to smack her hand away but it was too late and she actually left a small scratch on it, so i'm super pissed off at the moment >:(
Pee in her BB cream.
i'm not really into water sports :P
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Something happening right now which really irks me. The science teacher is brushing her teeth at the mini kitchen sink next to my desk in our SHARED office. Go to the f%$king bathroom and do it!!!
I don't know about this one. I think half the point of having sinks in our offices is so we can do things like brush our teeth away from the children.
i get that, but at my middle school we have staff only bathrooms :(
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I hate Korean department stores. I hate being followed like a damn thief. Just leave me be and I'll buy something but when you follow me around, it makes me want to go someplace else and buy it just to spite you/your company.
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Klown logic, common sense & city planning are demonstrated perfectly with a single image.
(https://s24.postimg.org/t501jkoc5/111.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/fbbouivqp/)jpg images (https://postimage.io/)certificity.com (https://certificity.com)
I imagine that the drainage system existed long before the bike path and the recently resurfaced road. You are basically asking for the city to completely tear up the drainage system which was installed long before bike paths were considered a part of city planning (We're talking something on the order of 40+years).
Now you can either spend millions in tax revenue overhauling the drainage system so it blends perfectly with bike paths (rather than spending it on schools, parks, community services, etc.) OR you could have a few spots like this which are inconvenient.
Guess the klown without common sense or any grasp of city planning is you.
And 'klown' is really dodgy man. We're talking 'the blacks'/'coolie' territory.
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I hate Korean department stores. I hate being followed like a damn thief. Just leave me be and I'll buy something but when you follow me around, it makes me want to go someplace else and buy it just to spite you/your company.
Define department store? Are we talking Shinsegae? Or are you talking about the sock aisle on the 2nd floor floor of a HomePlus? Obviously in a cheap or medium-end its nice to be left alone.
However, high-end shopping, it really is best to be served (if you can communicate with them), that way you can ask questions, get recommendations, make it clear what you want, etc, especially if its something you don't really understand (or its something you REALLY understand).
Also, people would moan if the sales people ignored them. They'd probably think it was racist or something.
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Klown logic, common sense & city planning are demonstrated perfectly with a single image.
(https://s24.postimg.org/t501jkoc5/111.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/fbbouivqp/)jpg images (https://postimage.io/)certificity.com (https://certificity.com)
I imagine that the drainage system existed long before the bike path and the recently resurfaced road. You are basically asking for the city to completely tear up the drainage system which was installed long before bike paths were considered a part of city planning (We're talking something on the order of 40+years).
Now you can either spend millions in tax revenue overhauling the drainage system so it blends perfectly with bike paths (rather than spending it on schools, parks, community services, etc.) OR you could have a few spots like this which are inconvenient.
Guess the klown without common sense or any grasp of city planning is you.
And 'klown' is really dodgy man. We're talking 'the blacks'/'coolie' territory.
It wouldn't be rocket surgery to:
- invert the foot and bike lanes,
- use a finer mesh cover
- use a cover with the slots in the other direction
Not only a Korean problem, but more evident here where employees are less likely to do anything except exactly what is on the work order.
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Guess the klown without common sense or any grasp of city planning is you.
And 'klown' is really dodgy man. We're talking 'the blacks'/'coolie' territory.
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/a0/59/82/a059827895a1078d9f8ee34c8dac4786.jpg)
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Not only a Korean problem, but more evident here where employees are less likely to do anything except exactly what is on the work order.
I think that's most people that have been handed a government contract as the lowest bidder.
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I hate Korean department stores. I hate being followed like a damn thief. Just leave me be and I'll buy something but when you follow me around, it makes me want to go someplace else and buy it just to spite you/your company.
Define department store? Are we talking Shinsegae? Or are you talking about the sock aisle on the 2nd floor floor of a HomePlus? Obviously in a cheap or medium-end its nice to be left alone.
However, high-end shopping, it really is best to be served (if you can communicate with them), that way you can ask questions, get recommendations, make it clear what you want, etc, especially if its something you don't really understand (or its something you REALLY understand).
Also, people would moan if the sales people ignored them. They'd probably think it was racist or something.
Sales people here are not really good at "selling" you what you want but what they think you should want.
This is the season for buying sunglasses and no Department Store adjumma is going to explain to me correctly which sunglasses are in the recent trend and which one matches the shape of my face. They will just try to sell you the most expensive or popular one.
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not covering their mouths or noses when sick... thanks for your germs~
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I hate Korean department stores. I hate being followed like a damn thief. Just leave me be and I'll buy something but when you follow me around, it makes me want to go someplace else and buy it just to spite you/your company.
Define department store? Are we talking Shinsegae? Or are you talking about the sock aisle on the 2nd floor floor of a HomePlus? Obviously in a cheap or medium-end its nice to be left alone.
However, high-end shopping, it really is best to be served (if you can communicate with them), that way you can ask questions, get recommendations, make it clear what you want, etc, especially if its something you don't really understand (or its something you REALLY understand).
Also, people would moan if the sales people ignored them. They'd probably think it was racist or something.
I'm talking about the tiny wine selection at some department stores where they just follow me, despite there being only two rows. Why hover behind me without saying a word? If I were looking at jewelry or something similar, I wouldn't mind as much or if there were more space, but I can't even turn around without hitting their nose.
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I hate Korean department stores. I hate being followed like a damn thief. Just leave me be and I'll buy something but when you follow me around, it makes me want to go someplace else and buy it just to spite you/your company.
Define department store? Are we talking Shinsegae? Or are you talking about the sock aisle on the 2nd floor floor of a HomePlus? Obviously in a cheap or medium-end its nice to be left alone.
However, high-end shopping, it really is best to be served (if you can communicate with them), that way you can ask questions, get recommendations, make it clear what you want, etc, especially if its something you don't really understand (or its something you REALLY understand).
Also, people would moan if the sales people ignored them. They'd probably think it was racist or something.
Sales people here are not really good at "selling" you what you want but what they think you should want.
This is the season for buying sunglasses and no Department Store adjumma is going to explain to me correctly which sunglasses are in the recent trend and which one matches the shape of my face. They will just try to sell you the most expensive or popular one.
I can't find any sunglasses here that fit my face... I was surprised because I can look decent with pretty much any pair back home, even my mum's massive bug eye purple eye-sores.
For some reason, all the glasses here make my face look like shit, i think the frames are taller or something... I order my glasses from asos.com, free delivery here!
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I hate Korean department stores. I hate being followed like a damn thief. Just leave me be and I'll buy something but when you follow me around, it makes me want to go someplace else and buy it just to spite you/your company.
Define department store? Are we talking Shinsegae? Or are you talking about the sock aisle on the 2nd floor floor of a HomePlus? Obviously in a cheap or medium-end its nice to be left alone.
However, high-end shopping, it really is best to be served (if you can communicate with them), that way you can ask questions, get recommendations, make it clear what you want, etc, especially if its something you don't really understand (or its something you REALLY understand).
Also, people would moan if the sales people ignored them. They'd probably think it was racist or something.
Sales people here are not really good at "selling" you what you want but what they think you should want.
This is the season for buying sunglasses and no Department Store adjumma is going to explain to me correctly which sunglasses are in the recent trend and which one matches the shape of my face. They will just try to sell you the most expensive or popular one.
I can't find any sunglasses here that fit my face... I was surprised because I can look decent with pretty much any pair back home, even my mum's massive bug eye purple eye-sores.
For some reason, all the glasses here make my face look like shit, i think the frames are taller or something... I order my glasses from asos.com, free delivery here!
Yeah! Still using $60 Ray-Bans that I bought off Amazon a few years ago. Though, I should treat myself to some prescription ones for driving or some new glasses with the sunglasses lens clip-on.
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I hate Korean department stores. I hate being followed like a damn thief. Just leave me be and I'll buy something but when you follow me around, it makes me want to go someplace else and buy it just to spite you/your company.
Define department store? Are we talking Shinsegae? Or are you talking about the sock aisle on the 2nd floor floor of a HomePlus? Obviously in a cheap or medium-end its nice to be left alone.
However, high-end shopping, it really is best to be served (if you can communicate with them), that way you can ask questions, get recommendations, make it clear what you want, etc, especially if its something you don't really understand (or its something you REALLY understand).
Also, people would moan if the sales people ignored them. They'd probably think it was racist or something.
Sales people here are not really good at "selling" you what you want but what they think you should want.
This is the season for buying sunglasses and no Department Store adjumma is going to explain to me correctly which sunglasses are in the recent trend and which one matches the shape of my face. They will just try to sell you the most expensive or popular one.
I can't find any sunglasses here that fit my face... I was surprised because I can look decent with pretty much any pair back home, even my mum's massive bug eye purple eye-sores.
For some reason, all the glasses here make my face look like shit, i think the frames are taller or something... I order my glasses from asos.com, free delivery here!
Yeah! Still using $60 Ray-Bans that I bought off Amazon a few years ago. Though, I should treat myself to some prescription ones for driving or some new glasses with the sunglasses lens clip-on.
The best pair of sunglasses I have ever owned (and still use regularly) were $12 at a gas station. I picked them because the snow was blinding me one time driving long distance. This was coincidentally also the moment I realized I was old...
They are definitely not typical Korean style and I got told I look like the terminator when wearing them. (Sports days at school mostly.)
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I'm talking about the tiny wine selection at some department stores where they just follow me, despite there being only two rows. Why hover behind me without saying a word? If I were looking at jewelry or something similar, I wouldn't mind as much or if there were more space, but I can't even turn around without hitting their nose.
Well, as someone who has gone through the experience of purchasing wine and cheese pairings through an expert, I have to say that when you're buying good wine and good cheese from a good store, it's the only way to go. Now, I know that probably doesn't apply to a Korean Dept. store in practice, but in theory it should. If back home you're in a good market and you're waving off the (steward? Oenologist? Sommelier?), you're making a mistake (If nothing else you often get to sample stuff).
The person there is supposed to be attending to you and serving you. If you don't want this, you can simply dismiss them and that's that. Nothing to stress about.
Sales people here are not really good at "selling" you what you want but what they think you should want.
This is the season for buying sunglasses and no Department Store adjumma is going to explain to me correctly which sunglasses are in the recent trend and which one matches the shape of my face. They will just try to sell you the most expensive or popular one.
I won't disagree that this is usually the case, however I would also submit that given some of the shades and clothes I see some solo shoppers roll in, a 2nd opinion might be a good thing. The fact is at least 50%+ of people walking into a store (Korean or foreign) really have no idea what they want. If they really knew what they wanted they would walk up and ask for a specific model.
Also, what people perceive as looking good on them and what the rest of the world perceives as looking good on them aren't always the same thing.
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I'm talking about the tiny wine selection at some department stores where they just follow me, despite there being only two rows. Why hover behind me without saying a word? If I were looking at jewelry or something similar, I wouldn't mind as much or if there were more space, but I can't even turn around without hitting their nose.
Well, as someone who has gone through the experience of purchasing wine and cheese pairings through an expert, I have to say that when you're buying good wine and good cheese from a good store, it's the only way to go. Now, I know that probably doesn't apply to a Korean Dept. store in practice, but in theory it should. If back home you're in a good market and you're waving off the (steward? Oenologist? Sommelier?), you're making a mistake (If nothing else you often get to sample stuff).
The person there is supposed to be attending to you and serving you. If you don't want this, you can simply dismiss them and that's that. Nothing to stress about.
No stress but just something that irks me, which is the point of this topic lol
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I've noticed some bike riders driving in the street, instead of the nice bike paths that are made for their safety.
Which breings me to one of my pet peeves: THE FACT THAT ALL THE NICE BIKE PATHS THAT ARE MADE FOR OUR SAFETY ARE BLOCKED BY &@$^$*# PARKED CARS, VENDOR STALLS, AND IDIOT PEDESTRIANS!!!! >:(
The flip side: (http://dimg.donga.com/wps/DKBNEWS/IMAGE/2009/09/28/34153373.1.jpg)
Just a few weeks ago I was riding my bike on the curb side of the bus lane and a car purposefully swipes ahead of me and abruptly parks to let out his wife next to the subway station. I stop my bike and give him an annoyed glare, but I'm ready to leave it at that, when he rolls down his window, sticks out his head and immediately launches a flurry of curses at me. I explain that this is the bus lane and I was far off to the side when the wife, who is now out of the car, starts lecturing me that I shouldn't be riding my bike in the road, and when I ask 'Where should I ride?' she helpfully offers 'nowhere'. :undecided: :rolleyes:
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I hate Korean department stores. I hate being followed like a damn thief. Just leave me be and I'll buy something but when you follow me around, it makes me want to go someplace else and buy it just to spite you/your company.
You do realize that 98% of the time, if you tell them politely that you're just looking, or that you're fine and you don't need help at the moment, they'll leave you alone.
Their job description tells them that they have to be hyper attentive and helpful, or they're not doing their job well (which could get their manager nagging them).
I get it, but it's still annoying. Just like when you order a spicy dish and they ask if you can eat it. They're just doing their job, but it can still irk you.
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Just a few weeks ago I was riding my bike on the curb side of the bus lane and a car purposefully swipes ahead of me and abruptly parks to let out his wife next to the subway station. I stop my bike and give him an annoyed glare, but I'm ready to leave it at that, when he rolls down his window, sticks out his head and immediately launches a flurry of curses at me. I explain that this is the bus lane and I was far off to the side when the wife, who is now out of the car, starts lecturing me that I shouldn't be riding my bike in the road, and when I ask 'Where should I ride?' she helpfully offers 'nowhere'. :undecided: :rolleyes:
Well, this story just spiked my blood pressure by about 10 points. Thanks!
Just 10 more and I win the game!
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yeah you can tell them you're just looking but it gets super annoying super quickly to have to do that in every store you go to, if you visit multiple stores in a row. and if you go to a big store with multiple floors or sections you'll sometimes have to do it multiple times in the same damn store.
and sometimes telling them you're just looking only causes them to take 1 step back but still hover over you and follow you around.
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Just a few weeks ago I was riding my bike on the curb side of the bus lane and a car purposefully swipes ahead of me and abruptly parks to let out his wife next to the subway station. I stop my bike and give him an annoyed glare, but I'm ready to leave it at that, when he rolls down his window, sticks out his head and immediately launches a flurry of curses at me. I explain that this is the bus lane and I was far off to the side when the wife, who is now out of the car, starts lecturing me that I shouldn't be riding my bike in the road, and when I ask 'Where should I ride?' she helpfully offers 'nowhere'. :undecided: :rolleyes:
Well, this story just spiked my blood pressure by about 10 points. Thanks!
Just 10 more and I win the game!
Would not happen in a nation more tolerant of fisticuffs.
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I only ever experience the super clingy salespeople at places like Etude House, Tony Moly, etc. It drives me mad and, subsequently, out of the store.
I also hate being at the grocery store and beckoned to buy some milk that is on sale/being sampled as opposed to whatever it is I actually want.
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I also hate being at the grocery store and beckoned to buy some milk that is on sale/being sampled as opposed to whatever it is I actually want.
Yesterday at Bonespé:
I: Do you have any bagels?
They: They're sold out. Try a baguette.
:undecided:
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I also hate being at the grocery store and beckoned to buy some milk that is on sale/being sampled as opposed to whatever it is I actually want.
Yesterday at Bonespé:
I: Do you have any bagels?
They: They're sold out. Try a baguette.
:undecided:
I like that.
A irksome response would be, "you don't want a bagel. You want a baguette. So delicious!"
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I get it, but it's still annoying...They're just doing their job, but it can still irk you.
So basically, you're upset they can't read your mind over whether or not you'd like some assistance as you look at things in a quizzical fashion. And to compound it, you have to go through the crucible of telling them "I'm okay, thank you." Did it ever occur to you that YOU are the one with the problem, not them? I mean this isn't that big a deal and shouldn't be a huge annoyance.
Though in your defense, I am often tempted to go with the Ron Swanson "I know more than you.", especially in the beer/liquor aisle. There is an element of "Guy in costume who you just want to kick in the rear" element to salespeople. I'm not totally oblivious to their annoyances.
I only ever experience the super clingy salespeople at places like Etude House, Tony Moly, etc. It drives me mad and, subsequently, out of the store.
I also hate being at the grocery store and beckoned to buy some milk that is on sale/being sampled as opposed to whatever it is I actually want.
Uhm, correct me if I'm wrong, at places for cosmetics, skin care, etc. isn't that one of the places you really want personal attention and someone who knows the product there to assist you? I mean isn't one of the reasons people go to the dept. store and not just buy online is so they can test out different products and see how it applies and get professional advice? At least that's what it appears to me, but I could be wrong because I'm not really spending much time in Etude House or in front of the Bobbi Brown counter.
As far as the grocery store, sometimes those displays can be the best value or they got a good lot. Check the date on stuff, sometimes it's 'Get our excess inventory out of here' but other times they got a big fresh lot from the wholesaler/distributor/whatever and you're getting fresher milk at a cheaper price. Take a gander and see what they have. At worst you just have to shake your head and go and buy something else. At best you either get a better product or a better price and sometimes both.
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I get it, but it's still annoying...They're just doing their job, but it can still irk you.
So basically, you're upset they can't read your mind over whether or not you'd like some assistance as you look at things in a quizzical fashion. And to compound it, you have to go through the crucible of telling them "I'm okay, thank you." Did it ever occur to you that YOU are the one with the problem, not them? I mean this isn't that big a deal and shouldn't be a huge annoyance.
Though in your defense, I am often tempted to go with the Ron Swanson "I know more than you.", especially in the beer/liquor aisle. There is an element of "Guy in costume who you just want to kick in the rear" element to salespeople. I'm not totally oblivious to their annoyances.
I only ever experience the super clingy salespeople at places like Etude House, Tony Moly, etc. It drives me mad and, subsequently, out of the store.
I also hate being at the grocery store and beckoned to buy some milk that is on sale/being sampled as opposed to whatever it is I actually want.
Uhm, correct me if I'm wrong, at places for cosmetics, skin care, etc. isn't that one of the places you really want personal attention and someone who knows the product there to assist you? I mean isn't one of the reasons people go to the dept. store and not just buy online is so they can test out different products and see how it applies and get professional advice? At least that's what it appears to me, but I could be wrong because I'm not really spending much time in Etude House or in front of the Bobbi Brown counter.
As far as the grocery store, sometimes those displays can be the best value or they got a good lot. Check the date on stuff, sometimes it's 'Get our excess inventory out of here' but other times they got a big fresh lot from the wholesaler/distributor/whatever and you're getting fresher milk at a cheaper price. Take a gander and see what they have. At worst you just have to shake your head and go and buy something else. At best you either get a better product or a better price and sometimes both.
It's great if the employees are available to help me, but I'd like to be the one to approach them if I have a question. I hate it when I walk into a skincare place and immediately the employees descend upon me like vultures. I just would like to take my time to browse, but being intensely stared at makes me so uncomfortable that I usually leave without buying anything.
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I guess I'll write a couple of things that irk me about what Koreans say. Not so much what they do.
The one that stood at to me the most that someone else earlier mentioned:
When Koreans refer to Korea as 우리- "Our language, our country, our products."
Sometimes it is acceptable. But I sometimes tell Koreans that whenever they use the phrase "We," they separate themselves further from the rest of the world. They often say that it's just their language... well no duh, I speak it too and understand but they don't understand the psychological power that the word "We" has. As a mixed (Korean/American) this is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Korean language to me, it teaches them that your are either Korean or you are not, and indeed even my own family always has to pressure me into picking a side. I've been told multiple times that I must choose to either live as a Korean or eventually go back to America. There is no concept of a border-less world to them. Humans created the borders, they didn't exist before. All we need is a passport and a plane ticket to travel, what stops us from being more multicultural? These kinds of attitudes.
~~~
As for people complaining about all the slurping as stuff... I can never imagine eating ramen without slurping. Some food just tastes better when you slurp it. In America I'm more conscious of the understanding that slurping is a no-no, but if I walk into a Japanese restaurant joint in downtown, I'm still going to slurp my damn ramen because that is what you are supposed to do.
Now... I do not like people who chew with their mouths open... it's tolerable when old people do it but not young people. :wink:
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Sorry, I haven't been through the whole thread, so maybe my contributions have come up already.
(Side note: A lot of the annoyances that I have read on here don't bother me that much - aside from the hovering staff at shops - so this kind of topic actually provides quite an interesting insight into the personalities of the contributors)
Okay, so my two biggest things:
1) Being complimented for basic life skills that any simpleton is able to master. I know that my Korean co-workers mean really well here, and are just trying to be nice, but the dumbest thing I've been applauded for is making a sandwich. This is how that conversation went:
K Teacher: What did you bring for lunch today?
Me (unwrapping a sandwich): A sandwich.
K Teacher (analyzing the sandwich): Did you make that yourself?
Me: Yes.
K Teacher: Wow. (Hastily speaks in Korean to other teacher, who also analyzes the sandwich).
Other Teacher: Did you really make that?
Me: Yes.
Other teacher: Whoa... (More impressed conversation in Korean ensues)
Some other sources of amazement and wonder for them: my ability to say "Annyeong haseyo" when I encounter students' parents, eating spicy food (of course), and going to Korean restaurants (I don't know if they expected me to eat every meal at Burger King or something...)
Still, none of that compares to the maddening effect of living in Japan and being complimented on your chopstick abilities at almost every meal. I totally understand that this is just something that Japanese people conjure up when they don't know what else to say to a foreigner, but honestly, you could live in Japan for 20 years, speak fluent Japanese and make all this known to a food server before tucking into your bowl of soba, and you'd still get the stupid compliment about your ability to handle a common eating utensil.
2) Lack of child discipline
Maybe this is a more serious one, rather than something mildly irksome. But man, is it infuriating. The jjimjilbang on a weekend afternoon is a great place to witness it in its full horror. Not long ago, I was in a quartz sauna, somewhat busy but relatively quiet. A youngish woman came in with about 8 kids in tow, probably her own and some cousins or friends. They started playing Kai Bai Bo in the sauna, deliberately getting louder with each iteration until they were practically screaming. I looked up to glare at the woman responsible for this madness and she was sat there with that glazed look of obliviousness so common in situations like this. Then the kids proceeded to run in and out of the different sauna rooms, screaming and slamming the doors, enough to cut significantly short my time at the jjimjilbang, but nobody said anything, and she let it all unfold as if it were perfectly acceptable behavior.
On another occasion, my wife watched some little monster in the locker room (maybe 3 or 4 years old - young enough to be in the ladies' area of the jjimjilbang, anyway), hitting his mother's bare ass and screaming for attention, which she ignored in favor of the all-important makeup application. This animal then charged around the locker room smacking other nude women on their thighs and bottoms, and his mother never, never came to the conclusion, "You know, maybe a little intervention is necessary here."
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.... As a mixed (Korean/American) this is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Korean language to me, it teaches them that your are either Korean or you are not, and indeed even my own family always has to pressure me into picking a side. I've been told multiple times that I must choose to either live as a Korean or eventually go back to America.
...
As for people complaining about all the slurping as stuff... I can never imagine eating ramen without slurping. Some food just tastes better when you slurp it. In America I'm more conscious of the understanding that slurping is a no-no, but if I walk into a Japanese restaurant joint in downtown, I'm still going to slurp my damn ramen because that is what you are supposed to do.
Now... I do not like people who chew with their mouths open... it's tolerable when old people do it but not young people. :wink:
Slurps ramen, shows deference to old people...
Sounds like you have made your choice.
:)
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Uhm, correct me if I'm wrong, at places for cosmetics, skin care, etc. isn't that one of the places you really want personal attention and someone who knows the product there to assist you? I mean isn't one of the reasons people go to the dept. store and not just buy online is so they can test out different products and see how it applies and get professional advice?
'professional' advice? from some high school or university student who barely has any idea what they're doing?
like that time i went to a Face Shop er.... shop, and asked them for a specific product, only to be told they don't have it. only for me to find the exact product i wanted on the shelf less than 2 minutes later.
and what you seem to be completely unaware of is that koreans find this behavior by shop assistants equally annoying. this whole country is filled with koreans, maybe you should actually try talking to them sometime?
Innisfree seems to have finally realized this, and started this basket system.
(https://i.imgur.com/0qexjJGl.jpg)
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Innisfree seems to have finally realized this, and started this basket system.
(https://i.imgur.com/0qexjJGl.jpg)
I can def do myself.
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.... As a mixed (Korean/American) this is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Korean language to me, it teaches them that your are either Korean or you are not, and indeed even my own family always has to pressure me into picking a side. I've been told multiple times that I must choose to either live as a Korean or eventually go back to America.
...
As for people complaining about all the slurping as stuff... I can never imagine eating ramen without slurping. Some food just tastes better when you slurp it. In America I'm more conscious of the understanding that slurping is a no-no, but if I walk into a Japanese restaurant joint in downtown, I'm still going to slurp my damn ramen because that is what you are supposed to do.
Now... I do not like people who chew with their mouths open... it's tolerable when old people do it but not young people. :wink:
Slurps ramen, shows deference to old people...
Sounds like you have made your choice.
:)
And here we have a person on the other side of the fence saying I'm not welcome. *sob* :cry: :cry: (Sarcasm)
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On another occasion, my wife watched some little monster in the locker room (maybe 3 or 4 years old - young enough to be in the ladies' area of the jjimjilbang, anyway), hitting his mother's bare ass and screaming for attention, which she ignored in favor of the all-important makeup application. This animal then charged around the locker room smacking other nude women on their thighs and bottoms[/size], and his mother never, never came to the conclusion, "You know, maybe a little intervention is necessary here."
:huh:
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You've just enabled their law breaking.
You being funny?
I'm not enabling anything.
I'm not so arrogant/ignorant to believe that I am going to change the rude behavior of a couple of Korean men.
I have removed myself from the situation and eliminated the problem.
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1) Being complimented for basic life skills that any simpleton is able to master. I know that my Korean co-workers mean really well here, and are just trying to be nice, but the dumbest thing I've been applauded for is making a sandwich. This is how that conversation went:
On another occasion, my wife watched some little monster in the locker room (maybe 3 or 4 years old - young enough to be in the ladies' area of the jjimjilbang, anyway), hitting his mother's bare ass and screaming for attention, which she ignored in favor of the all-important makeup application. This animal then charged around the locker room smacking other nude women on their thighs and bottoms, and his mother never, never came to the conclusion, "You know, maybe a little intervention is necessary here."
First part, I agree.
Second part, bahahaha. It may have been annoying, but that is a funny story to hear/think about.
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I guess I'll write a couple of things that irk me about what Koreans say. Not so much what they do.
The one that stood at to me the most that someone else earlier mentioned:
When Koreans refer to Korea as 우리- "Our language, our country, our products."
Sometimes it is acceptable. But I sometimes tell Koreans that whenever they use the phrase "We," they separate themselves further from the rest of the world. They often say that it's just their language... well no duh, I speak it too and understand but they don't understand the psychological power that the word "We" has. As a mixed (Korean/American) this is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Korean language to me, it teaches them that your are either Korean or you are not, and indeed even my own family always has to pressure me into picking a side. I've been told multiple times that I must choose to either live as a Korean or eventually go back to America. There is no concept of a border-less world to them. Humans created the borders, they didn't exist before. All we need is a passport and a plane ticket to travel, what stops us from being more multicultural? These kinds of attitudes.
~~~
As for people complaining about all the slurping as stuff... I can never imagine eating ramen without slurping. Some food just tastes better when you slurp it. In America I'm more conscious of the understanding that slurping is a no-no, but if I walk into a Japanese restaurant joint in downtown, I'm still going to slurp my damn ramen because that is what you are supposed to do.
Now... I do not like people who chew with their mouths open... it's tolerable when old people do it but not young people. :wink:
You're rapidly becoming one of my favourite posters for your posts.
I thought I was your Lucky Star.
(https://openclipart.org/image/2400px/svg_to_png/222252/feels.png)
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Just a few weeks ago I was riding my bike on the curb side of the bus lane and a car purposefully swipes ahead of me and abruptly parks to let out his wife next to the subway station. I stop my bike and give him an annoyed glare, but I'm ready to leave it at that, when he rolls down his window, sticks out his head and immediately launches a flurry of curses at me. I explain that this is the bus lane and I was far off to the side when the wife, who is now out of the car, starts lecturing me that I shouldn't be riding my bike in the road, and when I ask 'Where should I ride?' she helpfully offers 'nowhere'. :undecided: :rolleyes:
Well, this story just spiked my blood pressure by about 10 points. Thanks!
Just 10 more and I win the game!
Would not happen in a nation more tolerant of fisticuffs.
No fisticuffs necessary. I got the last word in with her as she descended the staircase. "Thanks. You're very helpful." and I put an extra sardonic emphasis on the word 'very'. Booyah, grandma! (https://media.tenor.co/images/ba88f72dbccae632dcfd4c80a732f9b9/tenor.gif)
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I guess I'll write a couple of things that irk me about what Koreans say. Not so much what they do.
The one that stood at to me the most that someone else earlier mentioned:
When Koreans refer to Korea as 우리- "Our language, our country, our products."
Sometimes it is acceptable. But I sometimes tell Koreans that whenever they use the phrase "We," they separate themselves further from the rest of the world. They often say that it's just their language... well no duh, I speak it too and understand but they don't understand the psychological power that the word "We" has. As a mixed (Korean/American) this is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Korean language to me, it teaches them that your are either Korean or you are not, and indeed even my own family always has to pressure me into picking a side. I've been told multiple times that I must choose to either live as a Korean or eventually go back to America. There is no concept of a border-less world to them. Humans created the borders, they didn't exist before. All we need is a passport and a plane ticket to travel, what stops us from being more multicultural? These kinds of attitudes.
~~~
As for people complaining about all the slurping as stuff... I can never imagine eating ramen without slurping. Some food just tastes better when you slurp it. In America I'm more conscious of the understanding that slurping is a no-no, but if I walk into a Japanese restaurant joint in downtown, I'm still going to slurp my damn ramen because that is what you are supposed to do.
Now... I do not like people who chew with their mouths open... it's tolerable when old people do it but not young people. :wink:
You're rapidly becoming one of my favourite posters for your posts.
I'm confused.
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
:shocked:
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.... As a mixed (Korean/American) this is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Korean language to me, it teaches them that your are either Korean or you are not, and indeed even my own family always has to pressure me into picking a side. I've been told multiple times that I must choose to either live as a Korean or eventually go back to America.
...
As for people complaining about all the slurping as stuff... I can never imagine eating ramen without slurping. Some food just tastes better when you slurp it. In America I'm more conscious of the understanding that slurping is a no-no, but if I walk into a Japanese restaurant joint in downtown, I'm still going to slurp my damn ramen because that is what you are supposed to do.
Now... I do not like people who chew with their mouths open... it's tolerable when old people do it but not young people. :wink:
Slurps ramen, shows deference to old people...
Sounds like you have made your choice.
:)
And here we have a person on the other side of the fence saying I'm not welcome. *sob* :cry: :cry: (Sarcasm)
It's great to play either side as appropriate, isn't it?
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.... As a mixed (Korean/American) this is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Korean language to me, it teaches them that your are either Korean or you are not, and indeed even my own family always has to pressure me into picking a side. I've been told multiple times that I must choose to either live as a Korean or eventually go back to America.
...
As for people complaining about all the slurping as stuff... I can never imagine eating ramen without slurping. Some food just tastes better when you slurp it. In America I'm more conscious of the understanding that slurping is a no-no, but if I walk into a Japanese restaurant joint in downtown, I'm still going to slurp my damn ramen because that is what you are supposed to do.
Now... I do not like people who chew with their mouths open... it's tolerable when old people do it but not young people. :wink:
Slurps ramen, shows deference to old people...
Sounds like you have made your choice.
:)
And here we have a person on the other side of the fence saying I'm not welcome. *sob* :cry: :cry: (Sarcasm)
It's great to play either side as appropriate, isn't it?
Oh yes, it's also nice to be in the middle of a dodgeball court having balls thrown at your from both sides, then finally being asked to join a team when that team is down 10 players, then being called a traitor by the other side, then finally being told to "go back to your team" after they jailbreak their previous 10 downed players, being denied and having balls thrown at you again from both sides...
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I find it pretty annoying when I'm out with my significant other, and I ask a question to some service staff in a restaurant or store, and they completely comprehend and understand, and then start answering - to my significant other.
It's not them asking for confirmation or clarification - they're literally answering the question I just asked, but not looking at me.
And then I'll make some comment or acknowledge that I heard their answer to my question, and either thank them or ask a follow-up question, and they will continue to speak to my significant other as if it was her talking.
This happens probably about 30-40% of the time when we're shopping together.
I ranted about that a bit, and significant other said that if she talked to someone in my home country, it would be the same thing. So when we went on vacation to my home country, I made a point to watch for it. And actually I was surprised - it did happen, but only once.
But yeah. DANG that's irritating.
Whenever I'm out with non-Asian friends, Koreans always look to me, even if my friend was the one asking something. I tell them I don't speak Korean. They keep looking to me anyway as if I'm just pranking them and will magically rescue them from having to attempt speaking English.
Teehee, MFers.
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.... As a mixed (Korean/American) this is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Korean language to me, it teaches them that your are either Korean or you are not, and indeed even my own family always has to pressure me into picking a side. I've been told multiple times that I must choose to either live as a Korean or eventually go back to America.
...
As for people complaining about all the slurping as stuff... I can never imagine eating ramen without slurping. Some food just tastes better when you slurp it. In America I'm more conscious of the understanding that slurping is a no-no, but if I walk into a Japanese restaurant joint in downtown, I'm still going to slurp my damn ramen because that is what you are supposed to do.
Now... I do not like people who chew with their mouths open... it's tolerable when old people do it but not young people. :wink:
Slurps ramen, shows deference to old people...
Sounds like you have made your choice.
:)
And here we have a person on the other side of the fence saying I'm not welcome. *sob* :cry: :cry: (Sarcasm)
It's great to play either side as appropriate, isn't it?
Oh yes, it's also nice to be in the middle of a dodgeball court having balls thrown at your from both sides, then finally being asked to join a team when that team is down 10 players, then being called a traitor by the other side, then finally being told to "go back to your team" after they jailbreak their previous 10 downed players, being denied and having balls thrown at you again from both sides...
I hear you.
I am also bi-cultural.
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I find it pretty annoying when I'm out with my significant other, and I ask a question to some service staff in a restaurant or store, and they completely comprehend and understand, and then start answering - to my significant other.
It's not them asking for confirmation or clarification - they're literally answering the question I just asked, but not looking at me.
And then I'll make some comment or acknowledge that I heard their answer to my question, and either thank them or ask a follow-up question, and they will continue to speak to my significant other as if it was her talking.
This happens probably about 30-40% of the time when we're shopping together.
I ranted about that a bit, and significant other said that if she talked to someone in my home country, it would be the same thing. So when we went on vacation to my home country, I made a point to watch for it. And actually I was surprised - it did happen, but only once.
But yeah. DANG that's irritating.
Whenever I'm out with non-Asian friends, Koreans always look to me, even if my friend was the one asking something. I tell them I don't speak Korean. They keep looking to me anyway as if I'm just pranking them and will magically rescue them from having to attempt speaking English.
Teehee, MFers.
Oh. I should've clarified that I'm speaking Korean when this happens. And to protect my fragile ego, I'll point out again that they totally understand what I said and aren't asking for confirmation. They're just literally answering the question to a different person. Like, I don't expect them to English.
But yeah.
Nah, bruh, I gotcha. Just relating the other side of the coin. My friends did ask in Korean (simple stuff like "how much is this?" and whatever) and though their pronunciation still leaves something to be desired, I think it was hardly impossible to understand them.
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Also, I like the term "fisticuffs" and I too enjoy cjszk's posts.
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Just a few weeks ago I was riding my bike on the curb side of the bus lane and a car purposefully swipes ahead of me and abruptly parks to let out his wife next to the subway station. I stop my bike and give him an annoyed glare, but I'm ready to leave it at that, when he rolls down his window, sticks out his head and immediately launches a flurry of curses at me. I explain that this is the bus lane and I was far off to the side when the wife, who is now out of the car, starts lecturing me that I shouldn't be riding my bike in the road, and when I ask 'Where should I ride?' she helpfully offers 'nowhere'. :undecided: :rolleyes:
Well, this story just spiked my blood pressure by about 10 points. Thanks!
Just 10 more and I win the game!
Would not happen in a nation more tolerant of fisticuffs.
No fisticuffs necessary. I got the last word in with her as she descended the staircase. "Thanks. You're very helpful." and I put an extra sardonic emphasis on the word 'very'. Booyah, grandma! (https://media.tenor.co/images/ba88f72dbccae632dcfd4c80a732f9b9/tenor.gif)
Watch out now! :shocked:
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I find it pretty annoying when I'm out with my significant other, and I ask a question to some service staff in a restaurant or store, and they completely comprehend and understand, and then start answering - to my significant other.
It's not them asking for confirmation or clarification - they're literally answering the question I just asked, but not looking at me.
And then I'll make some comment or acknowledge that I heard their answer to my question, and either thank them or ask a follow-up question, and they will continue to speak to my significant other as if it was her talking.
This happens probably about 30-40% of the time when we're shopping together.
I ranted about that a bit, and significant other said that if she talked to someone in my home country, it would be the same thing. So when we went on vacation to my home country, I made a point to watch for it. And actually I was surprised - it did happen, but only once.
But yeah. DANG that's irritating.
This rant comes up a lot in learning/speaking Korean threads and I think the reaction of Koreans in this situation is understandable.
Remember there's no way of them knowing your Korean ability. Like many of us, you could have general service questions and requests memorised and well practiced. But beyond that, there's a chance we know very little Korean outside of that. So if they see you standing next to someone who they think is a native Korean, they'll more than likely address them.
I mean, if it particularly bothered you, you could confront them about it. But then you could come completely unstuck as soon as they say something you don't understand and your gf has to step in to rescue you.
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I find it pretty annoying when I'm out with my significant other, and I ask a question to some service staff in a restaurant or store, and they completely comprehend and understand, and then start answering - to my significant other.
It's not them asking for confirmation or clarification - they're literally answering the question I just asked, but not looking at me.
And then I'll make some comment or acknowledge that I heard their answer to my question, and either thank them or ask a follow-up question, and they will continue to speak to my significant other as if it was her talking.
This happens probably about 30-40% of the time when we're shopping together.
I ranted about that a bit, and significant other said that if she talked to someone in my home country, it would be the same thing. So when we went on vacation to my home country, I made a point to watch for it. And actually I was surprised - it did happen, but only once.
But yeah. DANG that's irritating.
This rant comes up a lot in learning/speaking Korean threads and I think the reaction of Koreans in this situation is understandable.
Remember there's no way of them knowing your Korean ability. Like many of us, you could have general service questions and requests memorised and well practiced. But beyond that, there's a chance we know very little Korean outside of that. So if they see you standing next to someone who they think is a native Korean, they'll more than likely address them.
I mean, if it particularly bothered you, you could confront them about it. But then you could come completely unstuck as soon as they say something you don't understand and your gf has to step in to rescue you.
I think you've completely missed his point.
He isn't saying there is a language barrier but the service people are deferring to the person who they think looks Korean and/or more likely to look like they speak Korean.
It's why I just let my Korean wife order all the food when we go out to restaurants. I don't want to waste time with the staff confirming to my wife that the waegook speaking to us in Korean asked to order barbecue for 2 people, with me [and them] knowing that the menu states I must order for 2 people, and that my wife and I are indeed, 2 people.
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I find it pretty annoying when I'm out with my significant other, and I ask a question to some service staff in a restaurant or store, and they completely comprehend and understand, and then start answering - to my significant other.
It's not them asking for confirmation or clarification - they're literally answering the question I just asked, but not looking at me.
And then I'll make some comment or acknowledge that I heard their answer to my question, and either thank them or ask a follow-up question, and they will continue to speak to my significant other as if it was her talking.
This happens probably about 30-40% of the time when we're shopping together.
I ranted about that a bit, and significant other said that if she talked to someone in my home country, it would be the same thing. So when we went on vacation to my home country, I made a point to watch for it. And actually I was surprised - it did happen, but only once.
But yeah. DANG that's irritating.
This rant comes up a lot in learning/speaking Korean threads and I think the reaction of Koreans in this situation is understandable.
Remember there's no way of them knowing your Korean ability. Like many of us, you could have general service questions and requests memorised and well practiced. But beyond that, there's a chance we know very little Korean outside of that. So if they see you standing next to someone who they think is a native Korean, they'll more than likely address them.
I mean, if it particularly bothered you, you could confront them about it. But then you could come completely unstuck as soon as they say something you don't understand and your gf has to step in to rescue you.
happens to me often with my SO as well. answering my questions to him. no eye contact. he just passes it off as "shy". whatevs
that's a reasonable approach to say that they're just being practical, however, its a split second decision. i doubt in their head they're going "well this 왜국 may not speak at a high enough level to understand my response, so i'll default to the 우리 나라 person instead". it's a common enough to be a "thing".
selfishly, it frustrates me because i want to maximize my practice in korean, but it gets thwarted. even youtuber, motivatekorean, has responded by saying "get a language exchange partner and don't expect too much practice in your day to day"
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happens to me too.
on a similar note:
anyone ever hand their card to the worker to pay for something, only for the worker to hand it back...but to your partner?
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I don't think a borderless world free for everyone to live where they please is the default "normal" view. In fact I think given 10,000 years of tradition as well as all the laws in the world, the we are all one view is the weird one. It's something to aspire to but not something that is anywhere close to reality or practicable.
As for what irritates me the most about Korea, nothing really big. I guess its being slowly sucked into the regulation world. Smokes are more expensive. Smoking is banned in bars and clubs and not the free choice of people to designate such establishments as smoke friendly and be freely patronized as a choice. They closed down all the soju tents. They'll probably ban street and mart drinking next. Used to be some kids in Hongdae could set up a stand with liquor bottles and a bucket of ice and some fruit and sell u cocktails off the street. Also they should tell the anti-dog meat people to piss off (though not the anti-cruelty people, important ditinction). Give a big finger to the world and embrace it. That being said, endangered specie crap like Rhino horn has got to go and should be beat out of people. Fortunately the mess of viagra and cialis business cards in the john says that the traditional stuff is losing its hold on everyone.
What else? Casino culture sucks. Everyone takes themself too seriously. Oh yeah and bring back BYOB to the ballgames. First game I went to I came in with a minikeg of Asahi or whatever as well as gin, vermouth, a mixer, a jar of olives, and 4 plastic martini glasses and a sushi tray to my table seat, Now all of that would be banned. I blame liberals.
Free speech laws could be loosened, but the country is technically at war so I understand. Make it easier to hunt n shoot and with the low taxes and with the minimal police presence this place is alright.
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Also, ranting and venting is not a healthy way to deal with stress. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/high-octane-women/201102/feel-venting-you-may-want-think-again-literally
I never understand why people link to random articles that have no source. I looked for a link, or even just the name of a study, all that's there is one scientist's name and it doesn't even specify if he's the scientist that conducted the study.
And further, why is it people are so ready to believe any article that does properly cite a study? Keyword: a study. Part of science is that the study has to be replicated and get similar enough results each time to be really accepted as "true," and even that comes with exceptions, like when each study has a measly little sample size of, for example, under 100.
And then! The semantics!
It turns out that when put to the test, researchers have discovered that not only does venting not necessarily improve our psychological state, it may actually worsen it.
Meaning, not all the time, but sometimes.
Angry tirades, punching pillows (or anything else), and confrontation of the person we view as the cause of our anger.
This is hardly equivalent to just complaining to a friend, or, as the case is, internet strangers. Still a negative way to deal with things, sure, but I wouldn't go so far as to say aggressive.
That being said, I think there's a better argument that venting keeps you focused on the problem, which could potentially lead to a habit of obsessing about problems longer than you should.
Irk thing: burning yard waste. I realized today that back home, if I smelled something burning, I'd know something was wrong and there was the potential for danger. Here, I'm like "Time to close the windows I guess."
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I find it pretty annoying when I'm out with my significant other, and I ask a question to some service staff in a restaurant or store, and they completely comprehend and understand, and then start answering - to my significant other.
It's not them asking for confirmation or clarification - they're literally answering the question I just asked, but not looking at me.
And then I'll make some comment or acknowledge that I heard their answer to my question, and either thank them or ask a follow-up question, and they will continue to speak to my significant other as if it was her talking.
This happens probably about 30-40% of the time when we're shopping together.
I ranted about that a bit, and significant other said that if she talked to someone in my home country, it would be the same thing. So when we went on vacation to my home country, I made a point to watch for it. And actually I was surprised - it did happen, but only once.
But yeah. DANG that's irritating.
This rant comes up a lot in learning/speaking Korean threads and I think the reaction of Koreans in this situation is understandable.
Remember there's no way of them knowing your Korean ability. Like many of us, you could have general service questions and requests memorised and well practiced. But beyond that, there's a chance we know very little Korean outside of that. So if they see you standing next to someone who they think is a native Korean, they'll more than likely address them.
I mean, if it particularly bothered you, you could confront them about it. But then you could come completely unstuck as soon as they say something you don't understand and your gf has to step in to rescue you.
happens to me often with my SO as well. answering my questions to him. no eye contact. he just passes it off as "shy". whatevs
that's a reasonable approach to say that they're just being practical, however, its a split second decision. i doubt in their head they're going "well this 왜국 may not speak at a high enough level to understand my response, so i'll default to the 우리 나라 person instead". it's a common enough to be a "thing".
selfishly, it frustrates me because i want to maximize my practice in korean, but it gets thwarted. even youtuber, motivatekorean, has responded by saying "get a language exchange partner and don't expect too much practice in your day to day"
I have nothing to add but "외국" is how you spell it.
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I find it pretty annoying when I'm out with my significant other, and I ask a question to some service staff in a restaurant or store, and they completely comprehend and understand, and then start answering - to my significant other.
It's not them asking for confirmation or clarification - they're literally answering the question I just asked, but not looking at me.
And then I'll make some comment or acknowledge that I heard their answer to my question, and either thank them or ask a follow-up question, and they will continue to speak to my significant other as if it was her talking.
This happens probably about 30-40% of the time when we're shopping together.
I ranted about that a bit, and significant other said that if she talked to someone in my home country, it would be the same thing. So when we went on vacation to my home country, I made a point to watch for it. And actually I was surprised - it did happen, but only once.
But yeah. DANG that's irritating.
This rant comes up a lot in learning/speaking Korean threads and I think the reaction of Koreans in this situation is understandable.
Remember there's no way of them knowing your Korean ability. Like many of us, you could have general service questions and requests memorised and well practiced. But beyond that, there's a chance we know very little Korean outside of that. So if they see you standing next to someone who they think is a native Korean, they'll more than likely address them.
I mean, if it particularly bothered you, you could confront them about it. But then you could come completely unstuck as soon as they say something you don't understand and your gf has to step in to rescue you.
happens to me often with my SO as well. answering my questions to him. no eye contact. he just passes it off as "shy". whatevs
that's a reasonable approach to say that they're just being practical, however, its a split second decision. i doubt in their head they're going "well this 왜국 may not speak at a high enough level to understand my response, so i'll default to the 우리 나라 person instead". it's a common enough to be a "thing".
selfishly, it frustrates me because i want to maximize my practice in korean, but it gets thwarted. even youtuber, motivatekorean, has responded by saying "get a language exchange partner and don't expect too much practice in your day to day"
I have nothing to add but "외국" is how you spell it.
And if we're gonna nitpick which I guess we are; we're not 외국s either, that just means foreign country, we're 외국인(들).
But yeah I think everyone on this site understands when someone uses "waygook" to mean "foreigner". No big deal. It's not irksome.
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wow you guys know the spelling of 외국인?? they should take down the statue of 세종대왕 and put up you guys as the great new ambassadors of the Korean language 8)
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wow you guys know the spelling of 외국인?? they should take down the statue of 세종대왕 and put up you guys as the great new ambassadors of the Korean language 8)
Well, that sounds a little much but if you wanna erect a statue of us NEXT to his that'd be super awesome 8)
My post was aimed more at nitpickers who make corrections without being completely correct themselves. That IS irksome. Couldn't care less about spelling on the internet. If I did I'd drive myself crazy haha
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I find it pretty annoying when I'm out with my significant other, and I ask a question to some service staff in a restaurant or store, and they completely comprehend and understand, and then start answering - to my significant other.
It's not them asking for confirmation or clarification - they're literally answering the question I just asked, but not looking at me.
And then I'll make some comment or acknowledge that I heard their answer to my question, and either thank them or ask a follow-up question, and they will continue to speak to my significant other as if it was her talking.
This happens probably about 30-40% of the time when we're shopping together.
I ranted about that a bit, and significant other said that if she talked to someone in my home country, it would be the same thing. So when we went on vacation to my home country, I made a point to watch for it. And actually I was surprised - it did happen, but only once.
But yeah. DANG that's irritating.
This rant comes up a lot in learning/speaking Korean threads and I think the reaction of Koreans in this situation is understandable.
Remember there's no way of them knowing your Korean ability. Like many of us, you could have general service questions and requests memorised and well practiced. But beyond that, there's a chance we know very little Korean outside of that. So if they see you standing next to someone who they think is a native Korean, they'll more than likely address them.
I mean, if it particularly bothered you, you could confront them about it. But then you could come completely unstuck as soon as they say something you don't understand and your gf has to step in to rescue you.
I think you've completely missed his point.
He isn't saying there is a language barrier but the service people are deferring to the person who they think looks Korean and/or more likely to look like they speak Korean.
It's why I just let my Korean wife order all the food when we go out to restaurants. I don't want to waste time with the staff confirming to my wife that the waegook speaking to us in Korean asked to order barbecue for 2 people, with me [and them] knowing that the menu states I must order for 2 people, and that my wife and I are indeed, 2 people.
I feel like I have to further clarify (to further protect my fragile ego) - staff have zero problem understanding me. They're not checking with my significant other to make sure they heard correctly, or to ask what I said. They're literally, without missing a beat, answering the question I just asked. Just answering it to a person who didn't ask it.
The thing that gets me is when I hand them my card and they try and hand it back to my wife.
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wow you guys know the spelling of 외국인?? they should take down the statue of 세종대왕 and put up you guys as the great new ambassadors of the Korean language 8)
Well, that sounds a little much but if you wanna erect a statue of us NEXT to his that'd be super awesome 8)
My post was aimed more at nitpickers who make corrections without being completely correct themselves. That IS irksome. Couldn't care less about spelling on the internet. If I did I'd drive myself crazy haha
If you can't spell a basic word, I wonder how good your Korean really is. Maybe there's another reason(besides your race) why they are speaking to your SO rather than you.
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If you can't spell a basic word, I wonder how good your Korean really is. Maybe there's another reason(besides your race) why they are speaking to your SO rather than you.
And you think... what? That native Koreans are immune to misspelling their language's words? Plus 외 and 왜 aren't exactly dissimilar.
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If you can't spell a basic word, I wonder how good your Korean really is. Maybe there's another reason(besides your race) why they are speaking to your SO rather than you.
And you think... what? That native Koreans are immune to misspelling their language's words? Plus 외 and 왜 aren't exactly dissimilar.
Of course people can misspell words. However, if you're claiming to speak a language and you make a basic mistake, one can't help but wonder how fluent you are/if they(the waitstaff) can really understand you. If someone claimed to speak English and subsequently misspelled an easy word, then I'd question them as well.
A person in America could order "Hamburger give me" and the waitress would understand, but might ask the native speaking partner what they'd like on it or if there's anything special they would like done to it.
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If you can't spell a basic word, I wonder how good your Korean really is. Maybe there's another reason(besides your race) why they are speaking to your SO rather than you.
And you think... what? That native Koreans are immune to misspelling their language's words? Plus 외 and 왜 aren't exactly dissimilar.
Of course people can misspell words. However, if you're claiming to speak a language and you make a basic mistake, one can't help but wonder how fluent you are/if they(the waitstaff) can really understand you. If someone claimed to speak English and subsequently misspelled an easy word, then I'd question them as well.
A person in America could order "Hamburger give me" and the waitress would understand, but might ask the native speaking partner what they'd like on it or if there's anything special they would like done to it.
first, they're pronounced the same. second, i have a topik 5 and am a permanent resident who had to pass a proficiency test to become one. third, i speak with my SO half the time in korean. fourth, um basically the whole world is filled with capable speakers who make spelling mistakes. have you ever met a 5th grader???
lastly and most importantly, im typing on a phone on this little forum of waygook. i couldn't care less about how formal my writing is.
spell checkers online are like those guys in your lecture hall who raises their hand to just repeat what the professor said. smile to themselves and say "i did that :)". bravo, you can spell. something that will likely be a relic in the not too distant future.
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If you can't spell a basic word, I wonder how good your Korean really is. Maybe there's another reason(besides your race) why they are speaking to your SO rather than you.
And you think... what? That native Koreans are immune to misspelling their language's words? Plus 외 and 왜 aren't exactly dissimilar.
Of course people can misspell words. However, if you're claiming to speak a language and you make a basic mistake, one can't help but wonder how fluent you are/if they(the waitstaff) can really understand you. If someone claimed to speak English and subsequently misspelled an easy word, then I'd question them as well.
A person in America could order "Hamburger give me" and the waitress would understand, but might ask the native speaking partner what they'd like on it or if there's anything special they would like done to it.
first, they're pronounced the same. second, i have a topik 5 and am a permanent resident who had to pass a proficiency test to become one. third, i speak with my SO half the time in korean. fourth, um basically the whole world is filled with capable speakers who make spelling mistakes. have you ever met a 5th grader???
lastly and most importantly, im typing on a phone on this little forum of waygook. i couldn't care less about how formal my writing is.
spell checkers online are like those guys in your lecture hall who raises their hand to just repeat what the professor said. smile to themselves and say "i did that :)". bravo, you can spell. something that will likely be a relic in the not too distant future.
1. How can I know your background. The only information I have to go on is what I see on the screen. How you type is the only thing I have to go by. You mention wanting to get the most practice you can with Korean, yet you supposedly are at a level 5 and speak to your wife in Korean 50% of the time.
2. Your standard for a competent speaker is a 5th grader...
3. Do you truly think proper spelling is going to be a "relic" in the future?
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um yes considering japan and china are finding that their students are starting to forget how to write some of their characters due to technology? do you think those kids are just going around like "hambugers give me!!!!" at some point in the future, i'm willing to bet that people will not need the ability to spell as many words due to machine learning.
or how about korea i believe had something of 80%+ illiteracy before the 20th century. do you think all those people walked around talking "hamburgers give me!!!!!!!".
most ESL teachers don't have to write korean very often. their writing ability will obviously lag behind listening and speaking, so i'd maybe find a different way of assuming someone's ability. i mean my SO is the best native Korean English speaker I know, but damn he cannot make a natural sounding paragraph to save his life. i don't ignore what he says or assume he's low level though.
i don't know why you're dissing 5th graders. speaking as well as 5th grader is an amazing feat for any second language learner, brah. i mean newspapers are written for that level, no? i get it you were being a little pedantic, so am i. even stevens
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If you can't spell a basic word, I wonder how good your Korean really is. Maybe there's another reason(besides your race) why they are speaking to your SO rather than you.
And you think... what? That native Koreans are immune to misspelling their language's words? Plus 외 and 왜 aren't exactly dissimilar.
Of course people can misspell words. However, if you're claiming to speak a language and you make a basic mistake, one can't help but wonder how fluent you are/if they(the waitstaff) can really understand you. If someone claimed to speak English and subsequently misspelled an easy word, then I'd question them as well.
Speeeeeeeeeeeeeeak.
Not spell. Not read. Speeeeeeeeeak. You don't necessarily have to know how to spell to speak and listen to a language fluently.
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um yes considering japan and china are finding that their students are starting to forget how to write some of their characters due to technology? do you think those kids are just going around like "hambugers give me!!!!" at some point in the future, i'm willing to bet that people will not need the ability to spell as many words due to machine learning.
You are confusing points here. That sentence wasn't addressing the loss of writing skills, but was in regards to someone being able to order something, but being unable to comprehend the follow up questions that may arise.
most ESL teachers don't have to write korean very often. their writing ability will obviously lag behind listening and speaking, so i'd maybe find a different way of assuming someone's ability. i mean my SO is the best native Korean English speaker I know, but damn he cannot make a natural sounding paragraph to save his life. i don't ignore what he says or assume he's low level though.
Again, we are not speaking in person. All I have to go by is what I see in that particular topic at that time.
i don't know why you're dissing 5th graders. speaking as well as 5th grader is an amazing feat for any second language learner, brah. i mean newspapers are written for that level, no? i get it you were being a little pedantic, so am i. even stevens
Speaking at a 5th grade level is good, but think of all the ESL people we encounter back home at uni. If you're at TOPIK 5, then you are above my level, but we should still strive for better.
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If you can't spell a basic word, I wonder how good your Korean really is. Maybe there's another reason(besides your race) why they are speaking to your SO rather than you.
And you think... what? That native Koreans are immune to misspelling their language's words? Plus 외 and 왜 aren't exactly dissimilar.
Of course people can misspell words. However, if you're claiming to speak a language and you make a basic mistake, one can't help but wonder how fluent you are/if they(the waitstaff) can really understand you. If someone claimed to speak English and subsequently misspelled an easy word, then I'd question them as well.
Speeeeeeeeeeeeeeak.
Not spell. Not read. Speeeeeeeeeak. You don't necessarily have to know how to spell to speak and listen to a language fluently.
If a person is claiming to speak English but they spelled a basic word wrong, I would question their ability. Especially if they only used 3-4 words from that language in their post.
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Kind of on the topic at hand-- I think it's interesting that most of my students can typically read/write English better than they can speak it but when it comes to Korean my speaking is better than my writing (not that my speaking is anything to speak of :P). I can read hangul well enough but if I have to spell something when messaging in Korean I'm always double checking basic words because I haven't had enough exposure to memorize how a lot of them are spelled. Like ㅐ versus ㅔ ugh.
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this isn't a topic about proving ability. it's kind of weird to just assume people are making stuff up?
You are confusing points here. That sentence wasn't addressing the loss of writing skills, but was in regards to someone being able to order something, but being unable to comprehend the follow up questions that may arise.
someone can't read your writing while ordering something??? i don't know why you're bringing up follow up questions based on writing.
i'm not confusing points. the point is that you shouldn't judge someone's speaking ability of a second language via one sample online. again, speaking fluency has nothing to do with writing! if you're an ESL teacher who is taking points off in their conversation class for their writing ability, you're doing it wrong. sorry buddy, i have friends with masters who can back me up.
we live in a technological world. we don't have to rely on memory as much for writing. i can quickly look something on my phone's dictionary if i forget a word in a conversation.
Speaking at a 5th grade level is good, but think of all the ESL people we encounter back home at uni. If you're at TOPIK 5, then you are above my level, but we should still strive for better.
i taught korean exchange students in lab classes during UNI. they did not speak at a 5th grader level at all. more just "uh yes!" "hm no!" they could write though. they were the only students who would use the singular "datum". I always wondered if they were paying someone though.
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this isn't a topic about proving ability. it's kind of weird to just assume people are making stuff up?
You are confusing points here. That sentence wasn't addressing the loss of writing skills, but was in regards to someone being able to order something, but being unable to comprehend the follow up questions that may arise.
someone can't read your writing while ordering something??? i don't know why you're bringing up follow up questions based on writing.
Nevermind. You are missing what I am saying and I don't want to go through it. It's a wash here.
i'm not confusing points. the point is that you shouldn't judge someone's speaking ability of a second language via one sample online. again, speaking fluency has nothing to do with writing! if you're an ESL teacher who is taking points off in their conversation class for their writing ability, you're doing it wrong. sorry buddy, i have friends with masters who can back me up.
we live in a technological world. we don't have to rely on memory as much for writing. i can quickly look something on my phone's dictionary if i forget a word in a conversation.
Of course you wouldn't dock points for spelling in a speaking class, but I would hope that someone who is able to take a speaking class would be able to spell a basic word. Again, this isn't a speaking class and all I have to go off is what you give me here.
Speaking at a 5th grade level is good, but think of all the ESL people we encounter back home at uni. If you're at TOPIK 5, then you are above my level, but we should still strive for better.
i taught korean exchange students in lab classes during UNI. they did not speak at a 5th grader level at all. more just "uh yes!" "hm no!" they could write though. they were the only students who would use the singular "datum". I always wondered if they were paying someone though.
I wonder where you went to school. At my uni all of the Korean students were essentially perfect at English.
Also, I fucked up the formatting.
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Kind of on the topic at hand-- I think it's interesting that most of my students can typically read/write English better than they can speak it but when it comes to Korean my speaking is better than my writing (not that my speaking is anything to speak of :P). I can read hangul well enough but if I have to spell something when messaging in Korean I'm always double checking basic words because I haven't had enough exposure to memorize how a lot of them are spelled. Like ㅐ versus ㅔ ugh.
i wonder how many koreans have perfect TOEIC scores but say sentences like this "uuuhh hellow. i wouldu like-uh talk with you? is okay? why here in korea? girls? yes?" cause i've met a few
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this isn't a topic about proving ability. it's kind of weird to just assume people are making stuff up?
You are confusing points here. That sentence wasn't addressing the loss of writing skills, but was in regards to someone being able to order something, but being unable to comprehend the follow up questions that may arise.
someone can't read your writing while ordering something??? i don't know why you're bringing up follow up questions based on writing.
Nevermind. You are missing what I am saying and I don't want to go through it. It's a wash here.
i'm not confusing points. the point is that you shouldn't judge someone's speaking ability of a second language via one sample online. again, speaking fluency has nothing to do with writing! if you're an ESL teacher who is taking points off in their conversation class for their writing ability, you're doing it wrong. sorry buddy, i have friends with masters who can back me up.
we live in a technological world. we don't have to rely on memory as much for writing. i can quickly look something on my phone's dictionary if i forget a word in a conversation.
Of course you wouldn't dock points for spelling in a speaking class, but I would hope that someone who is able to take a speaking class would be able to spell a basic word. Again, this isn't a speaking class and all I have to go off is what you give me here.
Speaking at a 5th grade level is good, but think of all the ESL people we encounter back home at uni. If you're at TOPIK 5, then you are above my level, but we should still strive for better.
i taught korean exchange students in lab classes during UNI. they did not speak at a 5th grader level at all. more just "uh yes!" "hm no!" they could write though. they were the only students who would use the singular "datum". I always wondered if they were paying someone though.
I wonder where you went to school. At my uni all of the Korean students were essentially perfect at English.
Also, I fucked up the formatting.
oh damn you messed up formatting. now i'm not sure if you know how to use the internet well? all i have is this to go on......hmmm well good luck with your foruming! :P
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this isn't a topic about proving ability. it's kind of weird to just assume people are making stuff up?
You are confusing points here. That sentence wasn't addressing the loss of writing skills, but was in regards to someone being able to order something, but being unable to comprehend the follow up questions that may arise.
someone can't read your writing while ordering something??? i don't know why you're bringing up follow up questions based on writing.
Nevermind. You are missing what I am saying and I don't want to go through it. It's a wash here.
i'm not confusing points. the point is that you shouldn't judge someone's speaking ability of a second language via one sample online. again, speaking fluency has nothing to do with writing! if you're an ESL teacher who is taking points off in their conversation class for their writing ability, you're doing it wrong. sorry buddy, i have friends with masters who can back me up.
we live in a technological world. we don't have to rely on memory as much for writing. i can quickly look something on my phone's dictionary if i forget a word in a conversation.
Of course you wouldn't dock points for spelling in a speaking class, but I would hope that someone who is able to take a speaking class would be able to spell a basic word. Again, this isn't a speaking class and all I have to go off is what you give me here.
Speaking at a 5th grade level is good, but think of all the ESL people we encounter back home at uni. If you're at TOPIK 5, then you are above my level, but we should still strive for better.
i taught korean exchange students in lab classes during UNI. they did not speak at a 5th grader level at all. more just "uh yes!" "hm no!" they could write though. they were the only students who would use the singular "datum". I always wondered if they were paying someone though.
I wonder where you went to school. At my uni all of the Korean students were essentially perfect at English.
Also, I fucked up the formatting.
oh damn you messed up formatting. now i'm not sure if you know how to use the internet well? all i have is this to go on......hmmm well good luck with your foruming! :P
I blame my mac~
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If a person is claiming to speak English but they spelled a basic word wrong, I would question their ability. Especially if they only used 3-4 words from that language in their post.
But Go I Cambrij Univercity
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If a person is claiming to speak English but they spelled a basic word wrong, I would question their ability. Especially if they only used 3-4 words from that language in their post.
But Go I Cambrij Univercity
5 werds ur gud
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Klown logic, common sense & city planning are demonstrated perfectly with a single image.
(https://s24.postimg.org/t501jkoc5/111.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/fbbouivqp/)jpg images (https://postimage.io/)certificity.com (https://certificity.com)
I imagine that the drainage system existed long before the bike path and the recently resurfaced road. You are basically asking for the city to completely tear up the drainage system which was installed long before bike paths were considered a part of city planning (We're talking something on the order of 40+years).
Now you can either spend millions in tax revenue overhauling the drainage system so it blends perfectly with bike paths (rather than spending it on schools, parks, community services, etc.) OR you could have a few spots like this which are inconvenient.
Guess the klown without common sense or any grasp of city planning is you.
And 'klown' is really dodgy man. We're talking 'the blacks'/'coolie' territory.
You are being far too kind. He clearly has far deeper issues than being molested by the 'klowns'.
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The bitter lifers who just whine about this place and cant speak a lick of Korean or even read it are sad, but the people who go on and on about Korean grammar and their TOPIK score or whatever are somehow worse.
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The bitter lifers who just whine about this place and cant speak a lick of Korean or even read it are sad, but the people who go on and on about Korean grammar and their TOPIK score or whatever are somehow worse.
The problem with those koreaboos is that they have a serious superiority complex. They like to think that they are different from the "bad/lazy/loser foreigner." In reality, they are extremely insecure about their own identity as a foreigner. These types of people are more common in Japan as there are many people in love with Japanese culture trying to assimilate to it while living in Japan.
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The bitter lifers who just whine about this place and cant speak a lick of Korean or even read it are sad, but the people who go on and on about Korean grammar and their TOPIK score or whatever are somehow worse.
The problem with those koreaboos is that they have a serious superiority complex. They like to think that they are different from the "bad/lazy/loser foreigner." In reality, they are extremely insecure about their own identity as a foreigner. These types of people are more common in Japan as there are many people in love with Japanese culture trying to assimilate to it while living in Japan.
I have a friend who is like that. She studied here for a semester and went back home to change her major to Korean studies and now only hangs out with Korean/Korean americans and studies Korean so she can come back.
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OMG, people arguing about Korean spelling and how believable a person you've never met is about his/her own Korean fluency -- SHUT UP!
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lol I dunno why everyone's giving HiddenPerson such a hard time. When I saw 왜국 I rolled my eyes too. There are a lot of people who claim they speak Korean very well but in reality can't so his reaction to such a simple misspelling is quite reasonable.
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lol I dunno why everyone's giving HiddenPerson such a hard time. When I saw 왜국 I rolled my eyes too. There are a lot of people who claim they speak Korean very well but in reality can't so his reaction to such a simple misspelling is quite reasonable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
"The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which low-ability individuals suffer from illusory superiority, mistakenly assessing their ability as much higher than it really is."
"Dunning and Kruger proposed that, for a given skill, incompetent people will:[4]
fail to recognize their own lack of skill
fail to recognize the extent of their inadequacy
fail to accurately gauge skill in others
recognize and acknowledge their own lack of skill only after they are exposed to training for that skill"
Don't make fun of people's 핸굴 you 왜이구긴.
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Can confirm; I was one of those people. Couldn't figure out why everyone spoke English to me when I spoke Korean. Figured out I sucked at Korean. Went on to study hard. Now it happens <10% of the time and when it does happen will be like "damn my Korean sucks" instead of "wtf is wrong w/ these people"
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lol I dunno why everyone's giving HiddenPerson such a hard time. When I saw 왜국 I rolled my eyes too. There are a lot of people who claim they speak Korean very well but in reality can't so his reaction to such a simple misspelling is quite reasonable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
"The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which low-ability individuals suffer from illusory superiority, mistakenly assessing their ability as much higher than it really is."
"Dunning and Kruger proposed that, for a given skill, incompetent people will:[4]
fail to recognize their own lack of skill
fail to recognize the extent of their inadequacy
fail to accurately gauge skill in others
recognize and acknowledge their own lack of skill only after they are exposed to training for that skill"
Don't make fun of people's 핸굴 you 왜이구긴.
I did this soooo much, still do sometimes.
"my speaking is low but I can read and understand quite well" etc is one of the most spoken phrases about Korean by expats. I am super guilty of saying it myself. These days I feel it translates to
"I don't really speak Korean but I feel a bit embarrassed about it, so I am going to say to myself that my understanding is good"
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lol I dunno why everyone's giving HiddenPerson such a hard time. When I saw 왜국 I rolled my eyes too. There are a lot of people who claim they speak Korean very well but in reality can't so his reaction to such a simple misspelling is quite reasonable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
"The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which low-ability individuals suffer from illusory superiority, mistakenly assessing their ability as much higher than it really is."
"Dunning and Kruger proposed that, for a given skill, incompetent people will:[4]
fail to recognize their own lack of skill
fail to recognize the extent of their inadequacy
fail to accurately gauge skill in others
recognize and acknowledge their own lack of skill only after they are exposed to training for that skill"
Don't make fun of people's 핸굴 you 왜이구긴.
okay, well good luck being ESL teachers y'all. "i'm sorry, i can't understand your spoken English. you made a spelling mistake"
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lol I dunno why everyone's giving HiddenPerson such a hard time. When I saw 왜국 I rolled my eyes too. There are a lot of people who claim they speak Korean very well but in reality can't so his reaction to such a simple misspelling is quite reasonable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
"The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which low-ability individuals suffer from illusory superiority, mistakenly assessing their ability as much higher than it really is."
"Dunning and Kruger proposed that, for a given skill, incompetent people will:[4]
fail to recognize their own lack of skill
fail to recognize the extent of their inadequacy
fail to accurately gauge skill in others
recognize and acknowledge their own lack of skill only after they are exposed to training for that skill"
Don't make fun of people's 핸굴 you 왜이구긴.
okay, well good luck being ESL teachers y'all. "i'm sorry, i can't understand your spoken English. you made a spelling mistake"
teacher you make spelling mistake you bad teacher my better English
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lol I dunno why everyone's giving HiddenPerson such a hard time. When I saw 왜국 I rolled my eyes too. There are a lot of people who claim they speak Korean very well but in reality can't so his reaction to such a simple misspelling is quite reasonable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
"The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which low-ability individuals suffer from illusory superiority, mistakenly assessing their ability as much higher than it really is."
"Dunning and Kruger proposed that, for a given skill, incompetent people will:[4]
fail to recognize their own lack of skill
fail to recognize the extent of their inadequacy
fail to accurately gauge skill in others
recognize and acknowledge their own lack of skill only after they are exposed to training for that skill"
Don't make fun of people's 핸굴 you 왜이구긴.
this is so absurd. one spelling mistake = not being able to order food effectively???
going by that standard my fluent English speaking korean partner would have to be ignored all the time in the states. he makes plenty of writing errors in English.
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Can confirm; I was one of those people. Couldn't figure out why everyone spoke English to me when I spoke Korean. Figured out I sucked at Korean. Went on to study hard. Now it happens <10% of the time and when it does happen will be like "damn my Korean sucks" instead of "wtf is wrong w/ these people"
Agreed. I also think that the time and effort it takes to get anywhere decent at a language like Korean is a bit of a factor here.
Like, if you're starting from zero, you could study Korean for a long time and still suck hard. I remember thinking so many times "I've put X amount of hours and so much effort into this, how come I still can't do XYZ???"
I think after awhile people tend to think "Well, I must be decent by now, just look at all the time I've put in." No, sorry you still probably can't do much. It's disheartening but a little ignorance is bliss. If I'd been aware of just mow much I didn't know, and how bad my level really was, I might've given up way earlier in the process. Anyway, as it goes with most things don't be a know-it-all prick and usually it's all good.
I'm not gonna judge anyone's ability to speak based on ONE spelling mistake, either.
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lol I dunno why everyone's giving HiddenPerson such a hard time. When I saw 왜국 I rolled my eyes too. There are a lot of people who claim they speak Korean very well but in reality can't so his reaction to such a simple misspelling is quite reasonable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
"The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which low-ability individuals suffer from illusory superiority, mistakenly assessing their ability as much higher than it really is."
"Dunning and Kruger proposed that, for a given skill, incompetent people will:[4]
fail to recognize their own lack of skill
fail to recognize the extent of their inadequacy
fail to accurately gauge skill in others
recognize and acknowledge their own lack of skill only after they are exposed to training for that skill"
Don't make fun of people's 핸굴 you 왜이구긴.
I did this soooo much, still do sometimes.
"my speaking is low but I can read and understand quite well" etc is one of the most spoken phrases about Korean by expats. I am super guilty of saying it myself. These days I feel it translates to
"I don't really speak Korean but I feel a bit embarrassed about it, so I am going to say to myself that my understanding is good"
Edit - I actually read the posts. Don't be a spelling nazi....
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this is so absurd. one spelling mistake = not being able to order food effectively???
going by that standard my fluent English speaking korean partner would have to be ignored all the time in the states. he makes plenty of writing errors in English.
I always thought it was so funny that when I went to Toronto with my K-girl, no one said, not even once, "Wow, your English is really good."
I saw Ann yawng Hasayyo and I'm a god damn genius here.
Very different experiences.
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lol I dunno why everyone's giving HiddenPerson such a hard time. When I saw 왜국 I rolled my eyes too. There are a lot of people who claim they speak Korean very well but in reality can't so his reaction to such a simple misspelling is quite reasonable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
"The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which low-ability individuals suffer from illusory superiority, mistakenly assessing their ability as much higher than it really is."
"Dunning and Kruger proposed that, for a given skill, incompetent people will:[4]
fail to recognize their own lack of skill
fail to recognize the extent of their inadequacy
fail to accurately gauge skill in others
recognize and acknowledge their own lack of skill only after they are exposed to training for that skill"
Don't make fun of people's 핸굴 you 왜이구긴.
this is so absurd. one spelling mistake = not being able to order food effectively???
going by that standard my fluent English speaking korean partner would have to be ignored all the time in the states. he makes plenty of writing errors in English.
Are you saying that I am piping on about a spelling mistake? :shocked:
People on this board are giving someone a hard time about mispelling 외국인. Personally I see that as pretty stupid too. It's like 5th graders giving 4th graders a hard time just because a 4th grader made a mistake on his math homework. In the end they both still suck.
The funny thing about inadequate people is that they feel the need to point out the flaws in others.
With that said, I'm not going on about how silly the mistake is, I'm merely pointing out a very common trait of the foreigner who claim to be good at Korean and why they are the way they are.
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this is so absurd. one spelling mistake = not being able to order food effectively???
going by that standard my fluent English speaking korean partner would have to be ignored all the time in the states. he makes plenty of writing errors in English.
I always thought it was so funny that when I went to Toronto with my K-girl, no one said, not even once, "Wow, your English is really good."
I saw Ann yawng Hasayyo and I'm a god damn genius here.
Very different experiences.
It's kind of disheartening, the "WOW YOUR KOREAN IS GOOD" when I've literally only said hello. Oftentimes the Koreans who say this to me are also "ashamed" of their lack of English even when their English skills are clearly far superior to my Korean. I make a point of telling them so but they never seem to believe me.
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now, i'm going to start asking for a written example of their english ability before ESL speakers engage me on the street.
"excuse me, may i ask you some questions about your experiences in korea?"
-"i'm not sure if i'm understanding you correctly. can you please write a short paragraph before we continue this conversation? i must warn you that if you make a spelling error I'll have to assume we cannot have a real conversation!"
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Somewhat relevant. I get annoyed when some Koreans assume I can't read hangeul at all because I can't decipher cursive as well. Maybe if it wasn't chicken scratch, I could read it just fine. Lemme scribble some English cursive and see how well you do :rolleyes:
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Somewhat relevant. I get annoyed when some Koreans assume I can't read hangeul at all because I can't decipher cursive as well. Maybe if it wasn't chicken scratch, I could read it just fine. Lemme scribble some English cursive and see how well you do :rolleyes:
Some of that shit is incomprehensible top me. I just say "Microsoft Hangul, please."
Makes me wonder if that's what my handwriting looks like to them. hahahaha
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Somewhat relevant. I get annoyed when some Koreans assume I can't read hangeul at all because I can't decipher cursive as well. Maybe if it wasn't chicken scratch, I could read it just fine. Lemme scribble some English cursive and see how well you do :rolleyes:
This shit is nuts. Annoys me as well
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Somewhat relevant. I get annoyed when some Koreans assume I can't read hangeul at all because I can't decipher cursive as well. Maybe if it wasn't chicken scratch, I could read it just fine. Lemme scribble some English cursive and see how well you do :rolleyes:
This shit is nuts. Annoys me as well
You must not be very fluent in Korean. If you were, you would be able to read Korean handwriting without problems.
:angel:
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Somewhat relevant. I get annoyed when some Koreans assume I can't read hangeul at all because I can't decipher cursive as well. Maybe if it wasn't chicken scratch, I could read it just fine. Lemme scribble some English cursive and see how well you do :rolleyes:
This shit is nuts. Annoys me as well
You must not be very fluent in Korean. If you were, you would be able to read Korean handwriting without problems.
:angel:
hehe I admitted my level earlier. I also stand by what I said. Basic mistakes in any language make me question ones fluency, especially when they only used 3-4 words in that language. If 1/4th of your writing has errors in it, you're not doing a very good job.
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Somewhat relevant. I get annoyed when some Koreans assume I can't read hangeul at all because I can't decipher cursive as well. Maybe if it wasn't chicken scratch, I could read it just fine. Lemme scribble some English cursive and see how well you do :rolleyes:
This shit is nuts. Annoys me as well
You must not be very fluent in Korean. If you were, you would be able to read Korean handwriting without problems.
:angel:
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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If you can't spell a basic word, I wonder how good your Korean really is. Maybe there's another reason(besides your race) why they are speaking to your SO rather than you.
And you think... what? That native Koreans are immune to misspelling their language's words? Plus 외 and 왜 aren't exactly dissimilar.
Of course people can misspell words. However, if you're claiming to speak a language and you make a basic mistake, one can't help but wonder how fluent you are/if they(the waitstaff) can really understand you. If someone claimed to speak English and subsequently misspelled an easy word, then I'd question them as well.
A person in America could order "Hamburger give me" and the waitress would understand, but might ask the native speaking partner what they'd like on it or if there's anything special they would like done to it.
You can't be serious! Do you know how many people spell the word "definitely" wrong? Definately. Definitaly. Defanately. Definetely. Definetily. It's feels almost endless. Some of these people are university educated folks who are still using an incorrect spelling. Does it matter? Do I assume they can't speak English because of that? So silly.
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This all reminds me of how some English speakers get butthurt when my wife, who clearly does not speak English as well as they do, says jokingly that their English sucks. They'd be all butthurt and try to defend their honor in the English language.
Seems like there's a bit of inferiority complex going on in this thread.
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This all reminds me of how some English speakers get butthurt when my wife, who clearly does not speak English as well as they do, says jokingly that their English sucks. They'd be all butthurt and try to defend their honor in the English language.
Seems like there's a bit of inferiority complex going on in this thread.
Seems like you've realized your viewpoint sucks and now your last resort is to try to silence the other viewpoint by claiming any rebuttal is evidence of being overly defensive and by extension, wrong.
If you think fluency in speaking and listening requires perfect spelling, you're just wrong. I'm sorry that facts don't agree with you.
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If you can't spell a basic word, I wonder how good your Korean really is. Maybe there's another reason(besides your race) why they are speaking to your SO rather than you.
And you think... what? That native Koreans are immune to misspelling their language's words? Plus 외 and 왜 aren't exactly dissimilar.
Of course people can misspell words. However, if you're claiming to speak a language and you make a basic mistake, one can't help but wonder how fluent you are/if they(the waitstaff) can really understand you. If someone claimed to speak English and subsequently misspelled an easy word, then I'd question them as well.
A person in America could order "Hamburger give me" and the waitress would understand, but might ask the native speaking partner what they'd like on it or if there's anything special they would like done to it.
You can't be serious! Do you know how many people spell the word "definitely" wrong? Definately. Definitaly. Defanately. Definetely. Definetily. It's feels almost endless. Some of these people are university educated folks who are still using an incorrect spelling. Does it matter? Do I assume they can't speak English because of that? So silly.
While "definitely" isn't a hard word, it is a longer one. When I said basic, I meant widely used as well as being easy to spell. One example would be spelling "for" as "four" or as "foor".
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While "definitely" isn't a hard word, it is a longer one. When I said basic, I meant widely used as well as being easy to spell. One example would be spelling "for" as "four" or as "foor".
There/they're/their
Your/you're
Notice how these words sound similar, like 왜 and 외
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While "definitely" isn't a hard word, it is a longer one. When I said basic, I meant widely used as well as being easy to spell. One example would be spelling "for" as "four" or as "foor".
There/they're/their
Your/you're
You're/your. If you can't use these correctly, then I assume the person is an idiot. Same with the there/they're/their.
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You're/your. If you can't use these correctly, then I assume the person is an idiot. Same with the there/they're/their.
Even an idiot can be fluent in a language, though.
Case in point: me.
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If you can't spell a basic word, I wonder how good your Korean really is. Maybe there's another reason(besides your race) why they are speaking to your SO rather than you.
And you think... what? That native Koreans are immune to misspelling their language's words? Plus 외 and 왜 aren't exactly dissimilar.
Of course people can misspell words. However, if you're claiming to speak a language and you make a basic mistake, one can't help but wonder how fluent you are/if they(the waitstaff) can really understand you. If someone claimed to speak English and subsequently misspelled an easy word, then I'd question them as well.
A person in America could order "Hamburger give me" and the waitress would understand, but might ask the native speaking partner what they'd like on it or if there's anything special they would like done to it.
You can't be serious! Do you know how many people spell the word "definitely" wrong? Definately. Definitaly. Defanately. Definetely. Definetily. It's feels almost endless. Some of these people are university educated folks who are still using an incorrect spelling. Does it matter? Do I assume they can't speak English because of that? So silly.
While "definitely" isn't a hard word, it is a longer one. When I said basic, I meant widely used as well as being easy to spell. One example would be spelling "for" as "four" or as "foor".
I know a dude who's in his late 30s and spells "our", "are", and "hour" all as "our". "There" and "their" are also the same to him. This guy has never left Canada, his parents were born and raised there, same as him, but he can't spell to save his life. I should also note that he has no (professionally diagnosed) disorders that interfere with his ability to learn. He just doesn't care, but English is his first language and his FB posts hurt my soul.
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Ugh - what a bunch of nerds.
Agreed. hahahaha
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Somewhat relevant. I get annoyed when some Koreans assume I can't read hangeul at all because I can't decipher cursive as well. Maybe if it wasn't chicken scratch, I could read it just fine. Lemme scribble some English cursive and see how well you do :rolleyes:
This shit is nuts. Annoys me as well
You must not be very fluent in Korean. If you were, you would be able to read Korean handwriting without problems.
:angel:
:laugh: :laugh:
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Some of these people are university educated folks who are still using an incorrect spelling. Does it matter? Do I assume they can't speak English because of that? So silly.
I know exactly what you're talking about. Even here on Waygook, a site filled with university educated folk, a constantly see simple words spelled incorrectly. Super basic words! Stuff like "theatre", "colour", "centre", "axe", "traveller", and "Pneumonoultramicros copicsilicovolcanoc oniosis". :wink:
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After reading the last few pages...I think I'd rather have dinner with a bunch of slurping hacking ajosshis, than the waygook Korean grammar Nazi crowd. At least I'd be able to eat, get drunk and watch the ballgame with only occasional noise interruptions rather than a constant stream of babble in the background.
Congrats on making the Koreans in the first few pages seem not quite so bad.
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So, what did the farmer say to the chicken?
Cluck cluck cluck cluck cluck.
What did the chicken say to the farmer?
I can't understand your accent. Where are you from?
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Ugh - what a bunch of nerds.
The proper spelling is Ughhhhhh.....
Seriously. Do you even Engrish?
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I don't think it would be fair to attribute this practice specifically to Koreans.
It just so happens that I live in the ROK.
I mean, people are pointless, and they are bound to annoy the life out of me wherever I am ;)
Just today, I was minding my own business, relaxed, engrossed in my garden, and my neighbor had to come outside to smoke, spit, etc.
Thanks A-hole :)
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last night had my korean GF over and i was showing her something on my laptop and she touched my damn screen too. i tried to smack her hand away but it was too late and she actually left a small scratch on it, so i'm super pissed off at the moment >:(
Pee in her BB cream.
Things that irk me: Pee in my BB cream
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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last night had my korean GF over and i was showing her something on my laptop and she touched my damn screen too. i tried to smack her hand away but it was too late and she actually left a small scratch on it, so i'm super pissed off at the moment >:(
Pee in her BB cream.
Things that irk me: Pee in my BB cream
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
THANK YOU!! I had thought that comment slipped into obscurity unnoticed. :azn:
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1.) Spitting in front you
2.) Casually littering around you
3.) Complete and utter lack of spatial awareness, ie texting and walking in all different directions so that I have no choice other than to bump into you or step on your feet, standing in the middle of walkways so I cannot get by, etc etc.
4.) Brushing by someone without saying some version of "excuse me," in Korean or English.
5.) Teeth sucking
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1.) Spitting in front you
2.) Casually littering around you
3.) Complete and utter lack of spatial awareness, ie texting and walking in all different directions so that I have no choice other than to bump into you or step on your feet, standing in the middle of walkways so I cannot get by, etc etc.
4.) Brushing by someone without saying some version of "excuse me," in Korean or English.
5.) Teeth sucking
I think some historian discovered that in the 14th century a Korean actually said excuse me, but there was some debate regarding the accuracy of his research.
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I hate when Koreans freak out when they see ear wax!
Europeans have moist earwax that most Koreans don't have which causes a freak out once in awhile.
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I hate when Koreans freak out when they see ear wax!
Europeans have moist earwax that most Koreans don't have which causes a freak out once in awhile.
Where are you cleaning your ears???
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I hate when Koreans freak out when they see ear wax!
Europeans have moist earwax that most Koreans don't have which causes a freak out once in awhile.
I'm pretty sure I've never exposed my earwax to a Korean... or anyone not my mother. I would probably also be freaked out if I saw your earwax...
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I hate when Koreans freak out when they see ear wax!
Europeans have moist earwax that most Koreans don't have which causes a freak out once in awhile.
Do you also show them your snot or your bumwipes?
I generally don't go around showing that stuff to people.
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If you can't spell a basic word, I wonder how good your Korean really is. Maybe there's another reason(besides your race) why they are speaking to your SO rather than you.
And you think... what? That native Koreans are immune to misspelling their language's words? Plus 외 and 왜 aren't exactly dissimilar.
Of course people can misspell words. However, if you're claiming to speak a language and you make a basic mistake, one can't help but wonder how fluent you are/if they(the waitstaff) can really understand you. If someone claimed to speak English and subsequently misspelled an easy word, then I'd question them as well.
A person in America could order "Hamburger give me" and the waitress would understand, but might ask the native speaking partner what they'd like on it or if there's anything special they would like done to it.
You can't be serious! Do you know how many people spell the word "definitely" wrong? Definately. Definitaly. Defanately. Definetely. Definetily. It's feels almost endless. Some of these people are university educated folks who are still using an incorrect spelling. Does it matter? Do I assume they can't speak English because of that? So silly.
I am guilty of this. I just recently learned to spell definitely and I am 32 now. :lipsrsealed:
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last night had my korean GF over and i was showing her something on my laptop and she touched my damn screen too. i tried to smack her hand away but it was too late and she actually left a small scratch on it, so i'm super pissed off at the moment >:(
Pee in her BB cream.
Things that irk me: Pee in my BB cream
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
THANK YOU!! I had thought that comment slipped into obscurity unnoticed. :azn:
It was like 3 in the morning and I was worried I would wake people up with my laughing.
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I hate when Koreans freak out when they see ear wax!
Europeans have moist earwax that most Koreans don't have which causes a freak out once in awhile.
Do you also show them your snot or your bumwipes?
I generally don't go around showing that stuff to people.
Doctors offices usually check ears :)
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I hate when Koreans freak out when they see ear wax!
Europeans have moist earwax that most Koreans don't have which causes a freak out once in awhile.
Do you also show them your snot or your bumwipes?
I generally don't go around showing that stuff to people.
Doctors offices usually check ears :)
People who know that usually clean their ears before going. =]
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Not sure if this has already been said but what really grinds my gears is when Koreans say yes to doing things even if they don't want to, and then they get secretly mad at you for "making them do it". I mean, if I ask them if they want to do something I actually want to know if it is okay. If not, just say no!!! Or if saying "no" is too much of a culture shock, offer another suggestion instead. It has happened with both my co workers and my bf. They get secretly mad at you for something they could've just said "no" for in the first place!! ugh //endrant
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Not sure if I said this given how long this post is, but when you go to the gym and buddy hogs a weight. He only does one weight and keeps it by him forever even while resting or taking out time to chat on his smart phone. They take this one size weight and do all kinds of exercise with it. I don't lift a lot, but I usually use a variety of weights. IE I'll do 6 k, then 8, then 10, then 12, etc. A set of reps with each. But then some numskull takes 8 kilos and hogs it forever. A 40 minute workout almost doubles in time because of all the waiting not to mention losing the momentum of continuous exercise. Then, you try to take the weight while the guy's chatting on his phone or scratching his ass or whatever and he makes an "x" with his hands or tries to use it. Seriously need some friggen gym etiquette here. Resting between sets means letting another member take the dumbbell to do a set and it also means getting off the damn machine while chatting on your phone.
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Not sure if I said this given how long this post is, but when you go to the gym and buddy hogs a weight. He only does one weight and keeps it by him forever even while resting or taking out time to chat on his smart phone. They take this one size weight and do all kinds of exercise with it. I don't lift a lot, but I usually use a variety of weights. IE I'll do 6 k, then 8, then 10, then 12, etc. A set of reps with each. But then some numskull takes 8 kilos and hogs it forever. A 40 minute workout almost doubles in time because of all the waiting not to mention losing the momentum of continuous exercise. Then, you try to take the weight while the guy's chatting on his phone or scratching his ass or whatever and he makes an "x" with his hands or tries to use it. Seriously need some friggen gym etiquette here. Resting between sets means letting another member take the dumbbell to do a set and it also means getting off the damn machine while chatting on your phone.
The gym behavior of gym goers in Korea bugs the heck out of me too.
I could go on and on forever about it.
But the most disturbing a-holes are the ones that approach me and tell me to stop lifting so heavy and to stop deadlifting.
A very large majority of gyms here in Korea are not actually made for serious gym goers- they don't have the proper flooring to support heavy weights, so when someone who can lift heavy weights comes along, the owners of the gym will try to discourage them from lifting heavy saying things like "that's dangerous, you are scaring everyone else..." blah blah until finally they admit "the flooring is not made for heavy deadlifts..."... well... this isn't a good gym then is it?
So I finally found a decent gym here where I can lift heavy and there are many serious people... but you still have those normal people who are not at all bad for being normal, but are bad because they feel the need to discourage others from doing things that... they don't understand like... lifting heavy? :rolleyes:
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Hmm, I was never into weight lifting (very much)
I used to go to use some of the other equipment, but the thing that bothered me most
was the noise. They'd have some stereo blasting some kind of obnoxious music on 1 side
and every treadmill has their own personal TV blasting away on a different channel.
When I used the treadmill, the TV was off and I would leave it off.
But then some guy who was working at the gym would come and turn it on for me. :rolleyes:
So I would turn it off again, and he would come back and turn it on. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
I found the whole experience so noisy and stressful that I gave up on it. I bought a bike
and started riding through the rice fields.(way more peaceful and enjoyable)
My co-teacher at the time asked my why I didn't go to the gym and I tried to explain to her
about the noise situation; she replied that I should get an MP3 player to block out the other noise. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: (yeah, even more noise, that's going to help)
I told her about the bike riding and she thought I was nutz!!!!!!!!!!
Then 1 Monday morning the class asked me what I had done on the weekend, so I told them I went bike riding. They seemed very surprised and asked why I would do such a thing. I replied because it's fun.
Then they finally got it. My co-teacher and her husband bought bikes and went riding
with their daughter the next weekend and told me how much they enjoyed it.
8)
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the thing that bothered me most
was the noise. They'd have some stereo blasting some kind of obnoxious music on 1 side
Some of the gyms sound like a night club.
Really. You can't hear yourself think.
Fortunately there do exist some nice quiet gyms without music playing.
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Hmm, I was never into weight lifting (very much)
I used to go to use some of the other equipment, but the thing that bothered me most
was the noise. They'd have some stereo blasting some kind of obnoxious music on 1 side
and every treadmill has their own personal TV blasting away on a different channel.
When I used the treadmill, the TV was off and I would leave it off.
But then some guy who was working at the gym would come and turn it on for me. :rolleyes:
So I would turn it off again, and he would come back and turn it on. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
I found the whole experience so noisy and stressful that I gave up on it. I bought a bike
and started riding through the rice fields.(way more peaceful and enjoyable)
My co-teacher at the time asked my why I didn't go to the gym and I tried to explain to her
about the noise situation; she replied that I should get an MP3 player to block out the other noise. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: (yeah, even more noise, that's going to help)
I told her about the bike riding and she thought I was nutz!!!!!!!!!!
Then 1 Monday morning the class asked me what I had done on the weekend, so I told them I went bike riding. They seemed very surprised and asked why I would do such a thing. I replied because it's fun.
Then they finally got it. My co-teacher and her husband bought bikes and went riding
with their daughter the next weekend and told me how much they enjoyed it.
8)
I use to love biking. It was nice to ride when the air was clean. But, this year....
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i know there's at least one study that showed that exercising outside was better for you than not exercising in polluted areas. the overall inflammation decrease outweighed not exercising outside. so i wouldn't stress too much about running or biking outside.
i need to find it again. i don't think it mentioned about cycling indoors or treadmilling.
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i know there's at least one study that showed that exercising outside was better for you than not exercising in polluted areas. the overall inflammation decrease outweighed not exercising outside. so i wouldn't stress too much about running or biking outside.
i need to find it again. i don't think it mentioned about cycling indoors or treadmilling.
That can't be the case when it's over 150.
I went for a run one nighta year or two ago and stupidly didn't look at the air quality reading before going. I was doing wind sprints and it fukced me up for a good 2-3 weeks after. Swollen throat, sinus infection and bronchitis that hung around for like a month afterwards.
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i know there's at least one study that showed that exercising outside was better for you than not exercising in polluted areas. the overall inflammation decrease outweighed not exercising outside. so i wouldn't stress too much about running or biking outside.
i need to find it again. i don't think it mentioned about cycling indoors or treadmilling.
That can't be the case when it's over 150.
I went for a run one nighta year or two ago and stupidly didn't look at the air quality reading before going. I was doing wind sprints and it fukced me up for a good 2-3 weeks after. Swollen throat, sinus infection and bronchitis that hung around for like a month afterwards.
"Our model indicates that in London health benefits of active travel always outweigh the risk from pollution. Even in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world -- with pollution levels 10 times those in London -- people would need to cycle over five hours per week before the pollution risks outweigh the health benefits," said study leader Dr. Marko Tainiio, of the University of Cambridge in England."
"The researchers found that if cycling for 30 minutes, a pollution concentration (PM2.5) of 95 microgram/m3 (seen in less than 1% of cites according to the WHO Ambient Air Pollution Database) is required to meet the tipping point.
The breaking point is reached at a concentration of 160 microgram/m3.
For an average urban pollution concentration the tipping point would be reached after seven hours of cycling per day.
If walking for 30 minutes, the tipping and breaking points would be at a concentration above 200 microgram/m3, meaning in an average urban area, the tipping point would be reached after 16 hours of walking per day."
Idk your mileage may very. Basically if it's below 160, you're probably fine. If it's above 160 avoid doing more than 30 of running/biking or no more than 90 walking.
This probably also has to do with how your own body deals with inflammation/allergies. Also, I'm assuming this is a long term benefit thing. IE your body will have a net positive from exercising overall, but maybe you will see bad things if you're just starting or maybe just an off day.
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I have been in Korea 2 months now, and only had really good experiences up until now. However, this weekend, I bought a bus ticket for my dog so I didn't have to hold her carrier in my lap the entire 4-hour trip from Seoul to Chungbuk, and a girl INSISTED on taking my dogs spot despite that there were 2 open seats elsewhere. She kind of stood in the aisle and just looked at me expectantly, and I showed her the 2 tickets I had bought, pointed to one ticket and at myself, then to the other ticket and to my dog in the other seat, and she still just stood there, waiting for me to move my dog. I was honestly, very pissed off. If it was a short bus ride, that's fine. But considering I paid 30,00 won for the bus fare so I could be comfortable instead of miserable for 4 hours straight, I was very upset. Then she has the audacity to close both the air vents completely, so I'm sweating my butt off the entire time. My dog got really antsy after about 3 hours, and started panting once she closed the vents, so I had to take her out of her crate and put her on my lap. Then, she had the audacity to look annoyed when my dog tried to get her attention and wagged her tail excitedly. I should have just stood my ground.
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i know there's at least one study that showed that exercising outside was better for you than not exercising in polluted areas. the overall inflammation decrease outweighed not exercising outside. so i wouldn't stress too much about running or biking outside.
i need to find it again. i don't think it mentioned about cycling indoors or treadmilling.
That can't be the case when it's over 150.
I went for a run one nighta year or two ago and stupidly didn't look at the air quality reading before going. I was doing wind sprints and it fukced me up for a good 2-3 weeks after. Swollen throat, sinus infection and bronchitis that hung around for like a month afterwards.
"Our model indicates that in London health benefits of active travel always outweigh the risk from pollution. Even in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world -- with pollution levels 10 times those in London -- people would need to cycle over five hours per week before the pollution risks outweigh the health benefits," said study leader Dr. Marko Tainiio, of the University of Cambridge in England."
"The researchers found that if cycling for 30 minutes, a pollution concentration (PM2.5) of 95 microgram/m3 (seen in less than 1% of cites according to the WHO Ambient Air Pollution Database) is required to meet the tipping point.
The breaking point is reached at a concentration of 160 microgram/m3.
For an average urban pollution concentration the tipping point would be reached after seven hours of cycling per day.
If walking for 30 minutes, the tipping and breaking points would be at a concentration above 200 microgram/m3, meaning in an average urban area, the tipping point would be reached after 16 hours of walking per day."
Idk your mileage may very. Basically if it's below 160, you're probably fine. If it's above 160 avoid doing more than 30 of running/biking or no more than 90 walking.
This probably also has to do with how your own body deals with inflammation/allergies. Also, I'm assuming this is a long term benefit thing. IE your body will have a net positive from exercising overall, but maybe you will see bad things if you're just starting or maybe just an off day.
I think that is a big part of it. As a Korean ENT once told me, "Your weakness is your throat". Whatever that means.
Cheers for the information.
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Oops... Theateacher is my predecessor, apparently I was logged in under her account automatically! The previous post was actually mine, to clarify.
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Oops... Theateacher is my predecessor, apparently I was logged in under her account automatically! The previous post was actually mine, to clarify.
I agree with what you said last. You bought the ticket, and you should have just said no. That is all hindsight though, and the next time you head out on a long trip, you will have a different perspective on how to handle it. It reminds me of the (yes another) airline story that popped up not to long ago. The guy bought a flight for his toddler, then was told that the toddler couldn't sit there, and that the seat would be given to another passenger. At least you did have the chance to say no and not get kicked off though, as he and the family got booted for standing up for "what was right." Anyway, I should stop writing before I just start off on something else...
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Ya, now you know how to handle situations like those. When you first come you are hyper-aware of offensive and breaking social norms. After a while you see the selfishness and spite. You give less of a f uck.
In terms of vents or windows in my immediate vicinity, they are under my dominion. If you close them, I will reopen them.
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i know there's at least one study that showed that exercising outside was better for you than not exercising in polluted areas. the overall inflammation decrease outweighed not exercising outside. so i wouldn't stress too much about running or biking outside.
i need to find it again. i don't think it mentioned about cycling indoors or treadmilling.
That can't be the case when it's over 150.
I went for a run one nighta year or two ago and stupidly didn't look at the air quality reading before going. I was doing wind sprints and it fukced me up for a good 2-3 weeks after. Swollen throat, sinus infection and bronchitis that hung around for like a month afterwards.
"Our model indicates that in London health benefits of active travel always outweigh the risk from pollution. Even in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world -- with pollution levels 10 times those in London -- people would need to cycle over five hours per week before the pollution risks outweigh the health benefits," said study leader Dr. Marko Tainiio, of the University of Cambridge in England."
"The researchers found that if cycling for 30 minutes, a pollution concentration (PM2.5) of 95 microgram/m3 (seen in less than 1% of cites according to the WHO Ambient Air Pollution Database) is required to meet the tipping point.
The breaking point is reached at a concentration of 160 microgram/m3.
For an average urban pollution concentration the tipping point would be reached after seven hours of cycling per day.
If walking for 30 minutes, the tipping and breaking points would be at a concentration above 200 microgram/m3, meaning in an average urban area, the tipping point would be reached after 16 hours of walking per day."
Idk your mileage may very. Basically if it's below 160, you're probably fine. If it's above 160 avoid doing more than 30 of running/biking or no more than 90 walking.
This probably also has to do with how your own body deals with inflammation/allergies. Also, I'm assuming this is a long term benefit thing. IE your body will have a net positive from exercising overall, but maybe you will see bad things if you're just starting or maybe just an off day.
These stats totally ignore the fact that the intensity and not just the duration of the exercise as well as the person's physical condition would play a huge part in determining the 'tipping point'.
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um yeah it's not a huge detailed report. that would take years and years and countless variables. i think "cycling" is considered intense usually. i'm sure it has to do with how much air is being pumped in and out. cycling would be about as intense as you get outdoors for a sustained long period of time.
there's also a study on mice using intense pollution conditions and still found exercise was better overall. i need to find it.
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I have been in Korea 2 months now, and only had really good experiences up until now. However, this weekend, I bought a bus ticket for my dog so I didn't have to hold her carrier in my lap the entire 4-hour trip from Seoul to Chungbuk, and a girl INSISTED on taking my dogs spot despite that there were 2 open seats elsewhere. She kind of stood in the aisle and just looked at me expectantly, and I showed her the 2 tickets I had bought, pointed to one ticket and at myself, then to the other ticket and to my dog in the other seat, and she still just stood there, waiting for me to move my dog. I was honestly, very pissed off. If it was a short bus ride, that's fine. But considering I paid 30,00 won for the bus fare so I could be comfortable instead of miserable for 4 hours straight, I was very upset. Then she has the audacity to close both the air vents completely, so I'm sweating my butt off the entire time. My dog got really antsy after about 3 hours, and started panting once she closed the vents, so I had to take her out of her crate and put her on my lap. Then, she had the audacity to look annoyed when my dog tried to get her attention and wagged her tail excitedly. I should have just stood my ground.
1) You paid for that seat. It's yours.
2) Leave the dogs at home and get a pet sitter. No one wants to be on a bus smelling and listening to your dog. People used to have the class to leave their pets at home, not anymore. What if someone on the bus has allergies?
People need to get a grip when it comes to their pets. It's a dog. It can handle you being away for 2 days.
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I hate when people stop in the middle of the sidewalk when it's crowded to talk/look at their phone, or stop in the middle of the sidewalk when it's crowded and abruptly change directions without first looking to see who's behind them, thus slamming into you. Or when people walk 3-4 deep across the sidewalk without caring if people are trying to get past. And when they are walking towards you and so deep into staring at their phone they don't look up until right before they walk into you and then they do the little gasp when they look up surprised to see you right in front of them. :rolleyes:
I used to move out of the way of the last type of folks but these days it's so annoying that I just keep going and when they get close enough I say "앞에 보세요!" loudly to startle them. Makes me feel better. Lol!
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I have been in Korea 2 months now, and only had really good experiences up until now. However, this weekend, I bought a bus ticket for my dog so I didn't have to hold her carrier in my lap the entire 4-hour trip from Seoul to Chungbuk, and a girl INSISTED on taking my dogs spot despite that there were 2 open seats elsewhere. She kind of stood in the aisle and just looked at me expectantly, and I showed her the 2 tickets I had bought, pointed to one ticket and at myself, then to the other ticket and to my dog in the other seat, and she still just stood there, waiting for me to move my dog. I was honestly, very pissed off. If it was a short bus ride, that's fine. But considering I paid 30,00 won for the bus fare so I could be comfortable instead of miserable for 4 hours straight, I was very upset. Then she has the audacity to close both the air vents completely, so I'm sweating my butt off the entire time. My dog got really antsy after about 3 hours, and started panting once she closed the vents, so I had to take her out of her crate and put her on my lap. Then, she had the audacity to look annoyed when my dog tried to get her attention and wagged her tail excitedly. I should have just stood my ground.
1) You paid for that seat. It's yours.
2) Leave the dogs at home and get a pet sitter. No one wants to be on a bus smelling and listening to your dog. People used to have the class to leave their pets at home, not anymore. What if someone on the bus has allergies?
People need to get a grip when it comes to their pets. It's a dog. It can handle you being away for 2 days.
She's a nasty, childish little git, resorting to little passive aggressive games out of spite. I'm surprised they let you take the dog out, but their policy seems to permit it and you paid for it so the seat is yours.
I have to agree with Mr.DeMartino, and as a pet owner, unless it's an emergency, leave the dog at home.
I'd be pretty pissed and consider you a selfish twit if I had to sit near your dog for 3hrs, trying to keep its fur off my clothes and tolerating the smell and potential noise.
Good lord :rolleyes:
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I have been in Korea 2 months now, and only had really good experiences up until now. However, this weekend, I bought a bus ticket for my dog so I didn't have to hold her carrier in my lap the entire 4-hour trip from Seoul to Chungbuk, and a girl INSISTED on taking my dogs spot despite that there were 2 open seats elsewhere. She kind of stood in the aisle and just looked at me expectantly, and I showed her the 2 tickets I had bought, pointed to one ticket and at myself, then to the other ticket and to my dog in the other seat, and she still just stood there, waiting for me to move my dog. I was honestly, very pissed off. If it was a short bus ride, that's fine. But considering I paid 30,00 won for the bus fare so I could be comfortable instead of miserable for 4 hours straight, I was very upset. Then she has the audacity to close both the air vents completely, so I'm sweating my butt off the entire time. My dog got really antsy after about 3 hours, and started panting once she closed the vents, so I had to take her out of her crate and put her on my lap. Then, she had the audacity to look annoyed when my dog tried to get her attention and wagged her tail excitedly. I should have just stood my ground.
1) You paid for that seat. It's yours.
2) Leave the dogs at home and get a pet sitter. No one wants to be on a bus smelling and listening to your dog. People used to have the class to leave their pets at home, not anymore. What if someone on the bus has allergies?
People need to get a grip when it comes to their pets. It's a dog. It can handle you being away for 2 days.
She's a nasty, childish little git, resorting to little passive aggressive games out of spite. I'm surprised they let you take the dog out, but their policy seems to permit it and you paid for it so the seat is yours.
I have to agree with Mr.DeMartino, and as a pet owner, unless it's an emergency, leave the dog at home.
I'd be pretty pissed and consider you a selfish twit if I had to sit near your dog for 3hrs, trying to keep its fur off my clothes and tolerating the smell and potential noise.
Good lord :rolleyes:
Yeah, my ex and I had a cat, and then two cats about a month before I ended it.
We'd go to Seoul and 6 hours later she'd day, "I hope the cat is ok."
It's a cat. I love cats, but he'll be fine for the 10 hours we'll be gone. Calm the f down.
You can literally leave a cat for 4 days if you leave enough shit out for it.
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I have been in Korea 2 months now, and only had really good experiences up until now. However, this weekend, I bought a bus ticket for my dog so I didn't have to hold her carrier in my lap the entire 4-hour trip from Seoul to Chungbuk, and a girl INSISTED on taking my dogs spot despite that there were 2 open seats elsewhere. She kind of stood in the aisle and just looked at me expectantly, and I showed her the 2 tickets I had bought, pointed to one ticket and at myself, then to the other ticket and to my dog in the other seat, and she still just stood there, waiting for me to move my dog. I was honestly, very pissed off. If it was a short bus ride, that's fine. But considering I paid 30,00 won for the bus fare so I could be comfortable instead of miserable for 4 hours straight, I was very upset. Then she has the audacity to close both the air vents completely, so I'm sweating my butt off the entire time. My dog got really antsy after about 3 hours, and started panting once she closed the vents, so I had to take her out of her crate and put her on my lap. Then, she had the audacity to look annoyed when my dog tried to get her attention and wagged her tail excitedly. I should have just stood my ground.
1) You paid for that seat. It's yours.
2) Leave the dogs at home and get a pet sitter. No one wants to be on a bus smelling and listening to your dog. People used to have the class to leave their pets at home, not anymore. What if someone on the bus has allergies?
People need to get a grip when it comes to their pets. It's a dog. It can handle you being away for 2 days.
She's a nasty, childish little git, resorting to little passive aggressive games out of spite. I'm surprised they let you take the dog out, but their policy seems to permit it and you paid for it so the seat is yours.
I have to agree with Mr.DeMartino, and as a pet owner, unless it's an emergency, leave the dog at home.
I'd be pretty pissed and consider you a selfish twit if I had to sit near your dog for 3hrs, trying to keep its fur off my clothes and tolerating the smell and potential noise.
Good lord :rolleyes:
Yeah, my ex and I had a cat, and then two cats about a month before I ended it.
We'd go to Seoul and 6 hours later she'd day, "I hope the cat is ok."
It's a cat. I love cats, but he'll be fine for the 10 hours we'll be gone. Calm the f down.
You can literally leave a cat for 4 days if you leave enough shit out for it.
Also just a side thing...I live in Chungbuk and it's 1-2 hours from Seoul, What kinda bus were you on? :blank:
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...a girl INSISTED on taking my dog's spot despite that there were 2 open seats elsewhere...
Next time, make sure your dog and its carry case is on the seat and that it's the seat next to the window, not the aisle. People are far less likely to want to crawl over you to get to a seat, especially when you point out the empty ones elsewhere.
It's also a good way to make sure your pet doesn't annoy people too much. :smiley:
And as others have posted, if you buy 2 seats, then you get two seats. Heck, I've seen folk buy seats for their luggage -- presumably because they don't want bus drivers tossing it about during transfers etc.
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I have been in Korea 2 months now, and only had really good experiences up until now. However, this weekend, I bought a bus ticket for my dog so I didn't have to hold her carrier in my lap the entire 4-hour trip from Seoul to Chungbuk, and a girl INSISTED on taking my dogs spot despite that there were 2 open seats elsewhere. She kind of stood in the aisle and just looked at me expectantly, and I showed her the 2 tickets I had bought, pointed to one ticket and at myself, then to the other ticket and to my dog in the other seat, and she still just stood there, waiting for me to move my dog. I was honestly, very pissed off. If it was a short bus ride, that's fine. But considering I paid 30,00 won for the bus fare so I could be comfortable instead of miserable for 4 hours straight, I was very upset. Then she has the audacity to close both the air vents completely, so I'm sweating my butt off the entire time. My dog got really antsy after about 3 hours, and started panting once she closed the vents, so I had to take her out of her crate and put her on my lap. Then, she had the audacity to look annoyed when my dog tried to get her attention and wagged her tail excitedly. I should have just stood my ground.
1) You paid for that seat. It's yours.
2) Leave the dogs at home and get a pet sitter. No one wants to be on a bus smelling and listening to your dog. People used to have the class to leave their pets at home, not anymore. What if someone on the bus has allergies?
People need to get a grip when it comes to their pets. It's a dog. It can handle you being away for 2 days.
She's a nasty, childish little git, resorting to little passive aggressive games out of spite. I'm surprised they let you take the dog out, but their policy seems to permit it and you paid for it so the seat is yours.
I have to agree with Mr.DeMartino, and as a pet owner, unless it's an emergency, leave the dog at home.
I'd be pretty pissed and consider you a selfish twit if I had to sit near your dog for 3hrs, trying to keep its fur off my clothes and tolerating the smell and potential noise.
Good lord :rolleyes:
Yeah, my ex and I had a cat, and then two cats about a month before I ended it.
We'd go to Seoul and 6 hours later she'd day, "I hope the cat is ok."
It's a cat. I love cats, but he'll be fine for the 10 hours we'll be gone. Calm the f down.
You can literally leave a cat for 4 days if you leave enough shit out for it.
Also just a side thing...I live in Chungbuk and it's 1-2 hours from Seoul, What kinda bus were you on? :blank:
We live in Anyang. She worries WAY TOO MUCH.
Edit: I think I get what you're asking. We never brought the cats, they stayed at home. I mean we'd be gone for 8 hours and she'd worry.
"I hope they're okay."
Jesus Christ, they're fine. They've been at home 7 hours without us, calm down.
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I have been in Korea 2 months now, and only had really good experiences up until now. However, this weekend, I bought a bus ticket for my dog so I didn't have to hold her carrier in my lap the entire 4-hour trip from Seoul to Chungbuk, and a girl INSISTED on taking my dogs spot despite that there were 2 open seats elsewhere. She kind of stood in the aisle and just looked at me expectantly, and I showed her the 2 tickets I had bought, pointed to one ticket and at myself, then to the other ticket and to my dog in the other seat, and she still just stood there, waiting for me to move my dog. I was honestly, very pissed off. If it was a short bus ride, that's fine. But considering I paid 30,00 won for the bus fare so I could be comfortable instead of miserable for 4 hours straight, I was very upset. Then she has the audacity to close both the air vents completely, so I'm sweating my butt off the entire time. My dog got really antsy after about 3 hours, and started panting once she closed the vents, so I had to take her out of her crate and put her on my lap. Then, she had the audacity to look annoyed when my dog tried to get her attention and wagged her tail excitedly. I should have just stood my ground.
1) You paid for that seat. It's yours.
2) Leave the dogs at home and get a pet sitter. No one wants to be on a bus smelling and listening to your dog. People used to have the class to leave their pets at home, not anymore. What if someone on the bus has allergies?
People need to get a grip when it comes to their pets. It's a dog. It can handle you being away for 2 days.
She's a nasty, childish little git, resorting to little passive aggressive games out of spite. I'm surprised they let you take the dog out, but their policy seems to permit it and you paid for it so the seat is yours.
I have to agree with Mr.DeMartino, and as a pet owner, unless it's an emergency, leave the dog at home.
I'd be pretty pissed and consider you a selfish twit if I had to sit near your dog for 3hrs, trying to keep its fur off my clothes and tolerating the smell and potential noise.
Good lord :rolleyes:
Yeah, my ex and I had a cat, and then two cats about a month before I ended it.
We'd go to Seoul and 6 hours later she'd day, "I hope the cat is ok."
It's a cat. I love cats, but he'll be fine for the 10 hours we'll be gone. Calm the f down.
You can literally leave a cat for 4 days if you leave enough shit out for it.
I have 2 cats and 2 automatic feeders.
I left them at home while I went on an 8 day holiday. Upon return, they casually strolled up, gave me a "Oh, this ass***e again." look and went off to scratch my couch.
Cat's are perfectly fine staying indoors and being alone.
Dogs on the other hand. Bloody hell, you've got to walk it multiple times a day, pick up it's crap, it needs space otherwise it gets miserable, and deal with the saliva. Why dogs are so popular (among Koreans and ESL teachers) is completely beyond me.
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I have 2 cats and 2 automatic feeders.
I left them at home while I went on an 8 day holiday. Upon return, they casually strolled up, gave me a "Oh, this ass***e again." look and went off to scratch my couch.
Cat's are perfectly fine staying indoors and being alone.
Dogs on the other hand. Bloody hell, you've got to walk it multiple times a day, pick up it's crap, it needs space otherwise it gets miserable, and deal with the saliva. Why dogs are so popular (among Koreans and ESL teachers) is completely beyond me.
Because they don't give people the "Oh, this asshole again" look. xD
Dogs are more sociable. Make good companions for people who like sociable.
Also, cat allergies. Way more common than dog allergies.
Personally, I like both cats and dogs.
But I'm more of a dog person because I don't like the litterbox smell, don't like how cats touch everything after rubbing their shitty-paws in that damn litterbox, don't like how they rub against everything right after licking themselves, don't want to worry about my stuff getting scratched up, spraying (had a friend who adopted a cat with a spraying problem even though it had already been neutered -- not an easy habit to break once formed), and I hate how cat fur just magically finds and attaches itself to everything I own no matter what I do. At least they have a variety of dogs that are easy to train and have hair instead of fur (poodles are a personal favorite of mine). The trade-off is that they're higher maintenance, but the pros outweight the cons, and it works for me.
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I have 2 cats and 2 automatic feeders.
I left them at home while I went on an 8 day holiday. Upon return, they casually strolled up, gave me a "Oh, this ass***e again." look and went off to scratch my couch.
Cat's are perfectly fine staying indoors and being alone.
Are your cats toilet trained?
If not, I'm curious about the litter box situation...what do you do (I can't imagine how 8 days without a cleaning would go down)?
Water change?
If your feeders fail/jam, what then?
Getting someone to stop by to make sure all is well wouldn't be a bad idea.
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I have 2 cats and 2 automatic feeders.
I left them at home while I went on an 8 day holiday. Upon return, they casually strolled up, gave me a "Oh, this ass***e again." look and went off to scratch my couch.
Cat's are perfectly fine staying indoors and being alone.
Dogs on the other hand. Bloody hell, you've got to walk it multiple times a day, pick up it's crap, it needs space otherwise it gets miserable, and deal with the saliva. Why dogs are so popular (among Koreans and ESL teachers) is completely beyond me.
I wholeheartedly agree.
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Are your cats toilet trained?
If not, I'm curious about the litter box situation...what do you do (I can't imagine how 8 days without a cleaning would go down)?
Water change?
If your feeders fail/jam, what then?
Getting someone to stop by to make sure all is well wouldn't be a bad idea.
Right, kind of wondered about all that myself. They've got water feeders/fountains for pets, too, so I thought maybe that was his setup for that.
Litter box... figured either he has cats that aren't too picky, or he has a cat genie or something.
Also, while my neighbor was on vacation, I had to go clean her cat's litterbox out everyday or else that cat would shit on the couch.
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anti-Japanism
I wonder if Mr. Kelly would be so adored here after his BBC video went viral if they knew he was writing stuff like this :shocked:
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-south-korea-so-obsessed-japan
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I hate when people stop in the middle of the sidewalk when it's crowded to talk/look at their phone, or stop in the middle of the sidewalk when it's crowded and abruptly change directions without first looking to see who's behind them, thus slamming into you. Or when people walk 3-4 deep across the sidewalk without caring if people are trying to get past. And when they are walking towards you and so deep into staring at their phone they don't look up until right before they walk into you and then they do the little gasp when they look up surprised to see you right in front of them. :rolleyes:
I used to move out of the way of the last type of folks but these days it's so annoying that I just keep going and when they get close enough I say "앞에 보세요!" loudly to startle them. Makes me feel better. Lol!
last week i was at a bus terminal and this woman stopped to check something on her phone literally right in front of the glass exit door to the terminal. like, 2 inches away from it, completely blocking the exit.
how can you be so oblivious to everything around you that you stop right in front of a door?
i've also had people stop at the bottom of the escalators, completely blocking the way for anyone trying to go up.
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last week i was at a bus terminal and this woman stopped to check something on her phone literally right in front of the glass exit door to the terminal. like, 2 inches away from it, completely blocking the exit.
how can you be so oblivious to everything around you that you stop right in front of a door?
i've also had people stop at the bottom of the escalators, completely blocking the way for anyone trying to go up.
At the CU on Namsan (the one where the buses go) I was next in line and an old Chinese man just came up and went in front of me.
"LINE. LINE. LINNEEEEEE." (points behind me sternly)
:rolleyes: 什么？什么是一条线？ (walks away)
F'in hell.
Get my shit, go to leave. There's a Chinese mother and her kid. In the double doors, one each. IN THE DOORWAY. Eating ice cream. They look like pigs in shit.
Here's where I get to exercise my Chinese prowess with one of two words I know.
"门! 门! 门~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!!!!"
:rolleyes: 哦，这是一扇门吗？我以为这是冰淇淋区。
MOVE LADY.
FFS
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anti-Japanism
I wonder if Mr. Kelly would be so adored here after his BBC video went viral if they knew he was writing stuff like this :shocked:
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-south-korea-so-obsessed-japan
woah didn't know the pledge of allegiance in korea was to the minjok race and not to the democratic state up until 2011. that's pretty humbling
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last week i was at a bus terminal and this woman stopped to check something on her phone literally right in front of the glass exit door to the terminal. like, 2 inches away from it, completely blocking the exit.
how can you be so oblivious to everything around you that you stop right in front of a door?
i've also had people stop at the bottom of the escalators, completely blocking the way for anyone trying to go up.
At the CU on Namsan (the one where the buses go) I was next in line and an old Chinese man just came up and went in front of me.
"LINE. LINE. LINNEEEEEE." (points behind me sternly)
:rolleyes: 什么？什么是一条线？ (walks away)
F'in hell.
Get my shit, go to leave. There's a Chinese mother and her kid. In the double doors, one each. IN THE DOORWAY. Eating ice cream. They look like pigs in shit.
Here's where I get to exercise my Chinese prowess with one of two words I know.
"门! 门! 门~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!!!!"
:rolleyes: 哦，这是一扇门吗？我以为这是冰淇淋区。
MOVE LADY.
FFS
Oh! Do you know some Chinese?
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Oh! Do you know some Chinese?
(https://cdn.meme.am/cache/instances/folder254/66887254.jpg)
Just 문 and 산. hahahaha
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People need to get a grip when it comes to pets. The whole thing is out of control, especially the emotional neediness. For goodness sakes, makes me want to join the Animal Liberation Front or something.
Dog piss everywhere on the streets. Pets in restaurants. Dogs in cramped little apartments. Dogs yapping all the time. Dogs on buses. Dogs on planes. People treating pets like some sort of right. People who can't spend a year in another country without having a pet because they have emotional loneliness issues. People stopping every half a block to pet a dog like its something magical. People who think pets are people. People who think their pets have the same emotional fragility as them.
Enough!
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I have 2 cats and 2 automatic feeders.
I left them at home while I went on an 8 day holiday. Upon return, they casually strolled up, gave me a "Oh, this ass***e again." look and went off to scratch my couch.
Cat's are perfectly fine staying indoors and being alone.
Are your cats toilet trained?
If not, I'm curious about the litter box situation...what do you do (I can't imagine how 8 days without a cleaning would go down)?
Water change?
If your feeders fail/jam, what then?
Getting someone to stop by to make sure all is well wouldn't be a bad idea.
I prefer not to burden anyone else, especially since my old apartment was quite out of the way.
I clean the litterbox every 3-4 days, so all I did was put an extra 2 boxes out.
Same with the water, I just used multiple bowls.
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I have 2 cats and 2 automatic feeders.
I left them at home while I went on an 8 day holiday. Upon return, they casually strolled up, gave me a "Oh, this ass***e again." look and went off to scratch my couch.
Cat's are perfectly fine staying indoors and being alone.
Are your cats toilet trained?
If not, I'm curious about the litter box situation...what do you do (I can't imagine how 8 days without a cleaning would go down)?
Water change?
If your feeders fail/jam, what then?
Getting someone to stop by to make sure all is well wouldn't be a bad idea.
I prefer not to burden anyone else, especially since my old apartment was quite out of the way.
I clean the litterbox every 3-4 days, so all I did was put an extra 2 boxes out.
Same with the water, I just used multiple bowls.
I've a friend with a pair of pretty independent cats. They were raised to be that way though. If she goes on a trip, she'll just leave the faucet running slightly and I believe she had automatic feeders as well. She would still ask a friend/neighbor to check in on them once in a while if she was away for more than a few days, just for peace of mind.
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People need to get a grip when it comes to children. The whole thing is out of control, especially the emotional neediness. For goodness sakes, makes me want to join the Children Liberation Front or something.
Children piss everywhere on the streets. Children in restaurants. Children in cramped little apartments. Children yapping all the time. Children on buses. Children on planes. People treating children like some sort of right. People who can't spend a year in another country without having a child because they have emotional loneliness issues. People stopping every half a block to pet a child like its something magical. People who think children are people. People who think their children have the same emotional fragility as them.
Enough!
:huh: :shocked:
:laugh:
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People need to get a grip when it comes to pets. The whole thing is out of control, especially the emotional neediness. For goodness sakes, makes me want to join the Animal Liberation Front or something.
Dog piss everywhere on the streets. Pets in restaurants. Dogs in cramped little apartments. Dogs yapping all the time. Dogs on buses. Dogs on planes. People treating pets like some sort of right. People who can't spend a year in another country without having a pet because they have emotional loneliness issues. People stopping every half a block to pet a dog like its something magical. People who think pets are people. People who think their pets have the same emotional fragility as them.
Enough!
:laugh:
For the record, I have no problem with people getting whatever pet they want... ASSUMING, they handle the necessary responsibilities.
You have no business owning a dog if:
1 - You don't have a big yard.
2 - You don't have regular access to large field/park.
3 - You want to let unleash your dog to run around said park, which includes other people.
4 - When outside your home, you're unable to keep the dog out of people's personal and
olfactory space.
5 - You don't have the income to provide proper nutrition and veterinary care
6 - You start fundraisers because your broke ass didn't anticipate that pets may
need expensive emergency treatment.
7 - Your apartment isn't, at least, as big as Dr Frasier Crane's.
8 - You're always on the move
9 - You're not prepared to pay thousands of dollars to ship it home, at the end of your
contract.
10 - A big motivation for getting a dog is to see how cute it will look in the little dog jersey
you found... seriously, just die!
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I've seen a lot of people (2) outside walking their terrified-and-obviously-not-enjoying-themselves housecats on leashes recently.
I'm irked.
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I feel so validated after reading all these other posts about Koreans being in the way. I was so grumpy yesterday in Dongdaemun partly because of all the people that kept bumping into me, cutting me off, or blocking the way. I kept wondering if Koreans have any concept of spatial awareness, or if it was just confirmation bias. I was trying to leave the subway, and a guy abruptly stopped at the top of the stairs to check his phone. Really guy? You couldn't have walked forward another few steps so people could get out? I was so annoyed I just pushed right past him. I hope it taught him a lesson, but I may have come off as just a rude foreigner. Oh well.
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People need to get a grip when it comes to pets. The whole thing is out of control, especially the emotional neediness. For goodness sakes, makes me want to join the Animal Liberation Front or something.
Dog piss everywhere on the streets. Pets in restaurants. Dogs in cramped little apartments. Dogs yapping all the time. Dogs on buses. Dogs on planes. People treating pets like some sort of right. People who can't spend a year in another country without having a pet because they have emotional loneliness issues. People stopping every half a block to pet a dog like its something magical. People who think pets are people. People who think their pets have the same emotional fragility as them.
Enough!
:laugh: i hate to say it but i'm in total agreement with demartino on this (rare) occasion.
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People need to get a grip when it comes to pets. The whole thing is out of control, especially the emotional neediness. For goodness sakes, makes me want to join the Animal Liberation Front or something.
Dog piss everywhere on the streets. Pets in restaurants. Dogs in cramped little apartments. Dogs yapping all the time. Dogs on buses. Dogs on planes. People treating pets like some sort of right. People who can't spend a year in another country without having a pet because they have emotional loneliness issues. People stopping every half a block to pet a dog like its something magical. People who think pets are people. People who think their pets have the same emotional fragility as them.
Enough!
:laugh:
For the record, I have no problem with people getting whatever pet they want... ASSUMING, they handle the necessary responsibilities.
You have no business owning a dog if:
1 - You don't have a big yard.
2 - You don't have regular access to large field/park.
3 - You want to let unleash your dog to run around said park, which includes other people.
4 - When outside your home, you're unable to keep the dog out of people's personal and
olfactory space.
5 - You don't have the income to provide proper nutrition and veterinary care
6 - You start fundraisers because your broke ass didn't anticipate that pets may
need expensive emergency treatment.
7 - Your apartment isn't, at least, as big as Dr Frasier Crane's.
8 - You're always on the move
9 - You're not prepared to pay thousands of dollars to ship it home, at the end of your
contract.
10 - A big motivation for getting a dog is to see how cute it will look in the little dog jersey
you found... seriously, just die!
Especially this. How selfish a person are you to use the company of a living creature but ditch it come the end of your contract? Ridiculous. I basically agree with Demartino on "People who can't spend a year in another country without having a pet because they have emotional loneliness issues." I wouldn't commit to a pet unless I fully intended on taking it with me when I left. I love animals but I haven't adopted one during my time here.
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9 - You're not prepared to pay thousands of dollars to ship it home, at the end of your
contract.
Especially this.
Depending on the size of the animal, it only takes around 250,000 won to fly it from Korea to North America. I have a Dachshund, and we've made that flight several times already. No problemos. :smiley:
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I've seen a lot of people (2) outside walking their terrified-and-obviously-not-enjoying-themselves housecats on leashes recently.
I'm irked.
They can't afford dogs but don't want to be left out. Gotta keep up with the Kims.
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9 - You're not prepared to pay thousands of dollars to ship it home, at the end of your
contract.
Especially this.
Depending on the size of the animal, it only takes around 250,000 won to fly it from Korea to North America. I have a Dachshund, and we've made that flight several times already. No problemos. :smiley:
Curious, what airline do you typically use?
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Depending on the size of the animal, it only takes around 250,000 won to fly it from Korea to North America. I have a Dachshund, and we've made that flight several times already. No problemos. :smiley:
Curious, what airline do you typically use?
United, usually, and Korean Air occationally. Whichever one is cheapest at the time :)
Most airlines have the policy that if your pet is under 5 kilos and in a soft case carrier that's under a specific size, it can come aboard as carry on. The fee is usually about 200,000 won, but can be slightly more depending on the airline.
Also, be very careful about transfers: if you you switch airlines during a transfer you will need to pay the 200,000 pet fee again.
Also, in order for your pet to fly, it has to meet all the entry requirements for rabies, distemper etc of the *destination* country. Likewise when you return to Korea (Korea has a very strict rabies control programme, so definitely look into that kind of stuff 2 or 3 months before flying in order to get all the titer tests etc completed in time). They're not really expensive (about 40,000 to 60,000), just kinda bothersome.
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Wow, so much hostility and judgment. FOR THE RECORD:
My first week here, it was snowing and crazy windy. I found a tiny puppy, maybe a month or 2 old, IN THE SNOW. SHIVERING. It was skinny, and cold, and trying to keep out of the wind by cowering in a corner. Snot was crusted all over its nose and eyes. It was filthy. I did what any basic decent human being would do- I tucked it under my jacket, brought it home, and held it in my arms next to the space heater until it stopped shivering. Then, I gave it a bath. I didn't have any dog food, I didn't even know where to BUY dog food, so I fed it a hot dog. It has been a burden every day, I've never had a dog before, I had no idea what I was doing. BUT I'm pretty sure I saved it's life, and I've been trying desperately to find it a good home every day for the last 2 months. I've asked all my coworkers if they know anyone, when I bring her to events and go out of town I tell everyone who asks about her that she's up for adoption, I've been posting on animalrescuekorea.. . I'm even trying to find someone in the US to take her and I'll use my summer vacation to fly her to her new home. I live in Boeun, and I can't find any pet sitting services. It's a really tiny town. ON THE BUS, I had the dog in it's carrier, and the carrier was in the window seat, and I had the aisle. Finally, I would never choose to adopt a dog and then abandon it when I leave in a year. You know what they say about assuming, right? Anything else I need to defend myself against?
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People need to get a grip when it comes to pets. The whole thing is out of control, especially the emotional neediness. For goodness sakes, makes me want to join the Animal Liberation Front or something.
Dog piss everywhere on the streets. Pets in restaurants. Dogs in cramped little apartments. Dogs yapping all the time. Dogs on buses. Dogs on planes. People treating pets like some sort of right. People who can't spend a year in another country without having a pet because they have emotional loneliness issues. People stopping every half a block to pet a dog like its something magical. People who think pets are people. People who think their pets have the same emotional fragility as them.
Enough!
:laugh: i hate to say it but i'm in total agreement with demartino on this (rare) occasion.
Same. Except for the petting. I still do pet the dogs that come up to me, especially if they are the big floofy ones that are so rare in Korea. But I do find it sad when animals get passed from owner to owner or sent to the shelters because they go home.
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My first week here, it was snowing and crazy windy. I found a tiny puppy, maybe a month or 2 old, IN THE SNOW. SHIVERING. It was skinny, and cold...
Good job. Mine was a rescue as well. Found her in a trash pile covered in sores and too starved to run away. Considering how sought after dachshunds are here in Korea, I was really surprised to see somebody tossing one out like that!
3 years later and she's fine (except for some serious trash eating issues. Damn dog.).
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Wow, so much hostility and judgment. FOR THE RECORD:
My first week here, it was snowing and crazy windy. I found a tiny puppy, maybe a month or 2 old, IN THE SNOW. SHIVERING. It was skinny, and cold, and trying to keep out of the wind by cowering in a corner. Snot was crusted all over its nose and eyes. It was filthy. I did what any basic decent human being would do- I tucked it under my jacket, brought it home, and held it in my arms next to the space heater until it stopped shivering. Then, I gave it a bath. I didn't have any dog food, I didn't even know where to BUY dog food, so I fed it a hot dog. It has been a burden every day, I've never had a dog before, I had no idea what I was doing. BUT I'm pretty sure I saved it's life, and I've been trying desperately to find it a good home every day for the last 2 months. I've asked all my coworkers if they know anyone, when I bring her to events and go out of town I tell everyone who asks about her that she's up for adoption, I've been posting on animalrescuekorea.. . I'm even trying to find someone in the US to take her and I'll use my summer vacation to fly her to her new home. I live in Boeun, and I can't find any pet sitting services. It's a really tiny town. ON THE BUS, I had the dog in it's carrier, and the carrier was in the window seat, and I had the aisle. Finally, I would never choose to adopt a dog and then abandon it when I leave in a year. You know what they say about assuming, right? Anything else I need to defend myself against?
Trust me, with all the judgments going on in here, many of which are fair, no one is judging you for rescuing a dog. Calm down.
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Curious, what airline do you typically use?
United, usually, and Korean Air occationally. Whichever one is cheapest at the time :)
Welp, two airlines crossed off my list. United has tiny seats and treats you like crap but they allow dogs. Maybe they should boot off the dogs and charge more money to people who drag their pets along so we can get bigger seats in economy or have business class go back to being business class. Throw em in the cargo hold where they belong. Incredible, the only thing these airlines bend over backwards for is for carry-on animals. They treat animals better than their own damn customers. No wonder these airlines suck. Not surprised that people who think like this are running their airlines into the ground. Sad to see Korean Air give in to this madness. Probably the stupid princesses with their yapping rat dogs.
Meanwhile all the good airlines, like the Middle Eastern ones, ban most pets and give you decent legroom and service. They also have stricter cancellation policies and their higher fees help keep out the riff-raff. Maybe we could learn a thing or two from them.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for service dogs for the actual disabled. But you've got to be seriously messed up. None of this emotional support animal crap. If that's the case, throw em in the hold. Maybe the 13 hours away from each other can finally toughen you up and you'll get over your fear of flying or whatever. Unless you're a veteran or lost a leg when you were bombed while working for Doctors Without Borders. Anything goes for those types. If you have a service cobra, that's cool. Just do us a favor and have the cobra take out the yapping dog in seat C12. It's thin. It should be able to squeeze through the bars of the pet carrier.
=======================================================
I have been in Korea 2 months now, and only had really good experiences up until now. However, this weekend, I bought a bus ticket for my dog so I didn't have to hold her carrier in my lap the entire 4-hour trip from Seoul to Chungbuk, and a girl INSISTED on taking my dogs spot despite that there were 2 open seats elsewhere. She kind of stood in the aisle and just looked at me expectantly, and I showed her the 2 tickets I had bought, pointed to one ticket and at myself, then to the other ticket and to my dog in the other seat, and she still just stood there, waiting for me to move my dog. I was honestly, very pissed off. If it was a short bus ride, that's fine. But considering I paid 30,00 won for the bus fare so I could be comfortable instead of miserable for 4 hours straight, I was very upset. Then she has the audacity to close both the air vents completely, so I'm sweating my butt off the entire time. My dog got really antsy after about 3 hours, and started panting once she closed the vents, so I had to take her out of her crate and put her on my lap. Then, she had the audacity to look annoyed when my dog tried to get her attention and wagged her tail excitedly. I should have just stood my ground.
Wow, so much hostility and judgment. FOR THE RECORD:
My first week here, it was snowing and crazy windy. I found a tiny puppy, maybe a month or 2 old, IN THE SNOW. SHIVERING. It was skinny, and cold, and trying to keep out of the wind by cowering in a corner. Snot was crusted all over its nose and eyes. It was filthy. I did what any basic decent human being would do- I tucked it under my jacket, brought it home, and held it in my arms next to the space heater until it stopped shivering. Then, I gave it a bath. I didn't have any dog food, I didn't even know where to BUY dog food, so I fed it a hot dog. It has been a burden every day, I've never had a dog before, I had no idea what I was doing. BUT I'm pretty sure I saved it's life, and I've been trying desperately to find it a good home every day for the last 2 months. I've asked all my coworkers if they know anyone, when I bring her to events and go out of town I tell everyone who asks about her that she's up for adoption, I've been posting on animalrescuekorea.. . I'm even trying to find someone in the US to take her and I'll use my summer vacation to fly her to her new home. I live in Boeun, and I can't find any pet sitting services. It's a really tiny town. ON THE BUS, I had the dog in it's carrier, and the carrier was in the window seat, and I had the aisle. Finally, I would never choose to adopt a dog and then abandon it when I leave in a year. You know what they say about assuming, right? Anything else I need to defend myself against?
Uhm. Anyone notice anything wrong with this? I spot two glaring red flags. Five :afro: Sonnys to whoever gets it first.
Nice try. At least try telling the truth first.
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Wow, so much hostility and judgment. FOR THE RECORD:
My first week here, it was snowing and crazy windy. I found a tiny puppy, maybe a month or 2 old, IN THE SNOW. SHIVERING. It was skinny, and cold, and trying to keep out of the wind by cowering in a corner. Snot was crusted all over its nose and eyes. It was filthy. I did what any basic decent human being would do- I tucked it under my jacket, brought it home, and held it in my arms next to the space heater until it stopped shivering. Then, I gave it a bath. I didn't have any dog food, I didn't even know where to BUY dog food, so I fed it a hot dog. It has been a burden every day, I've never had a dog before, I had no idea what I was doing. BUT I'm pretty sure I saved it's life, and I've been trying desperately to find it a good home every day for the last 2 months. I've asked all my coworkers if they know anyone, when I bring her to events and go out of town I tell everyone who asks about her that she's up for adoption, I've been posting on animalrescuekorea.. . I'm even trying to find someone in the US to take her and I'll use my summer vacation to fly her to her new home. I live in Boeun, and I can't find any pet sitting services. It's a really tiny town. ON THE BUS, I had the dog in it's carrier, and the carrier was in the window seat, and I had the aisle. Finally, I would never choose to adopt a dog and then abandon it when I leave in a year. You know what they say about assuming, right? Anything else I need to defend myself against?
You're a compassionate person, to animals at least. You're also learning why most people, despite feeling sorry for the animal, didn't take it home. Nature is merciless, feral cats and dogs needs to develop survival instincts and learn to fend for themselves. It's through hardships like this that the strongest feral animals overcome and live long enough to pass on their superior genes.
I never pet feral animals, no matter how needy they seem. Despite taking a very dangerous chance at contracting rabies or some nasty infection, you're also creating an association that humans are friendly... That's the last thing I want a stray animal to be thinking in this country.
There's a fine line between being compassionate and leaving nature alone. It's just my opinion, but if you're going to rob the animal of it's opportunity to pass nature's test and learn how to survive, you better be prepared to become it's provider.
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A lot of things irk me but I'm supposed to understand them because I look like the natives.
One specific thing that does irk me: "Your English is really good for a Korean."
I'm like, "What do you want to see: my passport, my Social Security card, my [expired] driver's license or my diploma from a New Jersey university nobody knows because it's not Princeton?" :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Curious, what airline do you typically use?
United, usually, and Korean Air occationally. Whichever one is cheapest at the time :)
Welp, two airlines crossed off my list. United has tiny seats and treats you like crap but they allow dogs. Maybe they should
Insofar as I know, all the carriers that have flights to NA allow carry on pets. Some just charge more than others, and have different weight/size limitations. Do you know of any major airlines that don't? Would be nice to know in advance!
And in my experience*, most dogs just sleep throughout the flight. Something to do with the changes in air pressure and engine noise/vibration.
*Your experiences may, of course, be different.
Incredible, the only thing these airlines bend over backwards for is for carry-on animals. They treat animals better than their own damn customers. No wonder these airlines suck. Not surprised that people who think like this are running their airlines into the ground.
Charging an additional 200,000 won for what is essentially just another carry-on seems like good business sense to me. :undecided:
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Curious, what airline do you typically use?
United, usually, and Korean Air occationally. Whichever one is cheapest at the time :)
Welp, two airlines crossed off my list. United has tiny seats and treats you like crap but they allow dogs. Maybe they should
Insofar as I know, all the carriers that have flights to NA allow carry on pets. Some just charge more than others, and have different weight/size limitations. Do you know of any major airlines that don't? Would be nice to know in advance!
And in my experience*, most dogs just sleep throughout the flight. Something to do with the changes in air pressure and engine noise/vibration.
*Your experiences may, of course, be different.
https://www.bringfido.com/travel/airline_policies/
Middle Eastern airlines (consistently rated the best) don't allow them, except for falcons and the only people that have those are people with F U money. Those people are probably in those 1st class staterooms or whatever.
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My first week here, it was snowing and crazy windy. I found a tiny puppy, maybe a month or 2 old, IN THE SNOW. SHIVERING. It was skinny, and cold...
Good job. Mine was a rescue as well. Found her in a trash pile covered in sores and too starved to run away. Considering how sought after dachshunds are here in Korea, I was really surprised to see somebody tossing one out like that!
3 years later and she's fine (except for some serious trash eating issues. Damn dog.).
What a cutie! Glad you found her. I just don't understand the way animals are treated here. And the dog I found has serious food insecurity- she tries to eat anything and everything, including trash, bugs, bones, bird shit... anything she can find on the ground. I have to keep an eagle eye on her when she's outside pooping because she finds all kind of nasty stuff. She's ravenous, even if she's full... she doesn't even chew her food, so I have to feed her in small increments or else she'll eat it all in a couple seconds and throw it up. When I first found her I literally had to drop 1 or 2 one pieces of kibble at a time into her crate to slow her down. She's getting better about it, and I can keep my hand on her food bowl without her getting aggressive... but she growls and moves away if I put my hands near her bone or other chew treat. We're working on it :/
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Middle Eastern airlines (consistently rated the best) don't allow them, except for falcons and the only people that have those are people with F U money. Those people are probably in those 1st class staterooms or whatever.
One day I too will have F U money (probably through shenanigans, considering my current profession and its pay). When that day arrives, i will buy a falcon specifically so that I can bring it along and let it fly about in the plane. Preferably this plane (https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--0xAcyQcJ--/c_scale,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/18pweqltdmglvjpg.jpg).
A bird that is flying on a plane that is flying on a plane. Flightception.
Oh, and uh, things that irritate me here in the Land of Morning Calm are people who don't use their blinkers.
- Also folk who walk on bicycle paths.
- Bongo trucks. All of them.
- People who ask me about grammar/spelling/word-usage, and then decide to do it their way because that's how they (think they) learned it in school. :rolleyes:
- People who fill pastries with disappointment-bean paste (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/jos2829/media/Others%202/flowerbun3.jpg.html). How *dare* you disguise this as chocolate?!
- Folk leaving the washrooms without actually washing their hands.
- People who read my name in Hangul, and then argue with me about how my name should be pronounced.
- Not flush their TP.
- Prevent anyone from swimming more than a few meters away from shore.
- Tint their vehicle windows (it's unsafe!).
- Glamping.
- Throw trash about in or near *my* apartment complex.
- Have strange ideas about what I eat, and then disagree with me when I tell them what I actually like.
- Spend too much time on makeup, styling, etc.
- Fear tiny dogs.
- Ask why Dokdo isn't on the map (because its a map of Asia for crying out loud! Your entire country barely shows up!).
- Pile so much ddok on me that I run out of pockets to conveniently hide them in until I can unload them on the next student that passes by ( :azn::"Just one more: you snack on it later!" :sad::"Oh, thank you!).
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Wow, so much hostility and judgment. FOR THE RECORD:
My first week here, it was snowing and crazy windy. I found a tiny puppy, maybe a month or 2 old, IN THE SNOW. SHIVERING. It was skinny, and cold, and trying to keep out of the wind by cowering in a corner. Snot was crusted all over its nose and eyes. It was filthy. I did what any basic decent human being would do- I tucked it under my jacket, brought it home, and held it in my arms next to the space heater until it stopped shivering. Then, I gave it a bath. I didn't have any dog food, I didn't even know where to BUY dog food, so I fed it a hot dog. It has been a burden every day, I've never had a dog before, I had no idea what I was doing. BUT I'm pretty sure I saved it's life, and I've been trying desperately to find it a good home every day for the last 2 months. I've asked all my coworkers if they know anyone, when I bring her to events and go out of town I tell everyone who asks about her that she's up for adoption, I've been posting on animalrescuekorea.. . I'm even trying to find someone in the US to take her and I'll use my summer vacation to fly her to her new home. I live in Boeun, and I can't find any pet sitting services. It's a really tiny town. ON THE BUS, I had the dog in it's carrier, and the carrier was in the window seat, and I had the aisle. Finally, I would never choose to adopt a dog and then abandon it when I leave in a year. You know what they say about assuming, right? Anything else I need to defend myself against?
You're a compassionate person, to animals at least. You're also learning why most people, despite feeling sorry for the animal, didn't take it home. Nature is merciless, feral cats and dogs needs to develop survival instincts and learn to fend for themselves. It's through hardships like this that the strongest feral animals overcome and live long enough to pass on their superior genes.
I never pet feral animals, no matter how needy they seem. Despite taking a very dangerous chance at contracting rabies or some nasty infection, you're also creating an association that humans are friendly... That's the last thing I want a stray animal to be thinking in this country.
There's a fine line between being compassionate and leaving nature alone. It's just my opinion, but if you're going to rob the animal of it's opportunity to pass nature's test and learn how to survive, you better be prepared to become it's provider.
Is it really leaving nature alone when those specific species of street dogs/cats only exist because of human intervention? A feral animal wouldn't let you pet it, as soon as you got close to a feral animal it would attack or run away. That's one of the main characteristics of being "feral". Just because an animal is on the streets doesn't mean it's feral. stray =/ feral Sure leave feral animals be (or neuter/release) but there's nothing wrong with rescuing a stray.
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I feel so validated after reading all these other posts about Koreans being in the way. I was so grumpy yesterday in Dongdaemun partly because of all the people that kept bumping into me, cutting me off, or blocking the way. I kept wondering if Koreans have any concept of spatial awareness, or if it was just confirmation bias. I was trying to leave the subway, and a guy abruptly stopped at the top of the stairs to check his phone. Really guy? You couldn't have walked forward another few steps so people could get out? I was so annoyed I just pushed right past him. I hope it taught him a lesson, but I may have come off as just a rude foreigner. Oh well.
You didn't have that same problem in your country? People constantly do the same in the states. It just becomes more apparent when you're in a high population area.
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Since no one got it...
I have been in Korea 2 months now, and only had really good experiences up until now. However, this weekend, I bought a bus ticket for my dog so I didn't have to hold her carrier in my lap the entire 4-hour trip from Seoul to Chungbuk, and a girl INSISTED on taking my dogs spot despite that there were 2 open seats elsewhere. She kind of stood in the aisle and just looked at me expectantly, and I showed her the 2 tickets I had bought, pointed to one ticket and at myself, then to the other ticket and to my dog in the other seat, and she still just stood there, waiting for me to move my dog. I was honestly, very pissed off. If it was a short bus ride, that's fine. But considering I paid 30,00 won for the bus fare so I could be comfortable instead of miserable for 4 hours straight, I was very upset. Then she has the audacity to close both the air vents completely, so I'm sweating my butt off the entire time. My dog got really antsy after about 3 hours, and started panting once she closed the vents, so I had to take her out of her crate and put her on my lap. Then, she had the audacity to look annoyed when my dog tried to get her attention and wagged her tail excitedly. I should have just stood my ground.
Wow, so much hostility and judgment. FOR THE RECORD:
My first week here, it was snowing and crazy windy. I found a tiny puppy, maybe a month or 2 old, IN THE SNOW. SHIVERING. It was skinny, and cold, and trying to keep out of the wind by cowering in a corner. Snot was crusted all over its nose and eyes. It was filthy. I did what any basic decent human being would do- I tucked it under my jacket, brought it home, and held it in my arms next to the space heater until it stopped shivering. Then, I gave it a bath. I didn't have any dog food, I didn't even know where to BUY dog food, so I fed it a hot dog. It has been a burden every day, I've never had a dog before, I had no idea what I was doing. BUT I'm pretty sure I saved it's life, and I've been trying desperately to find it a good home every day for the last 2 months. I've asked all my coworkers if they know anyone, when I bring her to events and go out of town I tell everyone who asks about her that she's up for adoption, I've been posting on animalrescuekorea.. . I'm even trying to find someone in the US to take her and I'll use my summer vacation to fly her to her new home. I live in Boeun, and I can't find any pet sitting services. It's a really tiny town. ON THE BUS, I had the dog in it's carrier, and the carrier was in the window seat, and I had the aisle. Finally, I would never choose to adopt a dog and then abandon it when I leave in a year. You know what they say about assuming, right? Anything else I need to defend myself against?
Here's a hint-
https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/south-korea/daejeon/historic?month=3&year=2017
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Since no one got it...
Here's a hint-
https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/south-korea/daejeon/historic?month=3&year=2017
[/quote]
Damnnnnn son. Sharp as a mother. Come on Mr. Demartino, you know how that snow and shivering can be confused with pollen and some sort of allergy break out.
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Since no one got it...
Here's a hint-
https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/south-korea/daejeon/historic?month=3&year=2017
Damnnnnn son. Sharp as a mother. Come on Mr. Demartino, you know how that snow and shivering can be confused with pollen and some sort of allergy break out.
[/quote]
Wow, Sherlock, you are just so brilliant, aren't you? Why would I lie? It WAS snowing the night I found her. I found her in early March. In the morning, it was still snowing, there was snow piled up on everything and all the streets had a layer of ice on them! It was my first time ever seeing snow, being from Florida, and I was super stoked about it. I even slipped on it and ate shit and had a huge bruise on my bum for the better part of a month.
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Overnight lows of +2 C to 0 C are not inconsistent with the story.
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Just went back through my Facebook to find the exact date I found her. Go do your detective work and look up the weather for Boeun-gun, March 6th. Using the site you provided, it says it was -3 Celsius. I don't know much about snow, but I know it when I see it, slip on it, and grab a puppy out of it.
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I've seen a lot of people (2) outside walking their terrified-and-obviously-not-enjoying-themselves housecats on leashes recently.
I'm irked.
They can't afford dogs but don't want to be left out. Gotta keep up with the Kims.
I was in Busan at Gwangalli beach eating a daytime taco at a Fuzzy Navel. I seen an ajeoshi there dining at one of the outside tables. He dined with two big ass dogs on a leash, a cat in a harness that was acting like a wild animal, and a woman with Gangnam face. I couldn't figure out if he was balling, weird, if I wanted to be like him, if I didn't want to be like him, or what. I was confused. I am still confused.
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Just went back through my Facebook to find the exact date I found her. Go do your detective work and look up the weather for Boeun-gun, March 6th. Using the site you provided, it says it was -3 Celsius. I don't know much about snow, but I know it when I see it, slip on it, and grab a puppy out of it.
Her story is true. I live kinda in the same area, and we had a late snow. I know when she found the pup. It had been snowing.
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Just went back through my Facebook to find the exact date I found her. Go do your detective work and look up the weather for Boeun-gun, March 6th. Using the site you provided, it says it was -3 Celsius. I don't know much about snow, but I know it when I see it, slip on it, and grab a puppy out of it.
Well, her story checks out. She wasn't lying to us about rescuing a puppy. She might, in fact, be a really good person.
I was in Busan at Gwangalli beach eating a daytime taco at a Fuzzy Navel. I seen an ajeoshi there dining at one of the outside tables. He dined with two big ass dogs on a leash, a cat in a harness that was acting like a wild animal, and a woman with Gangnam face. I couldn't figure out if he was balling, weird, if I wanted to be like him, if I didn't want to be like him, or what. I was confused. I am still confused.
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/8b/10/9d/8b109d88d90c60b5d65906a33df88d4f.gif)
Gangnam face. Priceless.
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People need to get a grip when it comes to children. The whole thing is out of control, especially the emotional neediness. For goodness sakes, makes me want to join the Children Liberation Front or something.
Children piss everywhere on the streets. Children in restaurants. Children in cramped little apartments. Children yapping all the time. Children on buses. Children on planes. People treating children like some sort of right. People who can't spend a year in another country without having a child because they have emotional loneliness issues. People stopping every half a block to pet a child like its something magical. People who think children are people. People who think their children have the same emotional fragility as them.
Enough!
:huh: :shocked:
:laugh:
:laugh:
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Well, snap. I actually don't really care and didn't read everything that is going on. I started to in the beginning, but stopped. Although, it did seems as though DeMartino was getting his Inspector Gadget on, but maybe came up a bit short. Glad you saved a pup.
Gangnam face...I will find a situation to use than in...Would that just be a face that looks as though it has had too much plastic surgery?
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Gangnam face...I will find a situation to use than in...Would that just be a face that looks as though it has had too much plastic surgery?
That's my guess. Think...http://imgur.com/eQnp2X5
If I had to define it:
gangnam face: 1) creepily beautiful. 2) a face that is less than the sum total of its parts.
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Gangnam face...I will find a situation to use than in...Would that just be a face that looks as though it has had too much plastic surgery?
That's my guess. Think...http://imgur.com/eQnp2X5
If I had to define it:
gangnam face: 1) creepily beautiful. 2) a face that is less than the sum total of its parts.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:...Oh.no. :huh: :shocked:
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Wow, Sherlock, you are just so brilliant, aren't you? Why would I lie? It WAS snowing the night I found her. I found her in early March. In the morning, it was still snowing, there was snow piled up on everything and all the streets had a layer of ice on them! It was my first time ever seeing snow, being from Florida, and I was super stoked about it. I even slipped on it and ate shit and had a huge bruise on my bum for the better part of a month.
If it was snowing, it was a pathetic layer. Also, in the morning it was partly sunny and above freezing. Weather says light rain and How could the snow be piled up when the previous week there had been no snow and temperatures in the mid teens?
Look, I don't doubt you found the dog (It's listed on the animalrescuesite), but I think you might be embellishing your story a bit. Those howling winds? 7kph. Now I can get the "IT WAS BLIZZARD CONDITIONS" if you're from Florida, but the wind? That's a gentle breeze in Florida.
The thing is that we tend to get people on here with "cool story bro" stories. You'd be amazed how hearty animals are. Did you think an arctic chill was about to set in? Anyways, congrats on rescuing the dog on the one day in March it happened to possibly slightly snow, but portraying it as on the verge of deaths door in Korean Siberia is a bit much.
Anyways, I apologize for focusing on the embellished details and not looking at the big picture of you adopting the dog. The thing was that the whole "2 months ago" and snow thing set off the BS meter because it was a rather mild winter and I didn't recall any snow outside of maybe Gangwondo over the last two months. Like I said, we get a lot of BS stories here by people with no post history so some stories get taken with a grain of salt.
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Dr. DeMatlock
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My first week here, it was snowing and crazy windy. I found a tiny puppy, maybe a month or 2 old, IN THE SNOW. SHIVERING. It was skinny, and cold...
Good job. Mine was a rescue as well. Found her in a trash pile covered in sores and too starved to run away. Considering how sought after dachshunds are here in Korea, I was really surprised to see somebody tossing one out like that!
3 years later and she's fine (except for some serious trash eating issues. Damn dog.).
What a cutie! Glad you found her. I just don't understand the way animals are treated here. And the dog I found has serious food insecurity- she tries to eat anything and everything, including trash, bugs, bones, bird shit... anything she can find on the ground. I have to keep an eagle eye on her when she's outside pooping because she finds all kind of nasty stuff. She's ravenous, even if she's full... she doesn't even chew her food, so I have to feed her in small increments or else she'll eat it all in a couple seconds and throw it up. When I first found her I literally had to drop 1 or 2 one pieces of kibble at a time into her crate to slow her down. She's getting better about it, and I can keep my hand on her food bowl without her getting aggressive... but she growls and moves away if I put my hands near her bone or other chew treat. We're working on it :/
Well, let me tell ya... when the dog was previously living on the street, food was hard to come by. So yeah, it's gonna have trust issues. Word of advice, next time you see a stray dog, don't take it home... and there will be a next time...and another... and another... and another. There are a shit load of stray dogs here, they also are sometimes cooked into 영양탕. Welcome to Korea. You aren't in America anymore. Good on you for being compassionate though, can't fault you for that. :wink:
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There are a shit load of stray dogs here, they also are sometimes cooked into 영양탕.
This is the first I've heard 영양탕. Just another word for 보신탕? I looked both of them up on Naver and interestingly 영양탕 translates to 'nutritional' soup and 보신탕 to 'rejuvenating' or 'strengthening' soup. ;D :huh: :sad:
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There are a shit load of stray dogs here, they also are sometimes cooked into 영양탕.
This is the first I've heard 영양탕. Just another word for 보신탕? I looked both of them up on Naver and interestingly 영양탕 translates to 'nutritional' soup and 보신탕 to 'rejuvenating' or 'strengthening' soup. ;D :huh: :sad:
Yeah I've had Koreans explain to me that dog is very nutritious and full of protein, etc. I mean, fine. But surely this is not wizard meat.
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There are a shit load of stray dogs here, they also are sometimes cooked into 영양탕.
This is the first I've heard 영양탕. Just another word for 보신탕? I looked both of them up on Naver and interestingly 영양탕 translates to 'nutritional' soup and 보신탕 to 'rejuvenating' or 'strengthening' soup. ;D :huh: :sad:
Yeah I've had Koreans explain to me that dog is very nutritious and full of protein, etc. I mean, fine. But surely this is not wizard meat.
Dog meat is full of protein because it's meat, lmao.
It's not anymore nutritious than any other kind of meat, and is actually not the best kind of meat for human consumption. It's just a Korean misconception due to common practice started back in the day when protein was hard to come by. When you have limited food options, it becomes "very nutritious" -- better than little to no protein at all. The rest is a carryover from other countries for pretty much similar reasons.
Definitely not anymore nutritious than other options available, and other options would actually be more nutritious.
I don't personally have a problem with the consumption of dog meat, though, only with their treatment of the animals prior and their method of slaughter.
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Yeah I've had Koreans explain to me that dog is very nutritious and full of protein, etc. I mean, fine. But surely this is not wizard meat.
I mean, it's no seal penis
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Semantic issue...many have been calling these animals "strays", but most aren't strays in the least (they didn't stray from their home).
Most were disgarded/abandoned.
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Semantic issue...many have been calling these animals "strays", but most aren't strays in the least (they didn't stray from their home).
Most were disgarded/abandoned.
Yup!
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There are a shit load of stray dogs here, they also are sometimes cooked into 영양탕.
This is the first I've heard 영양탕. Just another word for 보신탕? I looked both of them up on Naver and interestingly 영양탕 translates to 'nutritional' soup and 보신탕 to 'rejuvenating' or 'strengthening' soup. ;D :huh: :sad:
Yeah I've had Koreans explain to me that dog is very nutritious and full of protein, etc. I mean, fine. But surely this is not wizard meat.
Dog meat is full of protein because it's meat, lmao.
It's not anymore nutritious than any other kind of meat, and is actually not the best kind of meat for human consumption. It's just a Korean misconception due to common practice started back in the day when protein was hard to come by. When you have limited food options, it becomes "very nutritious" -- better than little to no protein at all. The rest is a carryover from other countries for pretty much similar reasons.
Definitely not anymore nutritious than other options available, and other options would actually be more nutritious.
I don't personally have a problem with the consumption of dog meat, though, only with their treatment of the animals prior and their method of slaughter.
I agree 100 %. To be honest, it tastes horrible though. If the recommended way to eat it consists of a large dab of pickled ginger with each bite, it probably isn't something that's worth eating. I was told it makes it 'more delicious', but that's code for 'it hides the terrible taste'.
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Semantic issue...many have been calling these animals "strays", but most aren't strays in the least (they didn't stray from their home).
Most were disgarded/abandoned.
Yup!
Nevertheless, unless you've got a guaranteed plan to find it a home or adopt it yourself, leave it alone.
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Wow, so much hostility and judgment.
[text redacted]
Finally, I would never choose to adopt a dog and then abandon it when I leave in a year. You know what they say about assuming, right? Anything else I need to defend myself against?
At least in regards to adopting/abandoning pets, I can only speak for myself when saying that I wasn't specifically directing my comments at you. This is just a general thing that irks me: when some people adopt/buy pets for the brief time they are here only to struggle with rehoming them when they leave as they never intended to adopt the pets for life.
If you have permanently rescued a stray, then kudos to you.
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Why won't they level the pavements here? I was recently at a coffee shop outside of which a team of ajoshis had chiselled up the bricks and were laying new ones. Casting an eye along the progress they'd made, I could see all the random rises and dips that were previously there still in place. Surely it wouldn't be too much work to add some more sand or whatever it is they put under the bricks and level it off so that people can walk without randomly tripping or rolling ankles in unseen dips?
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Was at Vancouver airport last week and some ajoshie loudly coughed up his lung and spat it in the garbage can. I scolded him in Korean. Same with three Korean punk teenagers smoking and spitting on the street. I have to endure this behaviour here. I refuse to tolerate it in Canada.
Some people need to be house trained before they arrive in Canada - even as just tourists.
Leave your gross unhygienic customs at home.
And when the Air Canada flight crew tell you to sit down and fasten your seat belt, sit the &^%$ down and fasten your seat belt. If you get thrown through the cabin you're going to injure more than just yourself.
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Was at Vancouver airport last week and some ajoshie loudly coughed up his lung and spat it in the garbage can. I scolded him in Korean. Same with three Korean punk teenagers smoking and spitting on the street. I have to endure this behaviour here. I refuse to tolerate it in Canada.
Some people need to be house trained before they arrive in Canada - even as just tourists.
Leave your gross unhygienic customs at home.
And when the Air Canada flight crew tell you to sit down and fasten your seat belt, sit the &^%$ down and fasten your seat belt. If you get thrown through the cabin you're going to injure more than just yourself.
I have no problem with this, provided you do it to other Canadians who spit (and if you claim Canadians don't spit- horseshit). Go outside some scuzzy bar in Windsor and you'll see plenty of people puffing on an ExportA or Player's or whatever and hacking a loogie.
If you only do it to Koreans, you're just a bigot.
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At least he spit it in the can? :undecided: Instead of on the street/sidewalk?
Though if there's no garbage liner then ick.
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Was at Vancouver airport last week and some ajoshie loudly coughed up his lung and spat it in the garbage can. I scolded him in Korean. Same with three Korean punk teenagers smoking and spitting on the street. I have to endure this behaviour here. I refuse to tolerate it in Canada.
Some people need to be house trained before they arrive in Canada - even as just tourists.
Leave your gross unhygienic customs at home.
And when the Air Canada flight crew tell you to sit down and fasten your seat belt, sit the &^%$ down and fasten your seat belt. If you get thrown through the cabin you're going to injure more than just yourself.
I have no problem with this, provided you do it to other Canadians who spit (and if you claim Canadians don't spit- horseshit). Go outside some scuzzy bar in Windsor and you'll see plenty of people puffing on an ExportA or Player's or whatever and hacking a loogie.
What does "hacking a loogie" mean?
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Was at Vancouver airport last week and some ajoshie loudly coughed up his lung and spat it in the garbage can. I scolded him in Korean. Same with three Korean punk teenagers smoking and spitting on the street. I have to endure this behaviour here. I refuse to tolerate it in Canada.
Some people need to be house trained before they arrive in Canada - even as just tourists.
Leave your gross unhygienic customs at home.
And when the Air Canada flight crew tell you to sit down and fasten your seat belt, sit the &^%$ down and fasten your seat belt. If you get thrown through the cabin you're going to injure more than just yourself.
I have no problem with this, provided you do it to other Canadians who spit (and if you claim Canadians don't spit- horseshit). Go outside some scuzzy bar in Windsor and you'll see plenty of people puffing on an ExportA or Player's or whatever and hacking a loogie.
What does "hacking a loogie" mean?
Koreans behaving like Koreans at a Canadian airport is one thing, but...
Westerners also press their expectations at non-western airports as well.
Personally, I've pissed off a westerner at Incheon airport for stepping up to order a cup of coffee. I didn't bump into him at all, just walked around him and went into his rather large personal space bubble.
He said in a rather angry tone "Excuse me?"
I said "Oh sorry, were you in line?"
"No, but can you at least say "Excuse me...?"
*Me bewildered* "Sorry, excuse me."
I didn't even touch the guy, he wasn't waiting in line either. I just merely invaded his personal space because I had been conditioned to living in Seoul for so long, and this guy was behaving like that in a crowded Incheon airport.
Personally I think that it's easy to offend people and be offended by people at airports because many of them may be on linked flights and/or they may not be conditioned to the different culture just yet and may have not adjusted their behavior/expectations.
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I have no problem with this, provided you do it to other Canadians who spit (and if you claim Canadians don't spit- horseshit). Go outside some scuzzy bar in Windsor and you'll see plenty of people puffing on an ExportA or Player's or whatever and hacking a loogie.
What does "hacking a loogie" mean?
It's "hocking a loogie" not hacking.
What is it? Well, see closest adjosshi for advice on the best way to do it. But, the hock is the act of getting it up and out, the "loogie" is the mass that comes out.
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I have no problem with this, provided you do it to other Canadians who spit (and if you claim Canadians don't spit- horseshit). Go outside some scuzzy bar in Windsor and you'll see plenty of people puffing on an ExportA or Player's or whatever and hacking a loogie.
What does "hacking a loogie" mean?
It's "hocking a loogie" not hacking.
What is it? Well, see closest adjosshi for advice on the best way to do it. But, the hock is the act of getting it up and out, the "loogie" is the mass that comes out.
I'm aware of the terminology. Steelrails, however, seemed to be a bit confused about the terms. I was just wondering what exactly he thinks Canadians are doing all over the country. I just got back yesterday, and the only hocking / expelling of loogies I witnessed came from the afore-mentioned Asians.
It's seriously taboo in Canada, and for good reason.
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Was at Vancouver airport last week and some ajoshie loudly coughed up his lung and spat it in the garbage can. I scolded him in Korean. Same with three Korean punk teenagers smoking and spitting on the street. I have to endure this behaviour here. I refuse to tolerate it in Canada.
Some people need to be house trained before they arrive in Canada - even as just tourists.
Leave your gross unhygienic customs at home.
And when the Air Canada flight crew tell you to sit down and fasten your seat belt, sit the &^%$ down and fasten your seat belt. If you get thrown through the cabin you're going to injure more than just yourself.
I have no problem with this, provided you do it to other Canadians who spit (and if you claim Canadians don't spit- horseshit). Go outside some scuzzy bar in Windsor and you'll see plenty of people puffing on an ExportA or Player's or whatever and hacking a loogie.
If you only do it to Koreans, you're just a bigot.
See/hear it quite often in Toronto from non-Asians, although it's still way more common in Asia (Korea and China).
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Was at Vancouver airport last week and some ajoshie loudly coughed up his lung and spat it in the garbage can. I scolded him in Korean. Same with three Korean punk teenagers smoking and spitting on the street. I have to endure this behaviour here. I refuse to tolerate it in Canada.
Some people need to be house trained before they arrive in Canada - even as just tourists.
Leave your gross unhygienic customs at home.
And when the Air Canada flight crew tell you to sit down and fasten your seat belt, sit the &^%$ down and fasten your seat belt. If you get thrown through the cabin you're going to injure more than just yourself.
I have no problem with this, provided you do it to other Canadians who spit (and if you claim Canadians don't spit- horseshit). Go outside some scuzzy bar in Windsor and you'll see plenty of people puffing on an ExportA or Player's or whatever and hacking a loogie.
If you only do it to Koreans, you're just a bigot.
See/hear it quite often in Toronto from non-Asians, although it's still way more common in Asia (Korea and China).
Yeah, like a thousand times more common.
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Yeah, like a thousand times more common.
Certainly more common. The question still stands- do you do this to people of ALL backgrounds or just Koreans? Do you walk up to some big bikers and tell them to stop spitting?
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To my co-teachers: Stop pretending you understood what I said when you clearly didn't. I have no problem saying it again or trying to explain in simpler terms. That's pretty much my job description. I've actually started asking one of my co-teachers comprehension questions after I tell him anything.
Also, it's called "patience". Get some. If I'm otherwise engaged with a student or work on my computer, give me a minute. Don't rapidly and repeatedly insist I immediately turn my attention to you. Especially when you're interrupting me to help another student or you with your work. Gah!
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Yeah, like a thousand times more common.
Certainly more common. The question still stands- do you do this to people of ALL backgrounds or just Koreans? Do you walk up to some big bikers and tell them to stop spitting?
This is some spectacular disingenuity. Hey Martino, if you tell a kid to pick up his litter, but not a tweaker packing a hand cannon covered in lewd facial tattoos you're a hypocrite!
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Yeah, like a thousand times more common.
Certainly more common. The question still stands- do you do this to people of ALL backgrounds or just Koreans? Do you walk up to some big bikers and tell them to stop spitting?
This is some spectacular disingenuity. Hey Martino, if you tell a kid to pick up his litter, but not a tweaker packing a hand cannon covered in lewd facial tattoos you're a hypocrite!
It's an over-the-top comparison, but if you ONLY do it to Koreans/Asians and to no one else, that's bigotry (and cowardice).
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Yeah, like a thousand times more common.
Certainly more common. The question still stands- do you do this to people of ALL backgrounds or just Koreans? Do you walk up to some big bikers and tell them to stop spitting?
Yes, I say this to people of all backgrounds. Unfortunately the vast majority of people coughing up their lungs and spitting it on the ground in Canada are east Asians. Someone immigrating or visiting from Switzerland is not coming from a spitting culture. If they did, and partook of that practice in Canada, I'd call them on it. They don't, hence no need to call them out. I lived 20 years in Canada. I know of what I speak? You clearly don't.
As for your "big bikers" reference, what's your prejudice against people on motorbikes? We know you are hostile to bicyclists on the road. Now you're building up a negative stereotype of people who own motorcycles for some bizarre reason? Not surprising, I suppose, given your regular references to "black guys riding four deep".
What's with your morbid fascination with people's modes of transport and prejudiced stereotypes? I used to hang out with guys on motorcycles. There were several of them and they were obsessed with motorcycles - and Jesus. They rode their motorbikes to church.
So yeah, if I even caught them spitting (which I never did) I'd have happily called them out on it. As would they if I engaged in similarly vulgar behaviour.
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Yeah, like a thousand times more common.
Certainly more common. The question still stands- do you do this to people of ALL backgrounds or just Koreans? Do you walk up to some big bikers and tell them to stop spitting?
Yes, I say this to people of all backgrounds. Unfortunately the vast majority of people coughing up their lungs and spitting it on the ground in Canada are east Asians. Someone immigrating or visiting from Switzerland is not coming from a spitting culture. If they did, and partook of that practice in Canada, I'd call them on it. They don't, hence no need to call them out. I lived 20 years in Canada. I know of what I speak? You clearly don't.
As for your "big bikers" reference, what's your prejudice against people on motorbikes? We know you are hostile to bicyclists on the road. Now you're building up a negative stereotype of people who own motorcycles for some bizarre reason? Not surprising, I suppose, given your regular references to "black guys riding four deep".
What's with your morbid fascination with people's modes of transport and prejudiced stereotypes? I used to hang out with guys on motorcycles. There were several of them and they were obsessed with motorcycles - and Jesus. They rode their motorbikes to church.
So yeah, if I even caught them spitting (which I never did) I'd have happily called them out on it. As would they if I engaged in similarly vulgar behaviour.
Cool story bro.
I totally believe you'd walk up to a bunch of Banditos or Hell's Angels and tell them to keep it down and not spit.
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I'd say most people would avoid interacting with bikers. With their penchant for casual violence and what not. As usual steelrails chooses the most ludicrous extreme. I would tell other people, not involved in the criminal underworld, not to spit. Its fuckin gross.
Who is this Maclean guy? Is that you kim du han?
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Since when is a person on a motorcycle a member of the Hell's Angels? That's some serious ignorance / prejudice there bro'.
But if they were wearing Hell's Angels paraphernalia, and looked threatening, would I walk up and tell them to stop spitting? Probably not. That also applies even if he looked ethically Korean or Chinese.
But if he was a member of the vast (vast) majority of persons who use motorcycles as a means of transport, and are no more frightening than those who drive a Kia to work, then yeah I'd call them on it. Why wouldn't I? Should I refrain from it because of some strange fixation you have that people on motorbikes are scary?
Were you afraid of motorcycles as a child? Did you watch a scary movie were the bad guy owned a motorcycle?
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I had one co worker who would agree/acknowledge what I was saying too early.
:undecided: : How was your vacation?
:-* : Oh it was good I went..........
:undecided: : Aaaaaaaahhhhh ooooh you went. Goood. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah
:-* : to the....beach. :sad:
It just throws me off so much.
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I hope that my emoji convos spreadddddddddddddd ddd
But this is me :police:
You can use all of the other ones but this :police: one is mine.
Unless you're referring to me. Then you can use :police:
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I hope that my emoji convos spreadddddddddddddd ddd
But this is me (http://2paragraphs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/alanis-620x375.png)
You can use all of the other ones but this (http://2paragraphs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/alanis-620x375.png) one is mine.
Unless you're referring to me. Then you can use (http://2paragraphs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/alanis-620x375.png)
:police: 휙스드 it for you.
(http://2paragraphs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/alanis-620x375.png) Thank you, Donny~
:afro: Simply stunning
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I hope that my emoji convos spreadddddddddddddd ddd
But this is me (http://2paragraphs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/alanis-620x375.png)
You can use all of the other ones but this (http://2paragraphs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/alanis-620x375.png) one is mine.
Unless you're referring to me. Then you can use (http://2paragraphs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/alanis-620x375.png)
:police: 휙스드 it for you.
(http://2paragraphs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/alanis-620x375.png) Thank you, Donny~
:afro: Simply stunning
Isn't it ironic, don't you think?
Suppose it's just a jagged, little pill I'll have to swallow.
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"You live, you learn."
-Alanis Morissette (http://2paragraphs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/alanis-620x375.png)
:police: Thank you India. Thank you Terror. Thank you Alanis.
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Cool story bro.
I totally believe you'd walk up to a bunch of Banditos or Hell's Angels and tell them to keep it down and not spit.
Try it with the Satan's Helpers and you'd be lucky to escape alive.
(https://media.tenor.com/images/def880935bec7d96d1199063080e7b7d/tenor.gif)
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I hope that my emoji convos spreadddddddddddddd ddd
But this is me :police:
You can use all of the other ones but this :police: one is mine.
Unless you're referring to me. Then you can use :police:
They're super handy! :-*
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Back on topic, please.
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Fiddle with the air con when you're at a comfortable temp?
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Was at Vancouver airport last week and some ajoshie loudly coughed up his lung and spat it in the garbage can. I scolded him in Korean. Same with three Korean punk teenagers smoking and spitting on the street. I have to endure this behaviour here. I refuse to tolerate it in Canada.
Some people need to be house trained before they arrive in Canada - even as just tourists.
Leave your gross unhygienic customs at home.
And when the Air Canada flight crew tell you to sit down and fasten your seat belt, sit the &^%$ down and fasten your seat belt. If you get thrown through the cabin you're going to injure more than just yourself.
I have no problem with this, provided you do it to other Canadians who spit (and if you claim Canadians don't spit- horseshit). Go outside some scuzzy bar in Windsor and you'll see plenty of people puffing on an ExportA or Player's or whatever and hacking a loogie.
If you only do it to Koreans, you're just a bigot.
Got to agree with this point.
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^ Unfortunately, you are agreeing with something absolutely no-one has stated. Steelrails / De Martino is notorious for statements like "if you are x, y or z then you're just a ____". It's the oldest and most dishonest debating technique in the book. Imply, suggest, hint and insinuate and argue against that - not what the poster has actually said.
No-one has stated what he is implying they stated - and you've opted to agree with him on that. :rolleyes:
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^ Unfortunately, you are agreeing with something absolutely no-one has stated. Steelrails / De Martino is notorious for statements like "if you are x, y or z then you're just a ____". It's the oldest and most dishonest debating technique in the book. Imply, suggest, hint and insinuate and argue against that - not what the poster has actually said.
No-one has stated what he is implying they stated - and you've opted to agree with him on that. :rolleyes:
Since when is a person on a motorcycle a member of the Hell's Angels? That's some serious ignorance / prejudice there bro'.
But if they were wearing Hell's Angels paraphernalia, and looked threatening, would I walk up and tell them to stop spitting? Probably not. That also applies even if he looked ethically Korean or Chinese.
But if he was a member of the vast (vast) majority of persons who use motorcycles as a means of transport, and are no more frightening than those who drive a Kia to work, then yeah I'd call them on it. Why wouldn't I? Should I refrain from it because of some strange fixation you have that people on motorbikes are scary?
Were you afraid of motorcycles as a child? Did you watch a scary movie were the bad guy owned a motorcycle?
What you wrote here kind of invalidates your post above.
What about beyond spitting? Do you walk around correcting all people of all backgrounds in Canada on various other wrongs you observe them doing or is it just spitting? If so, why just spitting?
Anyways, dude, everyone knows you're full of it when you say you tell anyone and everyone to not spit. No one buys that shit.
What's next? Are you going to tell us you never jack off because you get so much tail?
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No matter what someone looks like, you'd better believe if people act disgusting in public in Canada somebody will yell at them. You might even say it's a fault in our culture, but when we see people breaking social norms about cleanliness we get right up in their faces.
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^ Unfortunately, you are agreeing with something absolutely no-one has stated. Steelrails / De Martino is notorious for statements like "if you are x, y or z then you're just a ____". It's the oldest and most dishonest debating technique in the book. Imply, suggest, hint and insinuate and argue against that - not what the poster has actually said.
No-one has stated what he is implying they stated - and you've opted to agree with him on that. :rolleyes:
Since when is a person on a motorcycle a member of the Hell's Angels? That's some serious ignorance / prejudice there bro'.
But if they were wearing Hell's Angels paraphernalia, and looked threatening, would I walk up and tell them to stop spitting? Probably not. That also applies even if he looked ethically Korean or Chinese.
But if he was a member of the vast (vast) majority of persons who use motorcycles as a means of transport, and are no more frightening than those who drive a Kia to work, then yeah I'd call them on it. Why wouldn't I? Should I refrain from it because of some strange fixation you have that people on motorbikes are scary?
Were you afraid of motorcycles as a child? Did you watch a scary movie were the bad guy owned a motorcycle?
What you wrote here kind of invalidates your post above.
What about beyond spitting? Do you walk around correcting all people of all backgrounds in Canada on various other wrongs you observe them doing or is it just spitting? If so, why just spitting?
Anyways, dude, everyone knows you're full of it when you say you tell anyone and everyone to not spit. No one buys that shit.
What's next? Are you going to tell us you never jack off because you get so much tail?
So because he tells one guy not to spit he has to make it his life's work and go out seeking each and every spitter to dress them down or he's a racist?
Talk about being full of shit. :rolleyes:
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Bossiness. Koreans are very bossy.
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No matter what someone looks like, you'd better believe if people act disgusting in public in Canada somebody will yell at them. You might even say it's a fault in our culture, but when we see people breaking social norms about cleanliness we get right up in their faces.
Windsor.
^ Unfortunately, you are agreeing with something absolutely no-one has stated. Steelrails / De Martino is notorious for statements like "if you are x, y or z then you're just a ____". It's the oldest and most dishonest debating technique in the book. Imply, suggest, hint and insinuate and argue against that - not what the poster has actually said.
No-one has stated what he is implying they stated - and you've opted to agree with him on that. :rolleyes:
So because he tells one guy not to spit he has to make it his life's work and go out seeking each and every spitter to dress them down or he's a racist?
Talk about being full of shit. :rolleyes:
It is if you only ever correct Koreans/Asians. Singling one group of people out for doing something bad but refusing to give anyone else grief over it is pretty much the definition of prejudice.
If other people do it and you don't tell them not too, that's just you being a bigot and/or a coward.
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Biggest gripe is just the erratic spitting and eating like a pig at a trough in restaurants. The latter is just a cultural difference and something i just have to tolerate, the first is just nasty anyway you slice it.
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At the moment, the main thing that pisses me off is how random ajosshi get in my face and severely look me up and down; judging my worth by what I have on and how fit I look. Other Koreans might look at you, which is fine, everyone does it, but ajosshi just seem a little bit too entitled.
In response this this, I've just been doing the same back to them. Quite often they seem a little shocked at my response, which suggests that they don't even have the self-realisation that they're acting like a tw@t as this is just normal here.
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I feel like Koreans are very stomp-y and pace a lot. Even at hotels I can hear the person above me stomping until 2 am.
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Slamming doors.
I can't abide people who can't use a door without shaking the entire building once they're in their homes.
It's not uncommon in other countries but it just feels like everyone does it here.
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Slamming doors.
I can't abide people who can't use a door without shaking the entire building once they're in their homes.
It's not uncommon in other countries but it just feels like everyone does it here.
Oh my GOD. Yes. I get that apartment doors here are a bit heftier than what most Westerners are used to but, even factoring that in, I cannot make sense of the force that some people must use. The last apartment I lived in, it sounded like someone was violently storming out of an argument every. single. time.
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I feel like Koreans are very stomp-y and pace a lot. Even at hotels I can hear the person above me stomping until 2 am.
The flat-footed way that my male students run in the hallway. I couldn't make that much noise running if I tried. Add to that the yelling that accompanies it.
Annoying.
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I feel like Koreans are very stomp-y and pace a lot. Even at hotels I can hear the person above me stomping until 2 am.
The flat-footed way that my male students run in the hallway. I couldn't make that much noise running if I tried. Add to that the yelling that accompanies it.
Annoying.
They might have fallen arches. Or perhaps they're always caught by surprise.
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Service staff serving Koreans ahead of foreigners.
Seriously, if a Korean person butts in or jumps the queue, tell them to wait their turn.
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Slamming doors.
I can't abide people who can't use a door without shaking the entire building once they're in their homes.
It's not uncommon in other countries but it just feels like everyone does it here.
How about LEAVING DOORS WIDE OPEN?!
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Doors wide open when using air conditioning or heat wastes fossil fuels which makes the atmosphere more polluted.
The higher people crank up the heat the more air pollution we’ll have to breathe. ㅠ ㅠ
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Internet Explorer
I know this is not a fault of the overwhelming majority here. We have to use what works.
Still, it 2022. When will IE go the way of Friendster and AOL IM and LinkinPark.exe?
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Yeah, also one of my pet hates. Just tell them to get to the end of the line and wait like everyone else. The indignant look some give is just laughable.
Thankfully, it's nowhere as bad as yesteryear.
Edit: You know the same thing used to happen back in NZ where I lived. The Korean fisherman used to barge in to the front of the supermarket checkout queues. The cashers would always tell them to piss off back to the end of the line. They would nod their heads and go. So...they did understand.
Second edit as my memory returns: The Japanese, Russian, and all the rest of the fisherman ( and other seamen) did know about waiting in line at the supermarket, the local pubs, the local...etc...but never the Koreans. My wife used to hang her head in shame at times. She called them knuckle draggers. This was back in the early 80s.
If someone that age does it now, no excuses.
But a 50 year old doing it in the early 80s, well...if he stood in line he wouldn't have gotten on board the S.S. Meredith Victory. I know, change and all. That is some seriously effed up stuff to go through.
Anyways, I show patience to 70+ year olds who do that crap. They at least have an excuse. Anyone else, just call them out. Be forceful. Stand your ground. Make a stink.
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On the Seoul subway, do they still storm onto the packed train before anyone can get off? This used to boggle my mind. I travelled from Gangnam to Jamsil every day and as soon as the doors opened they would storm the Bastille even though there wasn't room for a mouse. Getting off was a real problem and once or twice I just couldn't get off in time and had to get off at the next stop and then catch the train back to Jamsil. I really hope with Covid, this has changed.
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On the Seoul subway, do they still storm onto the packed train before anyone can get off?
No, they haven't done this for about 15-20 years. I guess those public information videos must have worked their magic.
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On the Seoul subway, do they still storm onto the packed train before anyone can get off? This used to boggle my mind. I travelled from Gangnam to Jamsil every day and as soon as the doors opened they would storm the Bastille even though there wasn't room for a mouse. Getting off was a real problem and once or twice I just couldn't get off in time and had to get off at the next stop and then catch the train back to Jamsil. I really hope with Covid, this has changed.
In my experience, this is much less common than it used to be, but I just saw three ajeosshi do it on Friday, so it's not extinct.
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On the Seoul subway, do they still storm onto the packed train before anyone can get off? This used to boggle my mind. I travelled from Gangnam to Jamsil every day and as soon as the doors opened they would storm the Bastille even though there wasn't room for a mouse. Getting off was a real problem and once or twice I just couldn't get off in time and had to get off at the next stop and then catch the train back to Jamsil. I really hope with Covid, this has changed.
These days it seems to only happen when the car pulls up and there are people waiting on the platform and the car has empty seats. They try to squeeze through whatever cracks they can to get a shot at those seats. But most of the time I use it during rush hour so there’s no point in trying to push on first. There are never empty spots to sit.
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The answer is eat noodles. Its the winner. Im winner. Im the winz. The noodle shop experience here is next level wtf.
Things that I do that irks Koreans:
Talk
Show my face in public
Breathe
Sit within 100 yards of them
Wear my "China invented Kimchi" shirt around town.
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Accusing my wife and I of coming to Korea to have sex with Korean women, and saying that also to our friends, a gay male Canadian couple.
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Korea is generally a collectivist society...except when it comes to interacting with strangers outside. When it comes to getting on the train, all the collectivism goes out the window and it's every man for himself
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Telling me that I need to learn Korean.
Maybe I already am. Maybe I already have. Maybe I just don't want to talk to you.
(https://i.ibb.co/vzy1gJX/Angry-Troll.png)
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Telling me that I need to learn Korean.
Maybe I already am. Maybe I already have. Maybe I just don't want to talk to you.
(https://i.ibb.co/vzy1gJX/Angry-Troll.png)
This, and getting stared at. Man I hated getting stared at. Where and when I grew up it was something we learned as toddlers. Don't stare.
Trying your best to speak Korean and if you're pronunciation isn't 100% perfect, they pretend to not understand you while demanding you learn Korean.
One of the things that makes learning the local language enjoyable is when you manage to burble out "hello" in the local tongue that kinda sounds like how they speak, everyone tells you how great you speak their language. Okay....I'll put in the effort.
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Bballi bballi culture
Waiting for 5 seconds isn't going to dramatically slow your day down. Relax and take a chill pill. You don't have to be in a hurry 24/7
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Bballi bballi culture
Waiting for 5 seconds isn't going to dramatically slow your day down. Relax and take a chill pill. You don't have to be in a hurry 24/7
In big cities I see that.
But I have spent over a decade in towns smaller than 80,000 (a small city back home, granted). And here the SMALL DICK/OLD DICK ENERGY is bigger: i am a Korean male 40ish to 55ish and I want to cut in line and buy my cigarettes or soju before you all, and i do it hips open and all strutts.
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Sudden, unexpected rudeness from people you thought were friendly.
You can get this from some coworkers. They're sweet as pie to begin with then they suddenly shock you with their rudeness out of the blue.
It's like they're waiting for their moment to show you your place in the hierarchy. As a foreigner, they think you belong at the bottom. Korea hasn't changed that much in 20 years.
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Guess I'm lucky: I haven't had to deal with that kind of stuff from my coworkers yet. I am solidly at the top of my own personal little hierarchy of 1. :azn:
My biggest frustration in Korea is driving: I hate how the use of indicators is seen as entirely optional. Also, the parking drives me (pun) crazy. I have to remind myself that the fault, at least in part, lies in the lack of infrastructure, else there'd be a lot more keyed cars out there. >:(
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Sudden, unexpected rudeness from people you thought were friendly.
You can get this from some coworkers. They're sweet as pie to begin with then they suddenly shock you with their rudeness out of the blue.
It's like they're waiting for their moment to show you your place in the hierarchy. As a foreigner, they think you belong at the bottom. Korea hasn't changed that much in 20 years.
My first partner teacher had the face of an angel. First impressions are important, and my impression of her couldn't have been better. Mid-30s woman who was always friendly and smiling. Fast forward to two months into the school year, as we are preparing for open classes. Head teacher is doing a meeting and my partner-teacher raises her hand. Out of nowhere she absolutely lays into one of the foreign women there. I'm talking exorcist looking facial animations here with teeth bared. The foreigner's crime? Apparently as they were preparing for open class she told her Korean partner teacher she would clean the room, yet failed to pick up the fire extinguisher and clean all the dust in and under it. Every foreign teacher in that room looked in absolute shock, but I remember the look on the Koreans, who seemed to just have normal look, as if this outburst was a common occurrence. Went from 0-100 in no time flat. Why didn't the Korean partner teacher just talk to the foreigner in private herself instead of having her attack dog do it in front of the school? We already know the answer to that question, don't we?
I will always remember the next day even more vividly. The foreign woman (who was really nice, I may add) came into school and as she walked by our class (which was right by the main door) she poked her head in, looked at the Korean teacher, and sweetly said "Good morning, teacher" in an attempt to change the vibe between them. The Korean teacher looked at her with pure disdain and--I swear this to be true--showed her teeth and quietly snarled at her.
I had never seen anything like it before. Luckily, I've never seen anything quite so bad, since. But this was an interesting introduction to Korean partner teachers and work culture in Korea. Why people weren't fired and heads didn't roll, well, at the time I didn't know. Now I do.
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Where I lived drivers sped like crazy and would slam on their brakes right before a turn and then turn and then put their signal light on.
Oh yeah, every time you went to pass a car they'd hit their brakes. I know they did this to slow down to make your pass easier but it's dangerous as hell and till I got used to it nearly caused a rear-ender a time or two.
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Where I lived drivers sped like crazy and would slam on their brakes right before a turn and then turn and then put their signal light on.
Oh yeah, every time you went to pass a car they'd hit their brakes. I know they did this to slow down to make your pass easier but it's dangerous as hell and till I got used to it nearly caused a rear-ender a time or two.
Criticizing a country for its driving is de rigueur.
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You should spend some time driving around Thailand. Ever watch YouTube vids? It is crazy!
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I have, and on a scooter no less. Got into 2 accidents (both totally my fault). Scratched up my friend's leg pretty badly. She was not a happy camper. :sad:
She's from Taiwan, another country where riding a scooter is an adventure, and making it to your thirties without scarred up legs means you have some serious good luck.
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I have, and on a scooter no less. Got into 2 accidents (both totally my fault). Scratched up my friend's leg pretty badly. She was not a happy camper. :sad:
She's from Taiwan, another country where riding a scooter is an adventure, and making it to your thirties without scarred up legs means you have some serious good luck.
If you been here for ages, you should upgrade to a car. Just a scooter as your transpo? No wonder you don't mind the pay? Ha ha.
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If you been here for ages, you should upgrade to a car. Just a scooter as your transpo? No wonder you don't mind the pay? Ha ha.
That was in reference to driving while vacationing in Thailand with some friends.
Here in Korea I'm unfortunately forced to drive a car. :sad:
Also, I'm not entirely certain that equating driving a scooter with low income is as valid as it used to be. I mean, yes, they're certainly cheaper, but they can also just be a lot more convenient depending on one's lifestyle.
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Give me 2 wheels over 4 every time. Unless we're going grocery shopping or it's rainy season and I'm going to work.
It's New Year's next week so I have a week off with pay. Me, my wife and 5 others are heading off into the jungle. I just bought my wife a CRF 230. She's excited.
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My first partner teacher had the face of an angel. First impressions are important, and my impression of her couldn't have been better. Mid-30s woman who was always friendly and smiling. Fast forward to two months into the school year, as we are preparing for open classes. Head teacher is doing a meeting and my partner-teacher raises her hand. Out of nowhere she absolutely lays into one of the foreign women there. I'm talking exorcist looking facial animations here with teeth bared. The foreigner's crime? Apparently as they were preparing for open class she told her Korean partner teacher she would clean the room, yet failed to pick up the fire extinguisher and clean all the dust in and under it. Every foreign teacher in that room looked in absolute shock, but I remember the look on the Koreans, who seemed to just have normal look, as if this outburst was a common occurrence. Went from 0-100 in no time flat. Why didn't the Korean partner teacher just talk to the foreigner in private herself instead of having her attack dog do it in front of the school? We already know the answer to that question, don't we?
I will always remember the next day even more vividly. The foreign woman (who was really nice, I may add) came into school and as she walked by our class (which was right by the main door) she poked her head in, looked at the Korean teacher, and sweetly said "Good morning, teacher" in an attempt to change the vibe between them. The Korean teacher looked at her with pure disdain and--I swear this to be true--showed her teeth and quietly snarled at her.
I had never seen anything like it before. Luckily, I've never seen anything quite so bad, since. But this was an interesting introduction to Korean partner teachers and work culture in Korea. Why people weren't fired and heads didn't roll, well, at the time I didn't know. Now I do.
Sounds like it was a case of the head teacher using it to show who's boss, or to unleash a hidden personal dislike of the FT concerned.
An awful lot of bullying in many Korean workplaces. Koreans tend not to blame each other if possible but use the foreigner as a handy scapegoat. There are no repercussions to offloading all your stress onto a temporary foreign worker who has no power in this society.
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That was in reference to driving while vacationing in Thailand with some friends.
Here in Korea I'm unfortunately forced to drive a car. :sad:
Also, I'm not entirely certain that equating driving a scooter with low income is as valid as it used to be. I mean, yes, they're certainly cheaper, but they can also just be a lot more convenient depending on one's lifestyle.
I only saw your post and not the others so didn't know the context. (In spite of some other posters smart @$$ reply.) Yes, some SE Asian country when everyone else rides one certainly can be acceptable then. But, you would really take your life into your hands here driving one. Maybe if you live in an Eup or a Myeon and had a couple of schools not too far away it could be useful. But a bigger or mid sized city, those things are a death trap plus your slow riding will just piss off the traffic. Most locals here would also look down on you as poor or something.
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That didn't happen.
And if it did, it wasn't that bad.
And if it was, that's not a big deal.
And if it is, that's not my fault.
And if it was, I didn't mean it.
And if I did...
You deserved it.
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I have, and on a scooter no less. Got into 2 accidents (both totally my fault). Scratched up my friend's leg pretty badly. She was not a happy camper. :sad:
She's from Taiwan, another country where riding a scooter is an adventure, and making it to your thirties without scarred up legs means you have some serious good luck.
Have you got a Thai tattoo? hahahaha
I do. So does my wife and pretty much every single person I know. It's a badge of honour!