Things Koreans do that irks us

Klown logic, common sense & city planning are demonstrated perfectly with a single image.

jpg imagescertificity.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.

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.

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.

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.

not covering their mouths or noses when sick... thanks for your germs~

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.

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!

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.

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.)

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.

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

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:

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'.   

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.

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'.  

   Well, this story just spiked my blood pressure by about 10 points. Thanks!
Just 10 more and I win the game!

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.

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'.  

   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.

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.

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.

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.

I like that.

A irksome response would be, "you don't want a bagel.  You want a baguette. So delicious!"

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.