That is the question that the Joong Ang Ilbo asked recently. The Joong Ang also called Koreans the Italians of Asia. Wait a minute I thought Koreans were the Irish of Asia? Anyway this is how the Joong Ang answered the question of why Koreans are rude:
Anti-social behavior displayed by Koreans is said to have its origin in the agricultural society of the country’s past. In close-knit communities where members care for each other like family, strangers were rare. This perhaps explains why the Korean language has limited expressions appropriate for social conversation between complete strangers.
As society modernized, companies engaged in Western-style services or retail industries had a hard time training local staff to be hospitable to customers, as they have a habit of taking professional situations very personally.
Compared with other Asians, Koreans in general are known to be temperamental.
I think to an outsider it may appear that Koreans are rude, but really I don’t think they are. For example in Seoul there is a lot of bumping on sidewalks and subways, but Seoul is so over populated people are just used to bumping into each other and think nothing of it. The locals are used to it, but foreigners new to Korea are not. Really the only non-polite tendency that really bugs me is some of the drivers of both mopeds an cars that are just absolute jerks and the people who obviously cut in line. The line cutters I’m able to deal with because I will confront them and when confronted they retreat to the back of the line. The drivers, not much I can do about that, I just grin and bear it.
However, in restaurants and businesses I have more often than not received better service than what I have received in many western countries. When traveling on the subway or trains around the country and I needed assistance usually I was overwhelmed with people wanting to help. Often in Korea I also see people give up their bus and subway seats to senior citizens. There is politeness in Korea, but in a Korean way, not a western way.
HT: Ampontan
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9:40 pm on March 13th, 2007 1
French of Asia.
4:52 am on March 14th, 2007 2
The “italians” of Asia? Never got the feeling that the Italians were that rude. The French, sure. Italians? No.
5:16 am on March 14th, 2007 3
madne0, I thought the same thing, I have never really thought of Italians as being rude either. French of Asia sounds more appropiate if the stereotype is true about them in France. I have never been to France so I couldn’t tell you. However, every person from France I met in Korea were very nice and polite.
11:33 am on March 14th, 2007 4
The density argument just doesn’t cut it. The sidewalks of Midtown Fifth Avenue during rush hour are impossibly crowded, but people generally somehow manage to give one another some personal space and apologize if they bump. The issue is the lack of a tradition of public civility/courtesy in Korea, which has everything to do with social construction of reality here not geography.
4:48 am on March 15th, 2007 5
I’ll speak up for the Koreans. I think they are very polite, but not in areas that United States folks expect it, i.e., it’s a cultural shock issue. It’s something you have to learn to live with in Korea. It’s your problem not the Koreans.
3:57 pm on March 15th, 2007 6
Koreans are not rude - Germans are rude.
I would rather be around 10 Koreans than one German. “Service” in Korea by local merchants is good - don’t even expect a smile from a German sales rep.
4:21 pm on March 15th, 2007 7
Notions of what constitutes rude (or polite) behavior are purely cultural. If you were to walk into someone’s home wearing your shoes in Korea, you’d be thought of as being rude and inconsiderate. If you were to insist that people take off their shoes when entering your home in the US, you’d be thought of as an inconsiderate host.
North Americans are used to wide open spaces. Our personal bubbles are bigger than those of people who live in very densely populated areas. Even native New Yorkers still have a bigger bubble than Koreans. Most Koreans, in my observation, don’t have a problem being close to each other. Notice how parties will all be grouped together in a restaurant—when the rest of the place is empty. Notice how, at holiday time, will crowd dozens of people into their grandparents’ tiny home and sleep shoulder to shoulder on the floor. Is it rude for a restaurant to seat people so close together? In the US, maybe. In Korea? Nope.
4:51 pm on March 15th, 2007 8
I think Joe put it very well. I have found Koreans to be very polite in a Korean way. Just to add another example, when visiting a Korean’s home they will treat you much better than when visiting the home of most Americans in the states. Koreans take being a good host very seriously.
Really the biggest annoyance to me is line cutting, which I think is something that burns into foreigners minds about Korea when it happens to them. It is such an impolite act that people tend to dwell on that instead of remembering all the polite instances when visiting Korea. What puzzles me is that when I ask Koreans about it they hate the line cutters to but every time someone lines cut I haven’t seen a Korean jump on that person. However, if I say something to the line cutter, than another Korean will tend to jump in and ask the line cutter to politely go to the end of the line. I think since older people usually line cut, younger people are hesistant to tell that person anything.
10:53 pm on March 16th, 2007 9
I think you hit the nail on the head there. The older people are the line cutters, and a Korean would never scold an elder. We can scold them because we are ignorant foreigners who don’t know the rules (or at least pretend not to). You’d never see a young person cutting in front of their elder.
As for being good hosts, yeah absolutely. I’m amazed whenever I visit a home. They are always ready for guests. It seems they keep a refrigerator full of goodies for guests. I frustrate my wife because she is always trying to keep these things around the house so we can be good hosts, but I always eat them. It is starting to cut into the number of people we invite (and not to mention the increase in my waist size).
This being a good host also carried over to the 2002 World Cup frenzy. I never had better service from everyday Koreans. Taxi drivers went out of their way to pick me up (one even told my wife that he was just finishing his shift and wasn’t going to pick me up, but he wanted to be a good host to foreigners so he stopped)
1:17 pm on March 17th, 2007 10
“I think since older people usually line cut, younger people are hesistant to tell that person anything.”
This cuts to the core of the issue. People “impose” upon each other here, in one form or another, so easily because to get pissed off about it is to lose face. Rude line cutters, selfish bosses, asshole taxis all rely on the “victim’s” acquiescence.
joe, I don’t think behavior the World Cup is a fair comparison. Koreans, in gerneal, are extremely well mannered when the lights and camera are on them. Let me put it this way. If there were tv cameras in the store, no one would cut in line. This is not cultural. Rude people know the difference between right and wrong, even when the choose to ignore it.
10:23 pm on March 31st, 2007 11
5:24 am on April 19th, 2007 12
6:29 pm on June 24th, 2007 13
why are koreans rude??
1) Korea lacks ” thinking or logical” education. Korean style of education system is simply outdated. It has strong Japanese influence. Test Prep style of educational system simply don’t cut it in real modern world.
2) Korea is still agricultural society. Farmers and Ajuma’s ( Housewife) rule Korean society. Good or Worse. It’s biggest problem about Korea. Korean disease derived from this two things Farmers and Ajuma’s. Politically or Economically killing Korea.
3) Koreans are neither French or Irish. Koreans are Koreans. If you add Irish, Italian and Jewish. You do have Koreans.
4) Yes, Koreans are rude. In good or bad way. It was rudeness that saved Korea.
5) Koreans are rude as much as People from New Jersey or New York or even Boston, Massachusetts. Koreans have ” Hot” and ” cold” direct personality like East Coast ” New England Yankees”. Yes, Koreans are direct and very blunt people. If they want too. Yes, I have met direct and blunt Koreans.
6) Is rudeness bad?? Answer is No. Why??? It’s alot better than phillipinoes ” backstabbing” or Japanese ” superficialness” or Chinese ” superiority complex”. I would have 10 Koreans over German, Japanese, Chinese or even Phillipinoes. Koreans are direct and emotional. But least they are trust worthy people with words and friendship in this regard they are like Italians.
7:07 pm on June 24th, 2007 14
Gentlemen,
Go to the Phillipines for a week. When you get back you’ll realize just how much “customer service” and courtesy skills Korea as a whole lacks.
Compared to their counterparts in Southeast Asia, Koreans are extremely rude, very well aware of it, and have no intention in changing this.
6:26 pm on June 25th, 2007 15
For sure, I think most Koreans can be rude. It’s worth noting that they can be quite the actors in regards to placing the ‘ol best foot forward routine, but when that gets old, a foreign person can be in for some rude behavior.
Thankfully, not all Koreans are line cutters and sidewalk bumpers. I’ve made a couple Korean friends along the way during my work stint here who openly admit the obvious rudeness of their peers. What seems to make the difference when dealing with Koreans is whether or not they see you as a person or a thing. I think it’s true that Koreans must accept you as a person before you’re given personal treatment. Otherwise, you can be treated the same way as a dog that needs medicine over here: out the door, no questions asked. This, I experienced personally and I really lost respect for their culture because of this throw away mentality. I’ve seen many a stray dog that would have been bought a few months ago from a pet store only to be tossed to the street because of fleas, infection, etc., and the cost of medicine needed to treat it.
Which leads me to another qualm I have with some Koreans: Most are painfully cheap and greedy. If you ask around, many foreign workers here get the big runaround and can lose a lot of money as a result of dealing with a Korean employer. I remember an experienced female ESL teacher from the US helped me to figure out why they act as they do with money, and she put it this way: “Not long ago they were picking daisies from fields and eating them. Suddenly, they industrialized (with the enormous aid given by foreign countries) and they convinced themselves to never again be that way.” I sort of agree with this, but there’s more to it than that as the younger generations aren’t in touch with the dark past of Korea. Rather, I think the material wealth thing is ingrained in their minds where ever they turn. The BMWs, fancy suits, new laptops, etc., are the pinnacle of success for them. They haven’t quite caught on to the notion that material things don’t really equate to happiness.
Overall, Koreans can be very rude especially compared to neighboring Asian countries. I recommend Korea for those who wish to work for a limited time (with a reputable company; ask other foreign staff) but not as a long term home. The quality of life here isn’t very good compared to other developed nations.
7:50 am on June 26th, 2007 16
Koreans are more blunt or snide than they are outright rude. Especially to those who are considered lower in hierarchy (age, seniority, rank, social standing)
I’ve heard someone comparing Koreans to East Coast Americans. They’re not beyond saying “you’re as fat as a pig” to an overweight person. Way back in Korea my teachers used to say “You’ll be picking up garbage rest of your life if you don’t get better grades”
12:37 am on June 30th, 2007 17
To: Typeking
Excuse me? Have you been to the Philippines? If you haven’t, then, you don’t have the right to say that Filipinos are “backstabbers.” As far as the Filipino people are concern, the world has once made to believe that Filipinos are one of the friendliest people on earth and it quite convincing until now. And according to the latest statistics, there are over 300,000 Koreans now in the Philippines. Some if them come to the country for pleasure or for English study while some others chose to retire in the Philippines for good. Now, what do these people saw about the Philippines that you didn’t see or maybe, even notice? Have you ever been with one of these people you labeled as “backstabbers?” How come you could throw a false lie against them? Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Viva las islas Filipinas!!!
4:14 pm on August 9th, 2007 18
I have been in 15 countries . Koreans are the rudest , loudest most disgusting people I have ever seen .
In other countries 90% of people are good and 10% are bad . In Korea it is the opposite .
7:33 pm on August 9th, 2007 19
On the expressway from LA to Vegas, there is one Korean restaurant where many Korean tourists from Korea stop to eat. During one summer, one of the Korean tourist’s family was dining in the restaurant. The mother told her kids that if they did not study hard in school then they would be end up being like those Wait staff working in the restaurant. One of a wait staff was the owner’s daughter, UC Berkeley student, was helping out her family business during her summer vacation. She heard the comment from the woman and she complained to her parents. Her parents kicked the family out of the restaurant.
2:23 pm on August 10th, 2007 20
You can all say what you like about cultural differences ,
misinterpretations e.t.c e.t.c . however ,it does not change the facts that these people are just plain obnoxious . I worked as an English teacher in Korea .Three of the flashcards I was given were PRETTY (picture of a white woman) , HANDSOME (picture of a white man ) UGLY (picture of a black woman )
I could go on forever about their rude , arrogant, noisy and pushy manner . I am sick of these do-gooders trying to stick up for them , or say how wonderful their culture is . They are a disgrace .
The funny thing is though , they think they are so superior living in their little dogbox apartments , a living style that we would consider housing commission standard .
What is the difference between a Korean and a bucket of shit ? Answer: THE BUCKET
4:17 pm on August 24th, 2007 21
Well, I’ve lived here for five years and Koreans are the rudest people that I have ever met. They don’t que up in lines like we do in North America. You can walk into an empty bar or restaurant and they’re already telling you where to sit(I’ll find my own seat in an empty place, thank you very much). You should see how they treat people who work in restaurants (try that in Mexico and see what happens). Mexicans are totally the opposite from Koreans, they are well-mannered, cordial and polite.
9:07 pm on August 24th, 2007 22
Narcissistic personality disorder.
10:35 am on December 12th, 2007 23
3:35 pm on January 30th, 2008 24
From my 3 years experience in Korea, I think most Koreans I’ve encountered were generous and good. This warmth is, more than not, sincere and comes from the heart. First impressions of Koreans can be deceiving, as they can seem tough, arrogant and unfriendly,but don’t take it personally. It has much more to do with cultural conditioning that lends a kind of stiff formality to the various types of social interactions. Did you know that in Korea, it is considered unseemly to show more than “polite” interest when first meeting someone? They are not as open with their feelings as, say, Americans are with strangers. Although it can take time for them to scrutinize and evaluate you before they accept you into their fold, once it happens, you’ll see that Koreans really stick together and identify as a group. This strong group mentality is evident not just with family or a circle of close friends, but also at work and other outside functions. Once you’re part of the “group”, this kind of solidarity that I’ve seldom if ever experienced in America, can bring on a feeling of warmth and security. To foreigners in Korea, I can understand how frustrating and demoralizing many Korean behaviours may be. really, I’ve been there!!! BUT, give it time and understanding, and hopefully, you can also experience the warm and wonderful side of Koreans!:)
2:40 am on April 14th, 2008 25
4:35 pm on April 14th, 2008 26
Welcome to Korea Riena. I have heard your story 1000 times. If you like teaching in Asia, I suggest going to Japan or Taiwan. They are everything that Korea is not.
“I am not the least bit impressed with the Korean culture. ”
LOL, I know what you mean. You should learn more about Chinese culture. It is very rich and beautiful.
God Bless you too!
5:17 pm on April 14th, 2008 27
They’re rude because they don’t want to be Korean-nobody does!!
Food is awful,booze is rancid rotgut,apartments are state housing standard,no free time,impossible to escape from people,expected to be polite to grotty old people,etc etc.
Of course they’re rude!I’d be plenty pissed too!
They can be very nice,but it’s really just a question of whether they want to or feel that they have to.The first is uncommon.Koreans generally are self-centred and needyThe second is just the usual sucking-up,but cursing once they walk away.
5:36 pm on April 14th, 2008 28
South korea is a much different place than the rest of the world…there are alot of good people here, and then again, alot of confused people…its sad to hear all of the negative that happens here though…the “hushed” rapes, the overall attitude….the dis-pleasing actions of what seems to be, the whole populace…..but still, i personally have seen more good than bad here..
3:24 pm on May 14th, 2008 29
To compare cultures or label an entire culture as “good” or “bad” is pure idiocy and . . . well . . . rude. They are just different and no amount of time in a foreign country will probably ever convince you that a different culture is inherently better than the one you were raised in, short of some terribly tramatic experience at home.
There are rude and polite people in every culture and, in general, I’ve found Koreans to be far more polite than those inhabiting many of the large cities of the world . . . at least those living in Korea. However, you can’t expect them to follow Western standards of politeness . . . though the same tunnel vision that causes you to expect this will no doubt empower Koreans to judge you by their standard, and the cycle continues. The difference being, of course, that its their country, not yours. Their culture and standards are “normal” in Korea, not yours. If it is so hard to understand this concept and so intolerable for you to stay there . . . leave, it really is that simple, unless the military has sent you there . . . in which case its like any other assignment, it’ll evemtually end.
Racism and sexism are truly the dark side of Korean culture, but then again, since it springs from deep roots in the region’s Confucian past, its just as bad (if not worse) in Japan and China, nations whose cultures were similarly influenced by that philosopher’s teachings. Inexcusable to me, it is–believe it or not–getting better . . . even in Korea. Riena, I can only sympathize with how difficult a time you must have had in Korea (as an African-American and a woman!) and can only praise your bravery in going there in the first place. Assuming you generally kept your cool, I can only offer that your positive behavior will impact the next generation there as humans (even Koreans) will always trust their own experiences over the trash put out by even a popular web site or television news show. Still, I wouldn’t recommend coming to Japan to teach either, for all the reasons you already know so well.
Those of you complaining of line-cutting obviously weren’t around Korea in the 90’s when you couldn’t even find a que in front of a window and people just mobbed every counter. Those of you complaining of Korean drivers have obviously never attempted (unsuccessfully) to cross a cross-walk on foot in Barcelona and had a bus actually accelerate to beat you to the light (green for me . . . red for him!). Those of you complaining about dirt and filth in Korea haven’t watched as the chicken you just ordered was washed in the canal next to the restaurant in China . . . where 50 meters down an old lady was doing her laundry . . . where another 20 meters down a guy was urinating . . . all in the same canal!
While the belief that certain standards of behavior are somehow universal may make you feel a certain righteous indignation or somehow culturally superior, the simple fact is they are not . . . though globalization does seem to be bringing about a slow norming process across the region. Still, the basic reality is that as soon as you leave your own country, your culture is no longer “normal” and you have to meet others with a view towards where they are coming from, not where you are coming from.
I’ve found getting along with Koreans is relatively simple. Treat people with the same level of respect a person in your social and age status would treat them, but dress and act several levels higher. Koreans will most often treat you as you present yourself . . . and they’ll be appreciative that someone of such obviously high status is treating them with respect as well.
7:25 pm on May 14th, 2008 30
“What is the difference between a Korean and a bucket of shit? Answer: THE BUCKET”
Do you really mean that Jeff?
11:09 pm on May 25th, 2008 31
I am an English Teacher in Korea from the States. Of course you hear all day how America is bad and rude, hagwon bosses that rip you off, not being able to get basic services such as a cell phone, cable TV or internet without your school’s approval etc. Went to Japan for a week vacation and a funny thing happened. In the line of polite Japanese some people were cutting, spitting etc. Guess who they were, yep Koreans. How do I know they were Koreans, well after 9 months of learning Korean, I can tell Koreans from Japanese to all the netizens out there!
11:33 pm on May 26th, 2008 32
Looks like there are a few more cho Seung Hui’s out there. I am wondering how the Korean media will blame the USA.
A Korean serial rapist caught.
hxxp://www.azcentral.com/community/mesa/articles/2008/05/21/20080521mr-fosston0522.html
A Korean triple murder caught.
hxxp://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/20/nyregion/20slay.html?ref=nyregion
Koreans killing in Japan. CAUGHT!
hxxp://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20080514TDY02306.htm
11:27 am on June 13th, 2008 33
small minded people love to categorize and stereotype people and their cultures. i never could understand why those who “teach” in korea or anywhere for that matter stay in their host countries if they hate it so much? they live in these countries and do nothing but complain. im not arguing about whether koreans are rude or not. im just confused as to why people stay in a place where theyre not happy.
and shattered, youre so transparent. its obvious youre either japanese or chinese and have a chip on your shoulder.
2:24 pm on June 13th, 2008 34
“small minded people love to categorize and stereotype people and their cultures” Yes Koreans do this all the time.
I guess the truth does hurt after all.
8:42 pm on June 13th, 2008 35
Whew, comparing the Koreans to the Italians, thats not fair to the Italians
4:41 am on June 14th, 2008 36
oh leon you short sighted soul. why are you so angry with the koreans? im not here to defend them. if you didnt underdstand im here talking about those who live in foreign countries and complain about it. just like i give shit to people who live here in the states and complain about the country and the people who live here. gtfo if you dont like it.
4:46 am on June 14th, 2008 37
whether the koreans are rude or thoughtful is not the point. if theyre rude…fine, theyre rude. dont like it? gtfo of their country. what makes you think you can change them or their rude culture?
4:48 am on June 14th, 2008 38
and all you english “teachers” get a real job.
2:47 pm on June 14th, 2008 39
1. Seems I struck a nerve.
2. not an english teacher.
3. been married to a Korean.
4. you are an idiot.
3:26 am on June 15th, 2008 40
1.i never did understand that phrase. “struck a nerve”
ANY topic could be a “nerve” i suppose.
2. never called you an english teacher.
3. ah, so you were burned by one personally. did you get played?
4.not really.
7:32 am on June 25th, 2008 41
While Koreans can be rude, most of the ones I met while I was stationed in Osan (1991,1993) were quite nice.
Something I learned while I was stationed in Germany helped a great deal. Learn about the people and the country where you are going.
Korean’s have a mindset of “one race” with everybody else as #2. We have no “face” or honor and have to earn it.
Learning how to always use 2 hands helps as it shows you actually have a clue as to their society.
I may not be able to converse entirely in Korean, but I got along quite well by just being nice and respectful. We as Americans need to remember that we have to try and learn about our Korean friends and how to get along with them.
BTW, can somebody send me a giant shipment of bulgogi w/chimchee and soju?
Oh, anyone know what that brown sauce that is served with bulgogi? its a tad spicey and I can’t find it here in the states.
8:49 pm on July 3rd, 2008 42
For my personal experience here in Bali Indonesia
Most of the Koreans I came across was rude.
if there was any person who skip the cue in front of me in the supermarket,
they were koreans. (and some Balinese too.)
So rude
And once this Korean women skipped cue to infront of me and realized
me watching her, and said,
“oh, you can pay first, cos you were in a cue”
and she had this “I am very polite nice women” look on her face!!!
So patronizing and stupid comment
well but not everyone was rude some rich well educated Koreans were very nice.
But she had very short temper and she should do something about it.
11:45 pm on July 3rd, 2008 43
“Most of the Koreans I came across was rude.”
This is normal in Korea. If only the Japanese were allowed to civilize the chosun jin. Korea would have been come a civilized and nice place.
In Bali, I suggest hitting the Korean on the top of the head with a stick and warn them to behave. Koreans can do nothing alone, so look out for the rest of the pack. If there is a pack, hit the leader in the nose and the rest will scatter and hide.
1:56 am on July 14th, 2008 44
Just came back from Seoul and I agree they are the rudest! My travel companion, who is pregeant, was struggling with her suitcase at the subway station and no one offered to help- unbelievable! I am not saying all Koreans are rude and there could be some nice folks but in my opinion, the majority are. To top it off, my friend was shoved three times and I was pushed five times along the streets in our five day tour. The service people are not helpful, the Koreans tend to talk very loudly and the drivers are very reckless. Simply unacceptable if they consider themselves as a developed nation. Say what you want but first impression counts and I don’t think I will visit the country again if I can help it. Btw, i am female from asia.
5:34 am on July 16th, 2008 45
While I believe Koreans can be rude, in general, they have been rather polite and friendly to me. As for being the “Italians of Asia”, quite possibly.
12:35 am on July 22nd, 2008 46
From my experience in Korea, other than the KATUSAS and other Koreans who seek contact with Americans are the rudest people I have met. They are rude and intrusive.
On more than one occasion, in the two different apartments we have lived in, people have walked right into our homes without knocking. People also knock on the door really late at night (and we have 4 children). There is an intercom sysem in our apartment whereby the “guards” make announcements (my son’s half-Korean friend told us they were selling somthing)…these announcements occur either late at night or around six am.
Koreans stare and make faces. I was walking down the street the other day and a man actually got out of his car to look at me with his jaw dropped and made a noise.
Koreans pretend to not know English so they can try to cheat us until you bring along an official from Camp Casey…then they apologize in perfect English and stop trying to steal money.
Koreans follow us around stores and try to rush us in our purchases. I have had items ripped out of my arms while I was shopping and put on the counter and been forced to pay.
Koreans pick their noses, teeth, and ears in public. They also openly and loudly fart. They blow their noses into rags, then use the rag to hold onto the handle on the subway. They often remove their shoes and socks and pick at their sweaty feet!!! That is the most disgusting thing I have ever seen…
All of this complete lack of social bearing and they have the nerve to judge me as trashy because I have tattoos.
The KATUSAS and many of the other Koreans who are eager to be around Americans are exempted from all above statements. They behave like civilized people. But all of the other Koreans..
I say we allow any Koreans who want to immigrate to the U.S. to do it, then we pull out of here and let N. Korea roll over them. Why are we wasting tax dollars here when when we are not wanted? Clearly, many of these people don’t realize they wouldn’t have this nice developed country if it wasn’t for US money and US blood.
6:56 pm on July 29th, 2008 47
Koreans are certainly very rude. Whether you speak Korean or English, you will very very rarely here them say please, hello or thank you. It is common knowledge (this is supported by academic inquiry) that it was Korean rudeness that was one element that provoked the LA riots - their inability to say hello. thank you, use peoples’ names or engage in small talk, went down like a cup of warm sick in LA - this is why virtually every Korean store in areas around the riots were looted and burned.
I won’t even get into spitting, littering, attitudes to foreigners, women or each other. Koreans are rude - but it’s not their fault - they know no better, therefore it would wrong to punish anyone for their Koreaness.
10:48 pm on July 29th, 2008 48
“this is why virtually every Korean store in areas around the riots were looted and burned.”
You can’t blame real Americans to burn down and hunt down Koreans in such circumstances.
10:52 pm on July 29th, 2008 49
You make a lot of good points April. But you are off the mark if you want to allow unfettered immigration of Koreans to the USA. They will ruin the USA like they do to other nations. I say that immigration between the USA and Korea should be equal. One for one. Allow no more Koreans in the USA until there are 2,000,000 Americans in Korea. (maybe if the USA started to send her convicts to Korea that would be fair too)
11:49 pm on July 29th, 2008 50
For the integration I was thinking of the KATUSAs-they seem to be very well educated and well mannered (probably due to the etiquette briefings).
I just am sick of the Koreans acting like US soldiers are a nuisance and a threat. They need a history lesson and should be grateful. And I am tired of the most trivial of crimes committed by US soldiers (some not even true) being sensationalized in the media while serious crimes committed by Koreans on foreigners are hushed up and largely unpunished. I am tired of hearing them complain about soldier’s drinking when I have to ride the train with loud, grabby “high class” Korean businessmen. I am tired of hearing about foreigners not adhering to the ridiculous trash rules when I see Koreans sticking trash everywhere.
I do try to keep in mind that it isn’t personal but due to their so-called “culture”. But from what I see there is nothing here of value that wasn’t copied from a more civilized nation. Everything here is shoddy and bootleg and copied.
I try to be patient with my children’s half-Korean friends because I know they are only so rude because of their Korean mothers NOT teaching them any manners, but it gets harder each time. Today my oldest daughter was eating and all 3 of the half-Korean children ran into my kitchen, went into my drawers and got forks then started eating from her plate- without even asking!!! She didn’t actually get to eat any of it herself. I could not believe it and when they left I told my kids they had better not ever act so trashy at anyone’s house.
And the “agricultural” arguement doesn’t hold water. The American South was agricultural and the South is well known for its hospitality and friendliness. (And before you start on the “racism” crap, let me say that I was born and raised in the South and it is greatly exaggerated and most of the racism is perpetuated by outsiders who move to the South. There is lots of “race-mixing” in the South and there are lots of “Bubbas” with bi-racial grandkids or nieces and nephews. It is not an issue the way the media would have you think). My 2 oldest children are bi-racial and I admit I was a bit nervous when going to smaller towns (believing what I saw about the big-bad rednecks on t.v. instead of what I experienced in my own town). Guess what-they couldn’t have been friendlier and nicer.
Simply, there is no excuse for Koreans complete lack of manners and social graces. We have stopped caring what kind of impression we make and we don’t tolerate it anymore.
12:57 am on July 30th, 2008 51
“I do try to keep in mind that it isn’t personal but due to their so-called “culture”. But from what I see there is nothing here of value that wasn’t copied from a more civilized nation. Everything here is shoddy and bootleg and copied. ”
True True True, April. Korea is a dump and their so called culture is copied, and copied in a shotty way. If Koreans had any dignity and honesty they would wake up every morning and say thank you to China, Japan and the USA. Without those three nations Korea would have no history, culture, or doorway to the world.
1:12 am on July 30th, 2008 52
I am not going to opine on the virtues of Korean women (aside from their rudeness and lack of hygiene and manners), but has anyone else noticed that all of their models and actresses and women who are considered beautiful look distinctly Japanese and NOT Korean at all? I genuinely wonder why a country who prides itself on its “mono-ethnic heritage” blatantly prefers the appearance of women who don’t look Korean.
My husband said these “Korean” beauties are probably decendants of the comfort women or other women who (willingly or otherwise)shacked up with Japanese soldiers.
1:36 am on July 30th, 2008 53
“My husband said these “Korean” beauties are probably decendants of the comfort women or other women who (willingly or otherwise)shacked up with Japanese soldiers.”
I heard a similar story April, but I heard they were more than willing. They were “eager beavers” as it were. To be fair, I find when Koreans get surgery to become more Japanese looking, to be a good idea. But some things surgery can’t fix. Like Lee Ho Lee’s long torso. Very long torso. And big heads. Cant fix that.
1:49 am on July 30th, 2008 54
I am sure some were willing (like the ladies working in the brothels already, or the ladies swept off their feet by Japanese soldiers) and some were unwilling. I think, as in most cases in most countries, the unwilling ones were primarily forced into it by Korean pimps who made money off of it. BUT I was not here to witness it either way, so I will leave that one for the history books. I just see the Japanese influence in the faces of the girls considered beautiful here and I think that is odd considering how Koreans are supposed to be all about mono-ethnicity.
Who is Lee Ho Lee?
12:53 am on July 31st, 2008 55
As this is the first Asian country I have visited, I can make no comparisons. But being a very liberal American, I can now say I had fallen prey to the dribble with which we portray other cultures as being somehow superior. I think living here would cure that misconception for most people, even the lowest level of people back home would not behave in the ways which are common here. They put on a facade, a show, a superficial imitation - but the things the culture produces are not the culture itself and simply adorning yourself with trinkets does not suffice. Western civility would be a great addtition to the ‘culture’ here and wouldn’t diminish it at all - I mean, it can’t be a cultural value to not have any manners can it?
I have never seen a parent correcting a child for being in the way or doing anything wrong - the way they are constantly corrected in my country. I think these 100,000 or so tiny, unwritten rules which seem unknown in Korea are at the heart of the problem. As a teacher, I see no behavioral difference between my kids and adults aside from rough-housing and talkativeness. I have just about given up pointing out these slight infractions to my students because it seems a lost cause.
Dignity takes sacrifice, but it is worth it because if I behave in a dignified manner you have more dignity because of it. By sacrifice I mean things like waiting your turn or perhaps not running to barely make a crosswalk’s green light or not taking up as much damn space as you possibly can or not bumping into people because you refuse to move a single inch to the side while deliberately looking away in a passive agressive attempt at machismo. I have yet to observe a Korean sacrificing personal gain or convenience for dignity. I mean, why should they? - just do whatever the f*ck you want because no one matters but you right?
How many of you know that driving a motorcycle on the sidewalk is illegal? The police seem to do absolutely nothing for any motor vehicle violation and as a result seem to have no respect at all. We have all seen motorcycles doing things that should get their permits revoked, and sometimes right in front of the police - all the while honking at pedestrians to get out of thier way; feels like a 3rd world country sometimes. I believe it is true that the concept of shame has kept Korean people in line, but I also believe that the idea of shame is becoming less and less important. I think that if they do not start enforcing the smaller laws, the consequences will be disastrous a generation or two from now.
I think the attitude of being able to do whatever benefits you most right now is very ingrained here. There is no shame in being disgustingly rude. I mean, what would happen in the States if any of these things were to happen? - people would yell at them, correct them on the spot, shame them or even call the police. I’ve seen two ajossi struggling over who was going to be able to cut into the very first position in line, all the while with these stupid smiles on their faces. If you can’t act respectably, how can you think you deserve respect?
I ask Koreans themselves about these things. the most precious answer I have received is that Koreans have a revolutionay spirit of freedom. Sure… that was too easy, so I didn’t say anything - the hardest part was not laughing.
I could go on and on, as we all could. I will finish my time here and perhaps go to another country, but I am skeptical - I have heard it is worse in China and is Japan truly as civil as they portray themselves? It is true, as I have heard many times, that being abroad will make one appreciate thier own country - I just wonder if that is true of Koreans who visit the US…
PS - be careful out there: the rate of vehicle to pedestrian injuries is four times that of the US.
1:17 am on July 31st, 2008 56
“shame has kept Korean people in line”
Many, not all have no shame. No face.
” is Japan truly as civil as they portray themselves? ”
Its better. Japan IS civilization. That is why Koreans hate them so, yet sneak over by the boatload.
“I have never seen a parent correcting a child for being in the way or doing anything wrong - the way they are constantly corrected in my country”
Yes, everyone who knows korea says that. They run wild like animals and then the adult beats them like a dog. Actually, I have no problem with beating Korean children, as some people only understand the cane. However, Japanese and other civilized nations never NEVER do such things.
1:51 am on August 2nd, 2008 57
Japan is a civilization? Wow really? A civilization that repeatedly refuses to acknowledge their war crimes? A country which has some of the highest suicide rates amongst teenagers?
Koreans hate them because of their “civilization”. Yes, I agree with you, but only in the sense that their “civilization” was forced down their throats with threats of murder or torture.
Japanese people never hit their children? Haha…you do realize that the overturning of corporal punishment happened int he past decade and due to that there have been many problems in their school systems right? (E.g. mass boycotts of school if they believe their teacher is too hard, etc)
“You make a lot of good points April. But you are off the mark if you want to allow unfettered immigration of Koreans to the USA. They will ruin the USA like they do to other nations. I say that immigration between the USA and Korea should be equal. One for one. Allow no more Koreans in the USA until there are 2,000,000 Americans in Korea. (maybe if the USA started to send her convicts to Korea that would be fair too)”
Shattered…really, come on.. I am Korean-American, my parents were born in South Korea and you know we do pretty well here in this country. My father and mother are both Physicians and I myself have just finished medical school. Please don’t generalize, it makes you look pretty damn stupid.
4:04 am on August 2nd, 2008 58
This is a ridiculous thread. Nobody is convincing anyone of anything. The entire premise of the thread is ethnocentric. Who is to say what constitutes rude behavior?
12:04 pm on August 2nd, 2008 59
We don’t have to convince anyone of anything. Koreans, in general, are rude.
Koreans who seek out education and the company of Americans are exempted from all of my comments.
Koreans who are raised in America (as long as their parents don’t stick to “Korean courtesy”, are exempted).
Ethnocentric? That describes Korean “culture.”
12:37 pm on August 2nd, 2008 60
“binibini
12:37 am on June 30th, 2007 17 To: Typeking
Excuse me? Have you been to the Philippines? If you haven’t, then, you don’t have the right to say that Filipinos are “backstabbers.” As far as the Filipino people are concern, the world has once made to believe that Filipinos are one of the friendliest people on earth and it quite convincing until now. And according to the latest statistics, there are over 300,000 Koreans now in the Philippines. Some if them come to the country for pleasure or for English study while some others chose to retire in the Philippines for good. Now, what do these people saw about the Philippines that you didn’t see or maybe, even notice? Have you ever been with one of these people you labeled as “backstabbers?” How come you could throw a false lie against them?”
Enough of the False Information “binibini,” Filipinos are just plain Evil!
I have lived in the Philippines for a very long time and I will personally attest to Filipinos being “Backstabbers…Racist…Rude…and some of the most despicable people that I have ever had the misfortune to be associated with.” Obviously I am there no longer…nor, would I recommend the place for anyone to visit.
Funny how it only seems that Filipinos are the one’s tooting their own horn about how friendly they are and how great their country is (unless it is some foreign guy freshly back from a one-week vacation, still basking in the glow of his false illusion of paradise, and reeking from the smell of little brown women), but let us examine the facts: No.1 corrupt country in Asia, a murder rate 3 x that of the U.S., more Filipinos in foreign jails than probably any other nationality (latest figure was estimated at 4,500 with 23 on death row), more Filipina prostitues in almost every country you visit, etc.
It is not uncommon to hear Filipinos say “I am proud to be a Filipino, but I am not proud of my fellow Filipinos.” Behind the so-called hospitable Filipino smile is someone of evil intent, just waiting to B/S you out of your money, or if that doesn’t work, then threaten you, intimidate you, assault you, or even kill you in order to get your money. THAT IS THE TRUE CULTURE OF FILIPINOS!
Oh yea, tell us about the three Korean women recently RAPED, ROBBED and KILLED (ages 56, 35 & 9) in their own home in Olongapo City this past week…is that how hospitable Filipoinos are???
6:22 am on August 3rd, 2008 61
koreans are rude because they are always pissed off at something more or less. they need to chill. koreans go to a foreign country and don’t interract with the locals. instead, koreans set up their own “korean” commnuties to benefit their well being and do not share the wealth with he locals. that’s why koreans are hated all over the world.
12:07 pm on August 3rd, 2008 62
I feel that I should add that in our time thus far in Korea we have met some exceptions to the Korean rudeness that prove the rule. The Koreans we’ve met who don’t have the general Korean attitude are extra polite and seem thrilled that we are here. Of course, these are the ones I’ve mentioned in previous comments as seeking out Americans and other foreigners for interaction.
I have to say that these super-nice Koreans who are genuinely warm and friendly are almost always male (all but one sole female) and that women tend to be disapproving of and condescending to my husband and me, but the old ladies light up and try to talk to my youngest two children. It would warm my heart but these are the same ladies who make faces at me when I am walking around without my children.
And, as someone born and raised in the USA, I do realize Americans are not perfect and I could list my complaints about American culture (as some of the people leaving comments here have done) but the point of this blog is discussing why Koreans are rude, not what is wrong with any other culture.