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
Popularity: 11%
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.
8:46 am on August 15th, 2008 63
TO : CalmSeas
I have been to Philippines, China, India, Korea and Japan. In my experience, I must say that my experience in Philippines has been wonderful and a lot of people I encountered are friendly. In Korea, some people are rude. In India, some people are like little children squabbling and backstabbing but some are nice too. In China, some are nice and some are not same as in Japan.
Why? Are all americans nice and good?
I can see a green monster coming out called jealousy from you. Maybe you cannot accept the fact that some Filipinos are really good. Of course there’s good and bad qualities in every race. You seem to have a lot of hatred in your heart towards a certain group of people. Chill out!
1:56 am on August 23rd, 2008 64
I have to deal with rude Korean customers daily. And, today, I just got fed up, so I decided to search for why Koreans are rude. I don’t know if the location of where I work determines the kinds of customers I get. (I work at a Hyatt-owned coffee shop in a shopping plaza whose tenants are of high end brands, i.e. LV, Gucci, Coach, Dunhill, Chanel, Lacoste, etc.)
The Korean customers we get at the cafe want us to attend to their every need. They expect us to always watch them and go up to them when they want something. We don’t usually do that, but we don’t mind doing that ONCE in awhile. Actually, how the cafe works is: order up front at the counter, and then we serve you. It’s just easier that way when we have 15 customers at a time. And we only have 2 staff each shift. Afterall, it’s just a small cafe in a small plaza. But those Korean customers seem to think they’re the only ones that matter just because they buy all those expensive stuff. They do the rudest things to get our attention: yelling, clapping of the hands, flagging us down, etc. (Why can’t they just walk 10 feet to the counter. Our cafe is only, more or less, 25 feet long!)
Also, I’ve observed how they order. They order very little like 2 cups of coffee and then they get free pot of hot water and iced water. What they do is: pour those cups of coffee into the pot of hot water, ask for extra cups, and then share with their friends. Because we were losing money, the Hyatt management decided that all customers can only buy bottled water and charge for extra cups. (We don’t have a billion cups to give away. Besides, we’re too far from Hyatt to get more materials all the time.) You see, our Korean customers order SO much, but give SO LITTLE. They don’t even tip us for the trouble they give us. And they are so messy.
And I can’t even begin to describe the way they treat us baristas. They treat us like we’re nothing to them. They boss us around, insult us, get mad at every single thing, and blame us even if it’s their fault. One time, a Korean lady made one of our Korean interns cry. According to another Korean intern that witnessed it, the Korean customer told our intern that she did not have the right to “treat” her like that. And our intern was nothing but polite to her. It was even the customer’s fault that she ordered the wrong items.
I’m not saying all Koreans are mean, but there is quite a handful here on Guam that are. Hyatt gets a majority of Korean interns, and, from my experience, they are very nice. But, even they feel like our local Koreans are just so rude. Now, why do you think that is?
2:04 am on August 23rd, 2008 65
To: CalmSeas
Who are you to say what a culture truly is? Each country has their “downfall”. And what makes you think that no other country than the Pilippines has what you have listed? You are entitled to an opinion, but don’t think that you know a culture for sure. Mindsets like yours are what creates hate in the world.
3:23 am on August 23rd, 2008 66
GI,
Could we have a “Why are Americans (foreigners) rude?” post? Why?
There are 65 comments in this post, and most of them are negative to Korea, and though it bothers me because in my opinion they are mostly based of misunderstanding of Korean culture, it is helping me to understand my own Korean culture, since it is working as a reflection time to me.
Wouldn’t it be interesting to see how people will answer to this question, both foreigners and Koreans?
Regardless of the result it would work as a reflection moment for those who stop a while to read it (Koreans and foreigners).
This is just a suggestion, not confrontation.
4:31 am on August 23rd, 2008 67
DR Yu
that would make very interesting post but what if he believes that americans and other (white) foreigners are not rude? the comments and rokdrop’s post suggest that americans (and other white foreingers) are living in a country that is less civilized than the countries they are from.
asking rokdrop to have “why are forigners so rude” post is like asking fox news that they should attack the republicans the same way they are attacking the democrates.
4:50 am on August 23rd, 2008 68
“that would make very interesting post but what if he believes that americans and other (white) foreigners are not rude? the comments and rokdrop’s post suggest that americans (and other white foreingers) are living in a country that is less civilized than the countries they are from.”
No way, no one with a minimum sign of intelligence would believe so. I mean, we are all humans and regardless of our race or nationality we will never be just nice or polite all the time. Look at Shattered for instance
(sorry, I could not resist. 
)
The only reason why this kind of post would be avoided is because of a potential racist war between Koreans and the foreigners, but looking at the comments here, I think it already happened. So..
8:18 am on August 23rd, 2008 69
“I have been to Philippines, China, India, Korea and Japan. In my experience, I must say that my experience in Philippines has been wonderful and a lot of people I encountered are friendly.”
uscalif:
It is a world of difference when you are just visiting the Philippines. The plastic smiles abound in efforts to seperate you from your money. Many people DO try & argue that the PI is a great place based on limited travels and some, who live there, will try & argue that what really goes on…doesn’t. They do not want to have their Illusion of paradise busted by the truth, facts and evidence right under their noses. More power to them, but do not expect the rest of the world to NOT call a pile of sh*t…well, Sh*t!
Fe:
“HATE” against foreigners was created by Filipinos long before I ever stepped foot in that wretched country over 30 years ago, so in true Flip fashion, you would have everyone just shutup about the bad things in regards to the PI. Sorry Charlie…the PI is so screwed up that it’s reputation is “infamously” known throughout the world.
By your name you must be a Flip, so I would not expect to hold an intellectual discussion with you on the reality of the situation in the Philippines, since Flips are purely driven by emotion. Flips always try to paint a rosy picture of the PI to foreigners because the truth would expose them for the truly racist and criminally minded people that they are.
My counter for a Flip’s arguement is this: “If the Philippines is so great, as Flips like to brag, then why are Flips leaving at any chance they get?”
12:39 pm on August 23rd, 2008 70
Dr. Yu, you’re just going to have to suck it up and admit that some people on this thread have valid criticisms about Korea. I agree, for example, that Korean customer service is in general abysmal. I was a cafe manager in the US during college and know a bit about customer service. After 11 years in Korea, it is clear that many Korean shop owners do not train their staff on such simple matters as smiling to customers, being polite, listening carefully, anticipating customer needs, etc. Thus, when many tourists come to Korea for the first time, they enter a convenience store and encounter surly staff who often won’t even talk to you to tell you the price. I could go on and on but the simple fact is that customer service is a fairly recent concept here in Korea and so far this country gets an “F” in that dept. Then go to Japan, where the customer is always king and it would be a serious loss of face on the staffer’s part if they were ever rude to a customer. In Korea, it is not the customer who is king, but rather the owner, and in fact it often seems that a customer is merely an inconvenience who interferes with the more important task of making money. A perfect example of putting the cart before the horse, isn’t it? Well, it wouldn’t be the first time here, I dare say.
1:07 am on August 24th, 2008 71
COTABATO CITY — Two government officials have joined hands to deport what they claimed was an arrogant South Korean golfer who was whacked with a golf putter by a provincial vice governor.
North Cotabato Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol, who hit the foreigner with the putter, earned the support of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in working for the deportation of Young Youn Hyeon, a South Korean now based in Davao City.
Youn allegedly shouted at Filipino golfers last November 9 in Davao City, including Piñol who tried to pacify the South Korean.
Youn is now in hot water as Duterte vowed to work with Piñol to send the South Korean back to his homeland.
“No foreigner has the right to insult a Filipino in his own country,” Duterte said in a statement.
His staff confirmed that the mayor had called up the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) to ask for the conduct of summary deportation proceedings against Youn.
Youn figured in a golf club-whacking incident November 9 after he reportedly struck a golf ball towards Filipino golfer Gary Santiago whom he accused of playing slow at the Davao City Golf Club. The Korean also repeatedly and angrily shouted at Santiago.
When confronted by Santiago in front of several people that included Vice Governor Piñol, the South Korean allegedly yelled at the golfer and later vented his ire on Piñol when he was reminded not to shout at Filipinos.
“Do not shout. You have no right to shout at Filipinos. You are just a visitor in this country. You are not in South Korea,” Piñol told the Korean.
Following a heated exchange of words, Piñol whacked Youn with a golf putter while other Filipinos who were around pushed the Korean to the ground.
Youn has reportedly filed charges against Piñol and Santiago but the North Cotabato vice governor was unfazed.
Piñol’s lawyer, Luwill Al-ag of Davao City, has prepared the affidavits of witnesses to support the petition for deportation to be filed by the vice governor against the South Korean.
Piñol personally met in Manila Thursday BID Commissioner Marcelo Libanan to file the petition for deportation. The deportation hearing is expected to start this week.
Piñol said there were efforts from the South Korean association in Davao City for an amicable settlement but when contacted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, he said he turned down the offer.
“We have to teach him a lesson so others, including Filipinos, would not shout at golfers if they play slow,” he said.
7:46 am on August 24th, 2008 72
Dr. Yu, feel free to write an article up and e-mail it to me and will put on the site as a special posting.
3:29 pm on August 25th, 2008 73
I spit in the food of the Korean people. My coworkers do not but they laugh at it, even my boss smile when he see me. My boss know Korean people well.
10:38 pm on August 25th, 2008 74
Ok GI. Thanks
8:37 pm on August 26th, 2008 75
Yes SOYHAPPY! That is funny! I will do same! In Thailand people respect doggy and cat, but Korean eat it! Shame!
9:20 pm on August 26th, 2008 76
Soyhappy2, give it a rest. The title of this thread is not “This Is How Non-Koreans Can Be Rude.”
6:24 pm on September 1st, 2008 77
[...] of what long time visitors think. For example an on going debate here on the ROK Drop is whether Koreans are rude or not? Well here is what this new visitor to Korea thought about Korean manners: The cities never seemed [...]
1:24 am on September 13th, 2008 78
Yes, Koreans can be rude. Not all just a lot of them. They learn it from birth. Its not culture…Koreans are tought the ME ME ME…at an early age. I’ve seen it first hand. Go to a playground and watch the children at play. There is a large amount of bulling and picking on any child that is the least bit different all in the full view of the parents. Children learn that it is ok to be mean to someone that is lesser then you and to suck up to those higher then you are. They aren’t tought to share or to wait their turn they are spoiled to death and then beaten at the whim of the parent…. This is not culture….it wasn’t that way all the time…when I was a young girl visting here during school breaks I saw parents correcting their children..I saw old man hit a young student on the head for being rude to another student on the bus. I would brag to my friends in the US that Korean kids had mannars. Then in my late teens I returned to Korea to find that it just wasn’t true anymore….it isn’t culture its a sign of the times. The same can be said of places in the south where it was once considered a sin to be rude, but the gen of children comeing up now are also being effected by the ME ME ME virus.
2:55 pm on September 18th, 2008 79
One of the problems about Korean being rude is on elders. Elders cry for respects from younger generations. Yes Koreans DO show a lot of respects toward their elders. There is no doubt about that. Do elders respect younger generation? I don’t think so. Koreans have tendency to think that they are better than anyone else in the world. Korean Elders are THE WORST. Korean elders know how to order everyone around them but don’t the definition of “respect” is. Respecting elders IS important but in return, elders MUST respect other back.
8:15 am on September 25th, 2008 80
People can apologize for Koreans all day long, but you’ve got to ask yourself why Korea and Koreans get so many more complaints than, well, any other country or nationality that I’ve ever heard of. I’m sorry it makes Koreans upset to hear the truth; but there’s no smoke without fire.
Koreans rub everyone else in the world the wrong way, and if they are not prepared to adapt their manners even a little to the entire rest of the world, then perhaps we should no longer bother, as we do automatically in every other country, to try to be sensitive to the local culture. And we should become as inflamed as they do when our own sensibilities are offended, as they so often are, by Korean crudeness.
Unfortunately, we are usually either too shocked or else good manners are too ingrained in most of us to repay Koreans in their own coin: hence Korean rudeness is tolerated as the price for having to deal with them and, too, the complaints when, thankfully, they leave the scene, are as loud as we see they are!
8:21 am on September 27th, 2008 81
We recently spent a week in Japan. Guess what? NOTHING like Korea. The Japanese people we encountered were not overly friendly, but they were not hostile or rude. When we went shopping, the clerks were not following us around, ripping our selections out of our arms or rushing us to finish making our selections. They were nicer and gave better customer service all the way around.
And, the areas we saw were very clean-no trash on the streets or in vacant lots. The buildings didn’t look thrown together, and it didn’t stink. No one was picking their nose or feet in public. Despite the number of people, there wasn’t all the shoving and line jumping.
All-in-all, despite the fact that, unlike Korea, most of the signs didn’t also have English printed on them, the people were much more civilized and foreigner-friendly.
And I was wondering,
If Koreans are so elder-respecting and take care of their elders, why are there so many hunched-over old ladies walking around with baby strollers picking through trash and the old men working as “security guards” in the apartment complexes?
8:42 am on September 27th, 2008 82
Also, we have figured out to get any respect from Koreans, you have to be aggressive, in-your-face and rude. I guess their “culture” dictates that the more intimidating person is the one in the right. Case in point:
Our teenage son, who is very respectful and mature, frequently buys video games from a pawn shop near post. Once he beats the games, he resells them to a different pawn shop, which pays more for used games. Recently he went to the pawn shop he normally buys from and purchased 4 games. He handed the owner the money, the owner counted it, said ok, my son put his 4 games in his bag, then walked out. He was a few stores down on the sidewalk and felt someone grab his arm. The pawn shop owner snatched his wallet, ripped off his backpack and when my son tried to retrieve his things, the grown man pushed him several times. My son followed him back to the store and the guy was yelling loudly about how my son had just “stolen 20 games”-saying he put more in his bag than he paid for.
He looked in the bag, and of course only the 4 games were in there. So he went through my son’s wallet and took out his ID card and made a copy. He told my son he knew he was a thief and he was going to call the police, but he never called the police. My son asked for his phone (which had been in his backpack) and the guy told him he couldn’t call us. Luckily, there was an American soldier in the shop who saw the entire incident, from my son purchasing the games, to the assault by the owner (the witness said he thought the owner was mugging my son), to the accusations of theft. This soldier let my son use his phone to call us and the owner was trying to grab the phone away.
Despite seeing that he hadn’t stolen anything, he refused to return my son’s property, including his military ID. He then changed his story to say that my son had stolen on previous visits to the store. We told my son to run across the street to post and wait for my husband, which he did. When my husband got there, he escorted my son back to the pawn shop. When faced with an adult male, he tried to act reasonable. He told my husband that it was “stealing” from him when my son re-sold the games he had purchased in his store to other pawn shops. His view is that it is dishonest to buy a game, beat it, and then make money by reselling it (even though that is what pawn shops are for-it isn’t like he is a legitimate electronics store).
He was trying to talk his way out of the situation, and my husband got in his face and called him a bully for assaulting our son. The guy kept stammering and my husband gave him to the count of 3 to return my son’s bag and wallet or he would call the MPs and get him shut down for theft of military property (the ID) and assault on a minor. The guy handed the stuff over. My husband grabbed the photocopy of my son’s military ID from the counter and they walked out. The owner had removed the games from the bag. He chased my husband and son down the sidewalk and tried to get them to take the games my son had purchased but my husband refused to take them (so the guy got to keep 30,000 won for free).
My husband called the MPs and they said shop owners around post do this all the time. They said that shop owners will pick on young, naive looking service members or on children and basically will scare them and then ‘make a deal’ that they won’t call the police if the kid will give them more money. Since everyone knows that Americans cannot get justice in the Korean system, innocent people will give money just to avoid trouble. What this guy didn’t expect was the reaction of an Angry American Parent when someone f*$@s with their kid. The MP said my husband handled the situation properly (with intimidation but no threats or physical contact) and that we should not even bother to call the Korean Police b/c they would likely not do anything about the assault and the guy had returned the stuff.
And before Dr. Yu or some other smart alek suggests my son was guilty, ask yourself if he HAD stolen anything why:
a-The shop owner didn’t call the Korean Police?
b-Why did he tell my husband that by “stealing” he meant reselling the games to other shops?
c-Why was the guy such a tough guy, pushing my son repeatedly and threatening him but kissing my husband’s butt?
10:30 am on September 27th, 2008 83
The increased freedom under more democracy, the I1997 IMF crisis, the increasing global competitions, and the global recession certainly made people more selfish and less considerate towards others in South Korea. I would think that even in Japan, where civility may still be better than in Korea, the Japanese, too, may have become like Koreans.
2:30 pm on September 27th, 2008 84
April:
Your husband & Son showed great restraint and coolness under pressure.
What a piece of Dog Sh#t that Korean was for accosting yourson in that manner. Korean business owners that live at this depth should be placed permanently OffLimits.
It is almost unfathomable that someone would behave in this manner, but having lived in Asia for quite sometime i have seen worse…still, to do this to a minor reeks of depravity on the Koreans part…I have no doubt that you are spreading the word around as to exactly this Korean’s identity and location.
6:54 pm on September 27th, 2008 85
Yes it was very good that your son kept his cool. This same extortion happens with the cab drivers as well. The people who do this also try to provoke fights by grabbing people. No matter how much you are grabbed or shoved you cannot retaliate which is unfortunately what some people do under such circumstances.
Once you retaliate you are the criminal and will be paying out a big compensation payment to avoid jail which is what these people are looking for.
It is a good idea to make a complaint and try to get this guy put off limits because this is probably not the first time he has tried this.
10:51 pm on September 27th, 2008 86
I agree that Koreans do things considered rude by American standards. By Koreans, I mean the strangers with whom I interact on the street, at restaurants, in stores, etc. I agree with most of April’s posts on the subject. The main things that I find rude:
-unfriendly service at restaurants (No friendly interaction, no smile, extremely quick service like they just want to get you out of there. Even when the servers speak English, they still treat us like a task to be taken care of.)
-NEVER moving, not even an inch, on the bike paths and trails (no matter what side I run/cycle on, the Koreans WILL NOT MOVE. Recently my husband and I conducted an experiment in Washington DC. We purposely walked towards the center or left of sidewalks and running paths. EVERY TIME, and I mean every time, people WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY to move over to the far right. Even the leashed dogs were moving to the right. It has reached the point where I run into people if I have no other alternative. I guess rudeness is contagious.)
-Staring
-Subway - no one will move, not an inch. You might even get pushed out of the way if someone wants a seat.
On the other hand, I have found Korean children to be very polite. I frequently interact with both Korean and American children, and in my experiences the Korean children have been more polite and more willing to do what I ask.
I don’t think that the only polite Koreans are the KATUSAS or those who interact with Americans. I think that many - most? - Koreans ARE polite when you get to know them on a one-to-one level. I think we as Americans (or other Westerners) are used to a level of politeness towards strangers. We go out of our way to say “sorry” or to give someone space. I guess Koreans do not care about how they treat strangers.
11:01 pm on September 27th, 2008 87
april,
u have found the perfect place to discuss korean people in general. beside rokdrop.com, i think u and ur husband (and perhaps ur son) will have more intelligent discussion regarding mind of korean race at occidentalism.org.
u r welcome
1:09 am on September 28th, 2008 88
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