Comments on: Starting Next Year Foreign Brides Will Need to Learn Korean to Marry

By: Spencer

Spencer — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:03:01 +0000

what is the truth then?

It's not easy to marry a Korean woman for me. Being a S.E.A (South-East asian), I have to learn the Korean language, social codes, culture and might have to face unemployment, discrimination from Koreans and other foreigners… it's just tough. There is so much competition nowadays. You hear people of any mixed ethnicity and nationality getting married or wooing Korean women.

By: guitard

guitard — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 22:36:07 +0000

Ole Tanker

5:24 pm on December 27th, 2010

2. If a Korean woman marries a foreign male, she loses her Korean citizenship, or at least some of the privileges.

There is not a shred of truth in this statement.

By: Ole Tanker

Ole Tanker — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 17:24:55 +0000

I think the root of this new law is the "Male Centric" Korean culture.

1. If a woman marries a Korean Male, she automatically gets Korean citizenship.

2. If a Korean woman marries a foreign male, she loses her Korean citizenship, or at least some of the privileges. (she's dirt, trash, unworthy)

That is why many Korean women don't want to become US Citizens, as I have been told, because they can never own land in Korea. (That law was changed in IMF times because they wanted money brought back to Korea, still a complicated process.)

In America, an English language ability and general knowledge test is required, for citizenship.

Why not in Korea too?

Just makes a new industry, a nice little "under the table" $$$ gift to the language testor?

As for English teachers, they are just trying to make a living, probably even like living in Korea.

GOBOARD, hang in there Brother, keep working hard, the family bond created through hardship is strong. Never surrendor to your dreams because of the "Rat race."

By: Gracie

Gracie — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 09:33:12 +0000

and so… thanks

By: Fred

Fred — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:23:08 +0000

yes guitard. It has its complexities as does most asian languages.

This brings up an interesting point. If it is so difficult to learn then why is the Korean gov't making it a requirement for foreign females, majority from S.E. Asia? If such women had the knowledge and resources to study a second language then they are well off in their own country and have no need to marry abroad, not to mention to Koreans. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier in this blog, such a law will only increase the temptation for corrupt negotiating with officials involved. Even my Korean wife thinks this law is a mistake and won't crub the influx of foreign females into Korea.

By: guitard

guitard — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 23:09:38 +0000

I agree with what you're saying…but I also believe that Korean is such a difficult language that achieving a decent level of proficiency is beyond the ability of a high percentage of people – especially those who first attempt it when they are adults.

By: Fred

Fred — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:45:45 +0000

I'm one of the rare few foreign English teachers who married a Korean woman and intends on living in Korea long term. Knowing the language of this country is foundational for these two main reasons. One-understand the language, understand the in-laws Two-understand the language, understand the culture. If you are going to live here or anywhere long term- learn the language.

By: usinkorea

usinkorea — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 05:49:00 +0000

I think he specifically said the SE.A women can't find adequate SE.A women to marry in their home country….

…that's not a lack of quality native Y-chromosome-possessing individuals thing….it's a whole'nother issue….

By: 2dogs

2dogs — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 05:23:08 +0000

BTW you can throw me in with the assholes if you want. Life is hard. You make choices. Be glad for what you have and don't put your hardships on anyone else but you. No one held a gun to your head and made you take those paths in life.

You might get respect from others if you endure and make a go of it. Most won't even notice it. The reward is yours and that of those who are your loved ones and friends. But no one gives a damn about a cry baby.

Check your attitude or it will sink you.

By: 2dogs

2dogs — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 05:07:27 +0000

Hey boet- If you REALLY want it, you'll go for it and make it happen. First you have to want it- and apparently you do. All jokes aside (shrews, floors, etc) you have already apparently gone through a series of ordeals to get where you are. This is merely one more, and one more which I think you'll find quite minor once you embark on it- and I bet you can do it concurrently with everything else you are doing- not like you're trying to learn Hindi whilst living in Denmark!