I`m not in anyway racist, buy I`ve been working a few months in a South Korean company, and I just hate this guys... they`re so... square! Can you please give me some practical advises on how to deal and relate to them???
2006-10-12 09:10:31 · 10 answers · asked by X 3 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Korea
I don`t work in Korea, but I work with Koreans who are mostly my superiors at work. It`s not just me but we, the local people, all feel they act like we are all stupid or something. They are mean and disrrespectful to us. They shout a lot.
2006-10-13 04:54:11 · update #1
I'm not in Korea too but I work with Koreans and worse, they are my damn bosses! Well, they treat their employees just like the way they treat their people in their place. They make laws contrary to our country's constitution. They do a lot of things that are usually controversial in my society but my passive government can't do anything.
Well, just deal with them but if they happen to be very very mean and feel so superior, you have to send them back to where they are from.. They feel like stars here that's why they walk with their chins up.. But I agree, they're too square... haha...
2006-10-15 06:34:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
This is my 5Th year of living and working in Korea. I suggest you buy this book -
The Koreans : Who they are, What They Want, Where Their Future Lies by Michael Breen (Hardcover - Dec 28, 1999) -
It will help to explain the path the Koreans have taken to get where they are and perhaps why they are the way they are !! Then you can draw your own conclusions as to how to deal with them. Among Expats, Korea is considered one of the toughest postings. I am in a senior position as a consultant to a Korean company. I don't think I would last long if I worked directly as an employee of our Korean clients. I get the feeling that we "foreigners" are considered a necessary evil - the Koreans don't really want us here but put up with our presence if it helps them to achieve their goals.
Get the book - it a very interesting read, especially if you are in Korea now. You can buy it on line or at Kyobo books near the US Embassy.
2006-10-12 12:08:24 · answer #2 · answered by expat 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I live in Korea and I can tell you that the folks in my neighborhood are anything but square. They have a kind of office party every week or two where they get super drunk and adult entertainment is probably a very significant force in the domestic economy.
Here are some things that you need to understand.
1.) Age is everything. In Korea you can only be friends with someone exactly the same age as you.
2.) When you go out, one person pays for everything. If you want to go out, you should expect to pay for everything the first time. They will follow the next times and return the favor.
3.) Sing Karaoke. This is practically a national past time over here. And don't sing the love songs, sing the fun ones, you know, like YMCA and Clarence Carter's Strokin'.
4.) Learn a few words of Korean. Even just a few words will amaze them. They learn English for 20 years but can't speak a lick of it, but if you learn 2 words in Korean they think you are a super genius and treat you accordingly.
5.) In Korea males are physically affectionate with males and females physically affectionate with females . . .back massage, holding hands, etc . . They are not gay, that is the culture. Stay away from touching members of the opposite sex in any way, even handshakes.
Once you make them feel comfortable, you can see that they can be a lot of fun to be around . . . just like anyone else.
2006-10-12 15:58:13 · answer #3 · answered by Big Blair 4 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I live in Korea and have had many difficulties. People here can be friendly, but their true loyalties will always be with each other. You will always be an outsider. They will be nice and trusting if it's useful to them. I've tried a variety of ways to open communication and make friends, but can't penetrate the surface.
I doubt you'll move up in the country if you're not Korean. Even if you master the language and become an expert in the culture. I have American friends who speak like natives and one in fact is getting a Masters' degree in a Korean university. They don't treat him well. In fact he has a harder time then I do.
Read "Confucius" to get some perspective. Hang in there and build a good outside of work life.
2006-10-12 14:52:34 · answer #4 · answered by skellyatsogang 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I`ve worked with a few Koreans as an English teacher and as a student of Tai Kwan Do. The most important bit of advice I can give you is that Asians in general are often more "traditional" in their outlook. They tend to view politeness as paramount. Also, you sound like a younger guy, and every Korean I've met tells me that age is a very important thing with them: they are always trying to figure out how old you are because if you are older, you are owed more respect.
Example: in Tai Kwan Do, my sister is far more talented than I and will progress through the belts more quickly. However, because she's younger than me, she always has to bow to me first and take my orders (I don't abuse it ;)). Therefore, if you are younger than your co-workers, they are probably treating you very differently than if you were older. They expect you to act like a younger sibling.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
2006-10-12 09:26:34 · answer #5 · answered by Gallifrey's Gone 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, you are working in Korean company not working WITH Korean colleagues. then it is different story.
Working atomospier can be very different what kind of person is the owner. If he/she is open and international person it can be more easier and nicer but if he/she is not then it is another story. and also remember they are not your country ppl. they are KOREAN. They can be very mean or wired especially in working field. I hate working with Korean. they are crazily workaholic and can be really mean.
Good luck.
2006-10-13 03:56:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
BUy the book Culture Shock: Korea!. That series of books has helped me understand what makes people from other countries tick.
http://www.amazon.com/Culture-Shock-Korea/dp/1558681078
2006-10-12 09:19:04 · answer #7 · answered by Rossonero NorCal SFECU 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First you have to know their culture and background. Their work ethic etc. I've worked with Koreans and they are very nice once they get to know you. Give time for both of you to open up to each other, and always remember treat others like you want them to treat you.
Key point: Respect, Acknowledge, Communicate, Patience
2006-10-12 15:56:10 · answer #8 · answered by Etoile 1 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Their people, treat them like people and get over yourself.
2006-10-12 09:18:10 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
do what the roman do. be like them
2006-10-12 21:16:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋