I was considering teaching english abroad in Korea, but heard horror stories from black people about racism in korea or never getting a job once they're picture is submitted.
However, I really lightskinned for a black guy(I've seen white guys with a tan get darker than me), I get pegged as half or hispanic, or mixed in the USA....
If I go will I recieve the same chilly reception as a dark black guy or will they be more welcoming.
2007-11-04 17:12:18 · 7 answers · asked by skateaxel 2 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Korea
I'm a foreigner living in Korea and this answer is based on my experience living here.
What you've heard from the black people is true. I was consulting for a large company in Korea and resumes that had photos of black people were thrown in the trash and not even considered. Koreans really discriminate against black people. Also photos of women who were not pretty were discarded.
I personally worked a year with a light skinned black guy and he told me it wasn't too bad for him. But, when his contract was completed he was ready to go. You won't experience anything violent: just whispers, stares, gawks and an unwelcome feeling in some places. If you can deal with this, it won't be a problem for you (all foreigners get some of this). That said, the guy did great with the Korean ladies.... as most foreigners here do.
If you can get a good job, I'd say to go for it.
2007-11-04 19:38:05 · answer #1 · answered by Busan-man 6 · 5⤊ 4⤋
While blacks are still somewhat of an oddity in Korea, it is getting better.
Whatever you do, don't get a job where they are unaware you are black or at least darker skinned. If you go to work at a place where they know you are not pearly white going in it means you are already accepted. Your race may end being a bragging point among your students because you will be unique compared to their friends teachers.
You will have more of an issue with dating while here than anything else. But even that is changing. The girl may not care, but her parents likely will.
That being said, they are all hurdles you can easily overcome. It is not like there are race riots or lynchings going on. The racism is much more subtle.
There is no reason why you should let your race stop you from coming here.
2007-11-05 02:34:10 · answer #2 · answered by Boom Blatz 5 · 8⤊ 1⤋
Korea is pretty racist. I'm Korean but I've lived in California all my life. Even i'm discriminated against. My friends and I got to an International school so we speak english. Some taxi drivers kicked us out for speaking english. They aren't racist because they think they are the best but it's the thought of something or someone different that makes them uncomfortable. Korea in general has an attitude of "you can't have what I can't have" There isn't much of a problem in most areas but some areas are messed up. There are a lot of foreigners in Itaewon but there are lots of people trying to sell you stuff :D
2007-11-05 21:59:00 · answer #3 · answered by oghjokehui 2 · 10⤊ 0⤋
it ought to ensue.I study it some the place that this black lady dated a Korean guy collectively as residing in Korea. i does not get my hopes up however. circulate to Korea and luxuriate interior the journey boys will complicate issues ;)
2016-10-01 22:44:34 · answer #4 · answered by henze 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Korea is very conservative when it comes to mixed races but more so with native Koreans. It's hard to tell how you'd be received.
2007-11-04 17:24:35 · answer #5 · answered by MissWong 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋
Koreans are generally not racist. The Koreans who are hate all non-Asians not just blacks.
2007-11-08 13:32:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Sounds really scary. I don't know that I would want to go to a place that was so racist even if they did see you as white.
2007-11-04 17:20:07 · answer #7 · answered by Laura 4 · 3⤊ 4⤋