Dear Korean,
I'm 19 and live in the United State and very attracted to korean men such as TOP and Taeyang form big bang,Kim Bum, Kim Hyun Joong, ant etc., I thought of moving to South Korea after college. I've been learning the language but I wonder do korean like black girls. My features are european for the most part and I am light skinned such as Lee Hyori and Park Shiyeon but I and black. So I'm asking you for and answer...please don't give me it depends on the person it crap!
Sheena
Dear Korean,
I just have this attraction towards Asian men. And some seem to like me too. But ive never dated one. So would they feel insecure dating a black girl? Well would you?
Debbie
Dear Korean,
I actually have several questions, but all of them revolve around the "Blasian" relationships. I just want to know why Asian men don't approach Black women. You know how the trend is now: White women w/ Black men, Asian women w/ White men... etc, that leaves Black women and Asian men alone...... I'm personally attracted to Asian men but I can't get them to notice me. I've been 'hit on' by every ethnicity except Asian men. They either stay within their own ethnicity or date white women. I know that me being African-American maybe somewhat of a disadvantage, yet I'm not like most black women, I'm not loud, "ghetto" or vicious , I enjoy watching anime< esp. subbed>, listening to Kpop / Jpop music and studying Asian cultures. I don't have many black friends because they can't appreciate my unique, non-Black interests. Are Asian men just not interested? Is it true that Asians are scared of Black women? What can I do? What do Asian guys look for in girls?
AW
The most frequently received question for this blog is some variation of "Do Korean guys go for non-Korean [white, black, Latina, South Asian, Southeast Asian, Martian] girls?" And each time, the Korean points them to this old post, which has been the most popular post on this blog for a long time until the dog meat post overtook it this month. (But, for the record, the third most popular post is about what the word "oppa" means -- which is another mainstay for those infatuated with Korean men.)
But over the course of receiving hundreds of such questions, the Korean noticed a trend: by far, black women were dominating the number of questions about whether Korean/Asian men would find them attractive. So the Korean figured this is a good topic for a separate discussion. Why do black women have such yellow fever? Was Ninja Assassin somehow much more culturally influential than people give it credit for? Are black women into small eyes? Or is it just that black women are more inquisitive? More insecure? And on the flip side, for Korean/Asian men -- are you interested in dating a black woman? Do you talk to black women when you go out?
Here is the only reliable bit of research about black-Asian relationship that the Korean knows of. (If you know more, you are obviously welcome to pitch in.) Among all Asian Americans, Korean American men (who are raised in America) are actually the most likely to marry a black woman. This, however, is not really saying much, as only 2.1% of Korean American men (raised in America) are married to black women.
Personally, back when the Korean was still dating, he was an equal opportunity dater. But he always did have a soft spot for black women. To the Korean, the most beautiful woman in the world (excluding, of course, the Korean Wife) is Beyonce. (Yes, the Korean knows Beyonce is biracial. Let's not get too technical. He also cannot stop staring at Alicia Keys whenever she is on TV. That good enough?) He also asked out a decent number of black women during the course of his dating life -- only to be rebuffed each time. God, it's great being married so I won't go through that shit again. Wait, did I say that out loud?
At any rate, let's talk about this. Black women, Asian men, now is your time.
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Showing posts sorted by date for query wiki. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query wiki. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Ask a Korean! Wiki: Mixed Koreans?
Dear Korean,
As an 18 year old male of mixed Korean/British race, what is modern Korea's outlook to an "unpure" Korean?
Jonathan L.
Dear Jonathan,
The only answer that the Korean could give is: it wildly depends on the individual. In the 1950s and the following years, there definitely was a strong discrimination against mixed raced Koreans, because they were generally assumed to be the products of an American G.I. and an unchaste Korean mother. (Which, actually, was in general not too far off from the truth.) The decisive turning point happened in 2006, when Hines Ward, a biracial Korean American won the Super Bowl MVP trophy. As Koreans rushed to celebrate Ward, they also engaged in a national soul-searching about the treatment of biracial Koreans. Fast forward to 2011, and there is now a girl group with three out of five members being biracial poised to debut. The number of biracial Korean children is exploding, increasing by 92.8 percent in the last three years. Officially Korean government is encouraging multiculturalism, but individual attitudes are all over the place. If you are of mixed heritage, some Koreans might shun you. But some Koreans might find you interesting and easier to approach than 100 percent foreigners.
The Korean will give a caveat, however: race does not have THAT big of a place in Korean people's mind. A lot of foreigners (loosely defined, since people in Jonathan's situation are both Korean and foreigner) particularly Westerners, tend to overrate Korean racism. Pay close attention to the word choice here -- the opposite of "overrate" is "properly rate". As the Korean stated over and over again on this blog, racism in Koreans is real, and it is a serious issue. But at the same time, it is not as if it is the primary, or even secondary or tertiary concern in the minds of Koreans. Foreigners tend to overrate Korea's racism because they worry about it as if their race will be the sole determinant of how Koreans perceive them. They seriously send questions fearing for their safety in Korea, as if Koreans were the white slave owners of the antebellum South. Relax. There are many things that Koreans value over race. For example, regardless of race, Koreans will respect you if you went to an Ivy League school. Regardless of race, Koreans will respect you if you come from a good family, with parents engaged in respected professions. Again, racism in Korea is real, but its application is subtle -- it is not like anyone is facing a Jim Crow rule in Korea. How a non-Korean is treated in Korea depends a lot more factors than race alone.
Having said all that, the Korean will present this Wiki question for all the hapa Koreans. Do you live in Korea, or have you visited Korea recently? How was your impression of your life/stay in Korea? What kind of experiences did you have? The Korean would like to encourage a good, meaty discussion -- the Korean would love to supplement this post with well-written observations.
-EDIT 8/20/2011- To the idiots who keep claiming that the Korean is somehow trying to defend Korea's racism:
In addition to inviting a dialogue, characterizing racism in Korea as "real" and "serious," and linking to posts in which the reality and gravity of Korea's racism are discussed, the Korean bothered to put up an emailed comment that describes Korea's treatment of Amerasian people as "atrocity" and "ethnic cleansing." Yeah, that's some serious kimcheerleading right there.
Please, give only relevant comments to the post. This post is about biracial Koreans. Say something about how biracial Koreans are treated in Korea -- either your personal experience, or based on outside materials. As long as the comment is relevant, the Korean really does not care how harsh a word Korea's racism is characterized by. For once in Internet's history, let's try to have a focused, intelligent discussion.
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
As an 18 year old male of mixed Korean/British race, what is modern Korea's outlook to an "unpure" Korean?
Jonathan L.
Dear Jonathan,
The only answer that the Korean could give is: it wildly depends on the individual. In the 1950s and the following years, there definitely was a strong discrimination against mixed raced Koreans, because they were generally assumed to be the products of an American G.I. and an unchaste Korean mother. (Which, actually, was in general not too far off from the truth.) The decisive turning point happened in 2006, when Hines Ward, a biracial Korean American won the Super Bowl MVP trophy. As Koreans rushed to celebrate Ward, they also engaged in a national soul-searching about the treatment of biracial Koreans. Fast forward to 2011, and there is now a girl group with three out of five members being biracial poised to debut. The number of biracial Korean children is exploding, increasing by 92.8 percent in the last three years. Officially Korean government is encouraging multiculturalism, but individual attitudes are all over the place. If you are of mixed heritage, some Koreans might shun you. But some Koreans might find you interesting and easier to approach than 100 percent foreigners.
The Korean will give a caveat, however: race does not have THAT big of a place in Korean people's mind. A lot of foreigners (loosely defined, since people in Jonathan's situation are both Korean and foreigner) particularly Westerners, tend to overrate Korean racism. Pay close attention to the word choice here -- the opposite of "overrate" is "properly rate". As the Korean stated over and over again on this blog, racism in Koreans is real, and it is a serious issue. But at the same time, it is not as if it is the primary, or even secondary or tertiary concern in the minds of Koreans. Foreigners tend to overrate Korea's racism because they worry about it as if their race will be the sole determinant of how Koreans perceive them. They seriously send questions fearing for their safety in Korea, as if Koreans were the white slave owners of the antebellum South. Relax. There are many things that Koreans value over race. For example, regardless of race, Koreans will respect you if you went to an Ivy League school. Regardless of race, Koreans will respect you if you come from a good family, with parents engaged in respected professions. Again, racism in Korea is real, but its application is subtle -- it is not like anyone is facing a Jim Crow rule in Korea. How a non-Korean is treated in Korea depends a lot more factors than race alone.
Having said all that, the Korean will present this Wiki question for all the hapa Koreans. Do you live in Korea, or have you visited Korea recently? How was your impression of your life/stay in Korea? What kind of experiences did you have? The Korean would like to encourage a good, meaty discussion -- the Korean would love to supplement this post with well-written observations.
-EDIT 8/20/2011- To the idiots who keep claiming that the Korean is somehow trying to defend Korea's racism:
In addition to inviting a dialogue, characterizing racism in Korea as "real" and "serious," and linking to posts in which the reality and gravity of Korea's racism are discussed, the Korean bothered to put up an emailed comment that describes Korea's treatment of Amerasian people as "atrocity" and "ethnic cleansing." Yeah, that's some serious kimcheerleading right there.
Please, give only relevant comments to the post. This post is about biracial Koreans. Say something about how biracial Koreans are treated in Korea -- either your personal experience, or based on outside materials. As long as the comment is relevant, the Korean really does not care how harsh a word Korea's racism is characterized by. For once in Internet's history, let's try to have a focused, intelligent discussion.
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Ask a Korean! Wiki: ESL Certificate Programs?
Dear Korean,
I really want to teach ESL in Korea (crazy, yeah, I know). I've been following a couple of blogs and whatnot, but recently I found out about certificate programs for teaching ESL. I'm graduating soon and I'm wondering if I should enroll in one of these programs before making my way to find myself a job. The one that has especially piqued my interest is the certificate program offered through the UCI Extension (Teach English As A Foreign Language). My questions are: Are these certificate programs any legit and do they help in snagging a sweet job in the ROK? As in, does it really give an one-up advantage to those who have one versus those who don't? Keeping in mind that I'll be fresh out of college with no previous teaching experience.
Su
Have at it, ESL teachers in Korea -- does having a certificate help? What kind of certificates are in high demand?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
I really want to teach ESL in Korea (crazy, yeah, I know). I've been following a couple of blogs and whatnot, but recently I found out about certificate programs for teaching ESL. I'm graduating soon and I'm wondering if I should enroll in one of these programs before making my way to find myself a job. The one that has especially piqued my interest is the certificate program offered through the UCI Extension (Teach English As A Foreign Language). My questions are: Are these certificate programs any legit and do they help in snagging a sweet job in the ROK? As in, does it really give an one-up advantage to those who have one versus those who don't? Keeping in mind that I'll be fresh out of college with no previous teaching experience.
Su
Have at it, ESL teachers in Korea -- does having a certificate help? What kind of certificates are in high demand?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Ask a Korean! Wiki: What do You Think About This Article?
Dear Korean,
I'm sure you already read about this, but wondered all your readers' thoughts on the course.
Linda
Well, there's the question. Here is a quick preview of the article:
The Korean Dads’ 12-Step Program [New York Times]
Readers, what are your thoughts?
-EDIT 5/9/2011-
After some reflection, here is the Korean's thought:
The Korean Father is probably a prime candidate for the Father School. In his life, he has never said "I love you" to his sons. He has never called the Korean unless there is an actual issue to discuss; the phone call is over after that issue is discussed. Hugs are awkward for him -- he puts his hand out, as if to fend off an attacker.
But the Korean has never wavered in his belief that his father loves him. TKFather already gave up his incredibly great career in Korea to bring his sons to America, for no other reason than giving them better education. The Korean knows, with absolute certainly, that his father will give his life for his son. So the Korean does not need his father to attend any Father School, because he does not need any communication to be assured that his father loves him. The actions by his father have been plenty of proof.
The fact that these fathers attend the Father School, to the Korean, indicates the supreme sacrifice that these men are willing to make to fulfill their fatherly duty -- their children want them to do it, so they put themselves through the humiliation. The Korean would have never, ever asked his father to do that.
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
I'm sure you already read about this, but wondered all your readers' thoughts on the course.
Linda
Well, there's the question. Here is a quick preview of the article:
Like many of the men in the room, Rhim never wanted to come to Father School. (Seven dropped out after the first day.) “I’m not a bad father,” he told me a week earlier. But realizing how difficult it was for him to relate to his wife and two teenage kids — and realizing, finally, how empty that left him — he paid the $120 course fee and agreed to show up.
Father School has been helping Korean men like Rhim become more emotionally aware since 1995, when it started at the Duranno Bible College in Seoul. The mission, drawn up at the height of the Asian financial crisis, was to end what the Father School guidebook calls “the growing national epidemic of abusive, ineffective and absentee fathers.”
“Traditionally, in the Korean family, the father is very authoritarian,” Joon Cho, a program volunteer, told me a few weeks before this session of Father School began. “They’re not emotionally linked with their children or their wife. They’re either workaholics, or they’re busy enjoying their own hobbies or social activities. Family always comes last.”
...
In the midst of another participant’s group testimony, in which he talked about how he neglected his 16-year-old son when his son was battling drug and gambling addictions, he crumpled to the floor in tears. When he stepped down from the podium, a few members of the group gathered around him in a consolatory huddle while the rest applauded.
Readers, what are your thoughts?
-EDIT 5/9/2011-
After some reflection, here is the Korean's thought:
The Korean Father is probably a prime candidate for the Father School. In his life, he has never said "I love you" to his sons. He has never called the Korean unless there is an actual issue to discuss; the phone call is over after that issue is discussed. Hugs are awkward for him -- he puts his hand out, as if to fend off an attacker.
But the Korean has never wavered in his belief that his father loves him. TKFather already gave up his incredibly great career in Korea to bring his sons to America, for no other reason than giving them better education. The Korean knows, with absolute certainly, that his father will give his life for his son. So the Korean does not need his father to attend any Father School, because he does not need any communication to be assured that his father loves him. The actions by his father have been plenty of proof.
The fact that these fathers attend the Father School, to the Korean, indicates the supreme sacrifice that these men are willing to make to fulfill their fatherly duty -- their children want them to do it, so they put themselves through the humiliation. The Korean would have never, ever asked his father to do that.
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Ask a Korean! Wiki: Fashion in Korea?
Dear Korean,
I am an English teacher (surprise) in Seosan, Korea and I would like to know more about Korean fashion. Are there blogs by other weiguks like me on Korean fashion?
Nina teacher
An obvious nominee would be Feet Man Seoul. But other than that, here is when the weakness of the Korean's knowledge about Korea comes into play: the Korean almost never reads anything meaningful about Korea in English. As a native Korean speaker, there is no point reading anything in English, when sources in Korean language are obviously superior. There are a number of fashion websites and blogs in Korean, but that is probably not what Nina Teacher is looking for.
Fashionista readers, got anything?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
I am an English teacher (surprise) in Seosan, Korea and I would like to know more about Korean fashion. Are there blogs by other weiguks like me on Korean fashion?
Nina teacher
An obvious nominee would be Feet Man Seoul. But other than that, here is when the weakness of the Korean's knowledge about Korea comes into play: the Korean almost never reads anything meaningful about Korea in English. As a native Korean speaker, there is no point reading anything in English, when sources in Korean language are obviously superior. There are a number of fashion websites and blogs in Korean, but that is probably not what Nina Teacher is looking for.
Fashionista readers, got anything?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Ask a Korean! Wiki: Gift Ideas for Koreans?
Dear Korean,
My husband will be teaching for two weeks this summer in Korea. We will be entertained by faculty and I need ideas for hostess gifts. Do you have any suggestion?
S
This is one of the most frequently asked questions to the Korean -- i.e. some variation of "I am visiting Korea and want to bring gifts. What is appropriate?"
Obviously, a gift that reflects a deep consideration for the recipient would be the best gift. But hey, that kind of consideration is not always available for everyone. In a pinch, the Korean's go-to gifts have been specialty coffee and vitamins/supplements. Korea's coffee situation vastly improved recently, but specialty coffee is still pretty expensive and the choice is not that great. Vitamins/supplements are also pretty expensive in Korea.
Readers, do you have any gift ideas that would play well to Korean recipients?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
My husband will be teaching for two weeks this summer in Korea. We will be entertained by faculty and I need ideas for hostess gifts. Do you have any suggestion?
S
This is one of the most frequently asked questions to the Korean -- i.e. some variation of "I am visiting Korea and want to bring gifts. What is appropriate?"
Obviously, a gift that reflects a deep consideration for the recipient would be the best gift. But hey, that kind of consideration is not always available for everyone. In a pinch, the Korean's go-to gifts have been specialty coffee and vitamins/supplements. Korea's coffee situation vastly improved recently, but specialty coffee is still pretty expensive and the choice is not that great. Vitamins/supplements are also pretty expensive in Korea.
Readers, do you have any gift ideas that would play well to Korean recipients?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Ask a Korean! Wiki: Whole Roasted Pig?
A bit unusual, but the Korean does tell people to ask...
Dear Korean,
I have just moved to Korea and am trying to find out if there is anywhere that serves a whole suckling pig. Kind of Chinese style unless Korea does this dish. Its something I've been wanting to try for a long time. I'm living in the Seoul area.
Alex
Korea does have pork dishes that utilize the parts that are generally unused in America, like the head or the trotters. But the Korean has never seen or heard any dish in Korea that uses a whole pig. Nor has he seen any restaurant in Korea that sold a whole roasted pig from any cuisine, although it has been a few years since the Korean last visited Korea.
Readers in Korea, any suggestion?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Dear Korean,
I have just moved to Korea and am trying to find out if there is anywhere that serves a whole suckling pig. Kind of Chinese style unless Korea does this dish. Its something I've been wanting to try for a long time. I'm living in the Seoul area.
Alex
Korea does have pork dishes that utilize the parts that are generally unused in America, like the head or the trotters. But the Korean has never seen or heard any dish in Korea that uses a whole pig. Nor has he seen any restaurant in Korea that sold a whole roasted pig from any cuisine, although it has been a few years since the Korean last visited Korea.
Readers in Korea, any suggestion?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Ask a Korean! Wiki: Calling All Gay Koreans!
Dear Korean,
Let's say I want to meet an Korean (gay) guy... where can I find one?
Wesley
No. Idea. The Korean already retired from his hetero dating several years ago, and has no idea what the young gay whippersnappers do to meet people.
Where are my Korean gay people at? Feel free to describe locations as well as online communities.
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Let's say I want to meet an Korean (gay) guy... where can I find one?
Wesley
No. Idea. The Korean already retired from his hetero dating several years ago, and has no idea what the young gay whippersnappers do to meet people.
Where are my Korean gay people at? Feel free to describe locations as well as online communities.
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Ask a Korean! Wiki: What to See Around Busan?
Dear Korean,
I will be in Busan in May for business and will be going on a tour of Oedo Island & Hallyeo Marine Nat’l Park and a tour of Bulguksa Temple, Tumuli Park and Cheomseongdae Observatory in Gyeongju. I will have 4 or 5 days for myself for day trips and am wondering where you would recommend to travel. I think I would like to go back to Gyeongju and see other areas as well. Are there national parks near Busan that are recommended? I would love to be with the nature and do some hiking and photography.
P.
Dear P.,
The Korean Father is from mid-east Korea. The Korean Mother is from southwestern Korea. The Korean lived in the heart of Seoul for all of his life in Korea. That means that southeastern Korea -- which encompasses Busan and Gyeongju -- is a huge blind spot for the Korean. He does not know anything about southeastern Korea any more than any travel book can tell you.
Readers, did you enjoy any part of southeastern Korea? Any recommendations? Food recommendation would be particularly welcome, as the Korean found most food in Daegu to be completely inedible. (He has heard very nice things about Andong, however.)
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
I will be in Busan in May for business and will be going on a tour of Oedo Island & Hallyeo Marine Nat’l Park and a tour of Bulguksa Temple, Tumuli Park and Cheomseongdae Observatory in Gyeongju. I will have 4 or 5 days for myself for day trips and am wondering where you would recommend to travel. I think I would like to go back to Gyeongju and see other areas as well. Are there national parks near Busan that are recommended? I would love to be with the nature and do some hiking and photography.
P.
Dear P.,
The Korean Father is from mid-east Korea. The Korean Mother is from southwestern Korea. The Korean lived in the heart of Seoul for all of his life in Korea. That means that southeastern Korea -- which encompasses Busan and Gyeongju -- is a huge blind spot for the Korean. He does not know anything about southeastern Korea any more than any travel book can tell you.
This apparently is Busan. The Korean wouldn't know.
(Source)
Readers, did you enjoy any part of southeastern Korea? Any recommendations? Food recommendation would be particularly welcome, as the Korean found most food in Daegu to be completely inedible. (He has heard very nice things about Andong, however.)
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Ask a Korean! Wiki: What is the Maximum Age for SNSD?
Dear Korean,
What is the maximum age for a Caucasian male to be able to admit to a love of “Girls’ Generation” (소녀시대) without being rightfully considered a ridiculous pervert?
Viktor
Dear Viktor,
In Korea, Girls' Generation is actually very much loved by middle-aged men as well, who usually claim that they are fond of Girls' Generation like they are fond of their cute nieces. (This does not necessarily mean that Koreans do not think this phenomenon is slightly creepy, however.)
But then again, you are going to be judged by American standards, not Korean. So readers, have your say at it. What is the maximum age for enjoying Girls' Generation? The Korean's opinion: 40 if unmarried. If married, no dice.
Got a question or comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
What is the maximum age for a Caucasian male to be able to admit to a love of “Girls’ Generation” (소녀시대) without being rightfully considered a ridiculous pervert?
Viktor
Dear Viktor,
In Korea, Girls' Generation is actually very much loved by middle-aged men as well, who usually claim that they are fond of Girls' Generation like they are fond of their cute nieces. (This does not necessarily mean that Koreans do not think this phenomenon is slightly creepy, however.)
But then again, you are going to be judged by American standards, not Korean. So readers, have your say at it. What is the maximum age for enjoying Girls' Generation? The Korean's opinion: 40 if unmarried. If married, no dice.
Got a question or comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
AAK! Wiki: Is Fluency in Korean Useful?
Dear Korean,
I have spent the past three years studying Korean, one of them as an exchange student at SNU. Although I have done well so far, I am still unable to read a Korean newspaper without a great deal of preparation and looking up of words. I found out today that I was accepted into a U.S. government program to study Korean for two years at the University of Hawaii. I am now trying to decide if it is worthwhile to spend two years becoming fluent in Korean and what I could do with Korean fluency.
Harald
Dear Harald,
The Korean finds Korean fluency to be quite helpful. Korea is a rising economy with ever-increasing interactions with the world. More people around the world care about Korea because Korea is becoming more important. And there are not enough people who are fluent in both Korean and English to satisfy the demand. So the demand exists even for people who are somewhat comfortable in Korean but not completely fluent.
But the Korean figured he would open this question up for everyone. How good is your Korean? Do you find it useful? How useful is it to have Korean language skills, particularly if you are living outside of Korea?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
I have spent the past three years studying Korean, one of them as an exchange student at SNU. Although I have done well so far, I am still unable to read a Korean newspaper without a great deal of preparation and looking up of words. I found out today that I was accepted into a U.S. government program to study Korean for two years at the University of Hawaii. I am now trying to decide if it is worthwhile to spend two years becoming fluent in Korean and what I could do with Korean fluency.
Harald
Dear Harald,
The Korean finds Korean fluency to be quite helpful. Korea is a rising economy with ever-increasing interactions with the world. More people around the world care about Korea because Korea is becoming more important. And there are not enough people who are fluent in both Korean and English to satisfy the demand. So the demand exists even for people who are somewhat comfortable in Korean but not completely fluent.
But the Korean figured he would open this question up for everyone. How good is your Korean? Do you find it useful? How useful is it to have Korean language skills, particularly if you are living outside of Korea?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Friday, January 14, 2011
AAK! Wiki: Non-Teaching Jobs in Korea?
Dear Korean,
I am extremely interested in living and working in Korea but the only type of job listings I can find are teaching positions. Teaching wouldn't necessarily be a terrible occupation but I am wondering if it is possible to secure a job in any other field.
Wrenn
Dear Korean,
I see you've discussed jobs as an English teacher many times, but I was wondering, could you possibly enlighten me on the job prospects of a foreigner in Korea who is not looking to teach English? I was looking to (hopefully) live and work in Korea, but teaching really isn't my thing, and I was curious as to what your advice would be going about securing a job and eventually settling in.
Jack
In order for a non-Korean to have a job in Korea, s/he should have a particular advantage over the locals. Obviously, this includes English teaching, because many non-Koreans are essentially born with English speaking skills. It also includes low-paying jobs with harsh working conditions like a deckhand on a fishing boat, because many non-Koreans have a greater willingness to work at those jobs. But readers of this blog probably are not looking to be a deckhand.
In general, a non-Korean had better have a specialized skill to get a job in Korea, like a law degree or sophisticated engineering knowledge. Beyond this, you would be straight up competing with local Koreans on their terms. For this, language barrier alone might be too high to actually break through.
But then again, the Korean has never been a foreigner looking for a job in Korea. So have your say, readers. Do you have a non-teaching job in Korea? What is it, and how did you get that job?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
I am extremely interested in living and working in Korea but the only type of job listings I can find are teaching positions. Teaching wouldn't necessarily be a terrible occupation but I am wondering if it is possible to secure a job in any other field.
Wrenn
Dear Korean,
I see you've discussed jobs as an English teacher many times, but I was wondering, could you possibly enlighten me on the job prospects of a foreigner in Korea who is not looking to teach English? I was looking to (hopefully) live and work in Korea, but teaching really isn't my thing, and I was curious as to what your advice would be going about securing a job and eventually settling in.
Jack
In order for a non-Korean to have a job in Korea, s/he should have a particular advantage over the locals. Obviously, this includes English teaching, because many non-Koreans are essentially born with English speaking skills. It also includes low-paying jobs with harsh working conditions like a deckhand on a fishing boat, because many non-Koreans have a greater willingness to work at those jobs. But readers of this blog probably are not looking to be a deckhand.
In general, a non-Korean had better have a specialized skill to get a job in Korea, like a law degree or sophisticated engineering knowledge. Beyond this, you would be straight up competing with local Koreans on their terms. For this, language barrier alone might be too high to actually break through.
But then again, the Korean has never been a foreigner looking for a job in Korea. So have your say, readers. Do you have a non-teaching job in Korea? What is it, and how did you get that job?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
AAK! Wiki: Podcasts in Korean?
Dear Korean,
I'm studying Korean and it would help me tremendously to be able to listen to native speakers while I'm working/throughout the day. I have no idea what to search for to find recordings that are actually interesting to listen to. Do you have any recommendations for regularly updating, interesting podcasts in Korean, besides the KBS radio program broadcasts?
Mary H.
Dear Mary,
The Korean does not even own an iPod. (He is serious.) Assuming you are located in the U.S., the closest thing he can think of is Korean language radio channels. For example, AM 1660 is New York Radio Korea.
Readers, do you have any recommendations?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
I'm studying Korean and it would help me tremendously to be able to listen to native speakers while I'm working/throughout the day. I have no idea what to search for to find recordings that are actually interesting to listen to. Do you have any recommendations for regularly updating, interesting podcasts in Korean, besides the KBS radio program broadcasts?
Mary H.
Dear Mary,
The Korean does not even own an iPod. (He is serious.) Assuming you are located in the U.S., the closest thing he can think of is Korean language radio channels. For example, AM 1660 is New York Radio Korea.
Readers, do you have any recommendations?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Most Popular AAK! Posts of 2010
Here is a quick look at the most popular AAK! posts of 2010.
Most Viewed Posts of 2010 (All-Time)
1. Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Korean Men
2. AAK! Wiki: Oppa! Oppa! Oppa!
3. Why is StarCraft Popular in Korea?
4. The Ultimate Korean Looks List
5. The Korean's English Acquisition
Most Viewed Posts of 2010 (Written in 2010)
1. Why is StarCraft Popular in Korea?
2. The Korean's English Acquisition
3. North Korean Jokes
4. State of ESL Teachers in Korea
5. Healthcare System in Korea
As of December 30, the Korean answered 1,236 questions (not counting follow-up questions) over the email in 2010. Thank you for all your questions, and happy new year!
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Most Viewed Posts of 2010 (All-Time)
1. Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Korean Men
2. AAK! Wiki: Oppa! Oppa! Oppa!
3. Why is StarCraft Popular in Korea?
4. The Ultimate Korean Looks List
5. The Korean's English Acquisition
Most Viewed Posts of 2010 (Written in 2010)
1. Why is StarCraft Popular in Korea?
2. The Korean's English Acquisition
3. North Korean Jokes
4. State of ESL Teachers in Korea
5. Healthcare System in Korea
As of December 30, the Korean answered 1,236 questions (not counting follow-up questions) over the email in 2010. Thank you for all your questions, and happy new year!
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Ask a Korean! Wiki: Korean Comics?
Dear Korean,
I am a big fan of Korean manhwa [comics] such as Cynical Orange, Angel/Demon Diary, and Chocolat. What's your opinion on manhwa? Do you have any suggestions for series? I know that most bookstores don't carry manhwa so online is the only option to purchase, but do you know of any bookstores that do actually carry manhwa?
The Reader
Dear Reader,
The Korean reads comics occasionally, but he stays strictly with the Japanese kind -- currently he is reading (very slowly) One Piece, Berserk and Battle Royale. He probably has not read Korean comics in 15 years. (And he has never heard of any titles that you listed.) But he sees a great many of them being carried in any old Barnes & Noble or Borders.
Readers, do you like Korean comics? Any thoughts?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
I am a big fan of Korean manhwa [comics] such as Cynical Orange, Angel/Demon Diary, and Chocolat. What's your opinion on manhwa? Do you have any suggestions for series? I know that most bookstores don't carry manhwa so online is the only option to purchase, but do you know of any bookstores that do actually carry manhwa?
The Reader
Dear Reader,
The Korean reads comics occasionally, but he stays strictly with the Japanese kind -- currently he is reading (very slowly) One Piece, Berserk and Battle Royale. He probably has not read Korean comics in 15 years. (And he has never heard of any titles that you listed.) But he sees a great many of them being carried in any old Barnes & Noble or Borders.
Readers, do you like Korean comics? Any thoughts?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Ask a Korean! Wiki: Free Korean Language Classes?
Dear Korean,
I’ve been living in Korea for about a month now. I’m a teacher in a public school in Seoul. I’ve heard of some teachers that have been able to take free Korean classes. I am really interested in learning Korean while I am here. I feel it would make my experience here that much better. Do you know of any classes that are offered to teachers living in Seoul?
Sara C.
The Korean never had to take any classes to learn Korean, so he is not a good person to ask. But Chris B. from Chris in South Korea came to rescue:
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
I’ve been living in Korea for about a month now. I’m a teacher in a public school in Seoul. I’ve heard of some teachers that have been able to take free Korean classes. I am really interested in learning Korean while I am here. I feel it would make my experience here that much better. Do you know of any classes that are offered to teachers living in Seoul?
Sara C.
The Korean never had to take any classes to learn Korean, so he is not a good person to ask. But Chris B. from Chris in South Korea came to rescue:
Good question - while I haven't had the time to take advantage of them, a few websites from this link may be of help: http://www.korea4expats.com/article-learning-korean.html
Also of note: the Seoul Global Center offers free Korean classes, though the next ones don't start until February. Some details:
Thanks Chris! Readers, do you know any others?- Chris Ahn : 02-2075-4140- email : hyunseonahn747@hotmail.com- website : http://global.seoul.go.kr/- Location : Seoul Global Center, located on the 3rd floor of the Seoul Press CenterSeoul, Jung-gu, 25 Taepyeongno 1-ga(Subway lines 1 and 2, City Hall Station, exit 4, subway line 5, Gwanghwamun station, exit 5
For more info, go to global.seoul.co.kr; point to Programs and click on Korean Classes.
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Ask a Korean! Wiki: What is the Best City for Asian Americans?
Dear Korean,
Now that I have some financial freedom to move relatively wherever I want, where is the best place for Asian Americans to live? New York City has been my home for 30 years and I have never liked the attitude towards Asians here.
Sam
Dear Sam,
Very interesting question. The Korean's personal pick would be a tie between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Both cities are heavily Asian, which means no more dumb statements like "Your English is so good!" or "No, where are you really from?" It also means that Asian Americans run major businesses, which means less potential discrimination (intentional or otherwise) in the course of your job. Both cities have very good and real Asian food, although San Francisco leans more Chinese and Los Angeles more Korean/Vietnamese. But they do have slight differences, which ends up being a matter of preference. (It should be obvious that this is all generalization and individual experience may differ.)
San Francisco is where Asian Americans can go in America to feel "normal". The Asian American population there is so old that it is essentially mainstream. Even 80-year-old Asian American grandmothers speak perfect English. Even the white people in San Francisco have gotten so used to Asians that it does not even really register that Asians are supposed to be different somehow. No one has to apologize for the fact that the lunch that he packed for the office smells like Asian food, for example. In San Francisco, an Asian American can live while being oblivious to the fact that she is a minority.
Los Angeles is where Asian Americans can go in America to feel "special". Angelenos want to be hip, and being Asian in 2010 is hip. It is sometimes annoying that people constantly remind your Asian-ness, but that attention is generally positive -- it feels nice that people are curious about your culture and want to learn about it. Asians in Los Angeles tend to be more recent immigrants, which means you tend to be closer to the goings-on of your country of origin (e.g. the latest K-pop), if you care about that type of thing. But that can also mean that Asians in Los Angeles are farther removed from the mainstream.
Since this is a Wiki, let's hear from everyone. Asian American readers, where do you like? If you like your city, make a case for it even if it might not be exactly the "best". For example, the Korean has been curious for some time about what it's like to live in Montgomery, Alabama, where Hyundai is a major employer. Would the locals lovingly embrace Asian Americans who brought them jobs, or secretly resent their presence? Don't limit yourself to American cities either -- let's hear them all.
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Now that I have some financial freedom to move relatively wherever I want, where is the best place for Asian Americans to live? New York City has been my home for 30 years and I have never liked the attitude towards Asians here.
Sam
Dear Sam,
Very interesting question. The Korean's personal pick would be a tie between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Both cities are heavily Asian, which means no more dumb statements like "Your English is so good!" or "No, where are you really from?" It also means that Asian Americans run major businesses, which means less potential discrimination (intentional or otherwise) in the course of your job. Both cities have very good and real Asian food, although San Francisco leans more Chinese and Los Angeles more Korean/Vietnamese. But they do have slight differences, which ends up being a matter of preference. (It should be obvious that this is all generalization and individual experience may differ.)
San Francisco is where Asian Americans can go in America to feel "normal". The Asian American population there is so old that it is essentially mainstream. Even 80-year-old Asian American grandmothers speak perfect English. Even the white people in San Francisco have gotten so used to Asians that it does not even really register that Asians are supposed to be different somehow. No one has to apologize for the fact that the lunch that he packed for the office smells like Asian food, for example. In San Francisco, an Asian American can live while being oblivious to the fact that she is a minority.
Los Angeles is where Asian Americans can go in America to feel "special". Angelenos want to be hip, and being Asian in 2010 is hip. It is sometimes annoying that people constantly remind your Asian-ness, but that attention is generally positive -- it feels nice that people are curious about your culture and want to learn about it. Asians in Los Angeles tend to be more recent immigrants, which means you tend to be closer to the goings-on of your country of origin (e.g. the latest K-pop), if you care about that type of thing. But that can also mean that Asians in Los Angeles are farther removed from the mainstream.
Since this is a Wiki, let's hear from everyone. Asian American readers, where do you like? If you like your city, make a case for it even if it might not be exactly the "best". For example, the Korean has been curious for some time about what it's like to live in Montgomery, Alabama, where Hyundai is a major employer. Would the locals lovingly embrace Asian Americans who brought them jobs, or secretly resent their presence? Don't limit yourself to American cities either -- let's hear them all.
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Ask a Korean! Wiki: Freelancing in Korea?
Dear Korean,
What's the freelancing scene like in Korea? Here in NYC, most people I know in my circle are freelancers and the others are salaried folks. I'm wondering if it's the same way in Seoul or Daegu. This may be a candidate for the wiki.
Mike G.
Dear Mike,
Indeed it is! Readers, any thoughts?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
What's the freelancing scene like in Korea? Here in NYC, most people I know in my circle are freelancers and the others are salaried folks. I'm wondering if it's the same way in Seoul or Daegu. This may be a candidate for the wiki.
Mike G.
Dear Mike,
Indeed it is! Readers, any thoughts?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Ask a Korean! Wiki: How to Become a Makeup Artist?
Here is a question that totally stumped the Korean:
Dear Korean,
I'm a working make up artist here in the states and more recently in the last 3-4 years I've noticed that the craze for the more natural/translucent "Korean look" is high in demand, especially for bridal parties. I'm interested in going to Korea to get some proper training and was wondering if there are such facilities available to foreigners? Any information would be greatly appreciated, I would love to go study aboard and work in Korea for some time to master my craft!
Linda T.,
San Francisco, CA
Linda, you are speaking to a man who could not understand why his wife had to pay for the wedding makeup when she apparently knows how to apply makeup. He has no idea. The Korean did see some Korean-American blogs focused on makeup, but does not know any more than that.
Readers, any suggestion?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Dear Korean,
I'm a working make up artist here in the states and more recently in the last 3-4 years I've noticed that the craze for the more natural/translucent "Korean look" is high in demand, especially for bridal parties. I'm interested in going to Korea to get some proper training and was wondering if there are such facilities available to foreigners? Any information would be greatly appreciated, I would love to go study aboard and work in Korea for some time to master my craft!
Linda T.,
San Francisco, CA
Linda, you are speaking to a man who could not understand why his wife had to pay for the wedding makeup when she apparently knows how to apply makeup. He has no idea. The Korean did see some Korean-American blogs focused on makeup, but does not know any more than that.
Readers, any suggestion?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
Friday, October 01, 2010
Ask a Korean! Wiki: Any Good Place for a Party?
Dear Korean,
I've been living in Korea for 4 months, have been to some great/not so great restaurants, and now the time is approaching for my birthday festivities. I'm trying to find a restaurant thats open past 10pm near Hongdae or surrounding areas. I work late and am always starving after, but usually end up just grabbing street food on the way out to the bars. I'd like to go somewhere friendly with good seating. Korean, Thai, Italian, doesn't matter. I'm staying open minded. I eat Korean all the time, so something different might be nice. Do you have any suggestions?
Cassie
Have at it, Korea-based readers. In fact, do not limit to any one neighborhood -- let's hear them all. What are the places you like for parties?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
I've been living in Korea for 4 months, have been to some great/not so great restaurants, and now the time is approaching for my birthday festivities. I'm trying to find a restaurant thats open past 10pm near Hongdae or surrounding areas. I work late and am always starving after, but usually end up just grabbing street food on the way out to the bars. I'd like to go somewhere friendly with good seating. Korean, Thai, Italian, doesn't matter. I'm staying open minded. I eat Korean all the time, so something different might be nice. Do you have any suggestions?
Cassie
Have at it, Korea-based readers. In fact, do not limit to any one neighborhood -- let's hear them all. What are the places you like for parties?
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
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