I have to say that I am Korean, but was adopted when I was a baby and grew up in the US...so I am Korean American. I do not speak one word of Korean. Someone told me I would be hated, or treated "different" because I am a korean-american. Is this true?
I read about the "profiling" question someone posted, and it's sad. My brother works for the Military, so if we're both on base, does that mean people will be staring at me too? Cause I am not shy about opening my mouth and telling them off...especially if it's another "american". I live in Abu Dhabi currently, and I get treated like crap here because I'm asian. I find it totally disgusting that I have to be in New Jersey (my home) to feel "at home." I hope I don't leave Korea with a bad taste in my mouth because of other Americans, or Koreans treating me poorly.
Please let me know the answers to my 2 questions if you know them...or just give me your opinions...Thanks... I'm a foreigner teaching at a university in Korea.
First, foreigners won't treat you badly in Korea. Since you speak English it will be easy for you to mingle and coexist with the other foreigners.
However, the gyopo (Korean-Americans and Canadian Americans) friends and colleagues that I've met have told me that they are NEVER accepted as Koreans. They speak Korean fluently and still can't be considered part of the group. I've had colleagues in the past when I was teaching English that were paid less than the other foreigners because they "didn't look like native English speakers." It could be because of jealousy or who knows what. On the plus side, they did quite well with the Korean ladies...most foreigners do.
For your question about golf.... there really isn't cheap golf in Korea. No!!!!
Who said that???
I am Korean American too!!!
When I went there there was so many people wanting to know me!!!
They will think you are very smart!!!
"When I was talking to my sister in American people were gathering around trying to listen to your amazing American Speaking"But let me give you an advise don't listen to the others! Think of you really are and ignor them!!!
And you won't be treated badly in Korea as in Abu Dhabi = ) I'm also Korean-American currently living in Korea, and in two years I've only encountered a problem twice (both times on the subway with drunk old men). The natives are very friendly and surprised to see a Korean-looking person speaking fluent English. Usually, they say things like "Whoa! That surprised me. She's speaking English well. I had no idea she was a foreigner"
It's kinda funny sometimes because I'll be walking behind someone on a crowded street, and when I start talking to my sister, they'll physically jump in surprise. Then they look back at us curiously and that's about it.
My coworkers are American adopted Koreans, like you, and they LOVE Korea. They said it feels weird at first, but then they really enjoyed learning about the culture and interacting with the people. They also took time while living here to look into their birth records and found their birth parents. The native treat them pretty much the same way they treat me, with curiosity, respect, and friendliness.
More than anything, I have felt very welcome and accepted here in Korea. I've made a number of native friends who, without hesitation, invited me to their homes on special holidays or invited me on weekend trips to vacation spots in the country. They actually enjoy teaching me about Korean culture, customs, and the language; and they have shown great respect for my ability in English.
My advice to you is to offer a casual acquaintance free English lessons or maybe an exchange (English/Korean). Trust me, they'll be your best friend!
OH, and of course, as a Korean-American, we still are American. We know that and they know that, and we're both fine with it. Actually, I've encountered more problems with Americans living in Korea saying things like I'm not a "real American" or "I miss hanging out with AMerican Americans." It doesn't bother me when Koreans consider me a foreigner, but it pisses me off when Americans see me as less of an American just because I'm not white or black. |
