Korean, Korea

[Argo]

안녕하세요. Hey, I'm a college student and I have just completed first level Korean, and I am most likely going to take level 2 next year. While my post college plans do not revolve around the dream of teaching English/working there, it is a definite possibility. If I feel either the interest to teach for a year or so and experience something new, or the job market is stagnant after I graduate its a big possibility that I will go. Furthermore I've heard white native speakers get snatched up quickly and even better I have a friend who has family that will be running a reputable academy so the prospects look good.

This board has many interesting topics on the intricacies of Japanese culture and daily life, and I'm wondering if any of you could provide the same about Korea. For instance, have any of you taught there or lived there for an extended time? How was the experience? Are Koreans as xenophobic as the Japanese/what will I deal with being a white male? Feel free to post positive experiences or observations from a trip there too etc.

Keep in mind I'm not a Koreaphile or what have you, nor do I think the experience would be perfect. I know you warn about that, but trust me I'm aware of these things. In fact I actually took Korean because Arabic was incredibly early in the morning. I still think the experience would be very interesting and fun (the food kicks ass too).

While the All Things Japan subforum isnt a perfect place for this thread, it at least deals with East Asian culture etc so I think its appropriate.

[andrewt]

i was sent there a few times for high tech work, so i have no comments on english teaching work, etc. but for general impression....
i was a bit caught off guard due to dealing with jerkoff cab drivers, and public manners are fairly abrasive.... so in that aspect it wasn't too fun.

but the people i worked with directly were alright.
Food was as you expect, pretty tasty and spicy.

[ak24]

I don't have any questions to answer to just yet, as I am running out of time to do some school stuff, but I'm just dropping by to say that I'm a Korean-Korean American. I guess I just made that up, but I've lived in Korea for a while and now I am in the US. I try to visit Korea once in a while since my parents live there.

I'll post back later.

[japanat]

Personal Opinion only!

My impression was that the Koreans (in Pusan, anyways) were like the Clampetts to Japan's Beverly Hills. Not as concerned about manners, sometimes quite rude, don't wait in line very well. I also got spit on by an old man as I walked down the street.

But I also found the majority of Koreans to be extremely friendly and helpful. A group of high school girls helped me when I couldn't figure out the subway map, and actually took me to my stop. People would buy me drinks as I walked along the street market at night, young Korean soldiers on leave talked to me at the station as they were waiting for their trains to head back to base. And the young ladies are quite sophisticated - fashionable, take care of themselves, not so much train-wreck teeth.

An English teacher I met told me that it is very macho at the workplace, and "face" is really important. For him (young American male), at least, being taken to whorehouses was commonplace, and "it would be offensive if I refused". :innocent:

[blank slate]

I remember seeing the story of Hines Ward (he's half African-American and half Korean) on ESPN because he was the MVP of the super bowl. From what I gathered in the story, it seems that they are just as xenophobic in Korea as they are in Japan. He actually went there to do commercials and stuff to tell people not to discriminate against people who are only half Korean.

[Pierrot le Fou]

Fun Facts about Koreans: They love to drink. To excess.
They love to fight when drunk (or fight while drunk, loving it or not be damned)
The men are not at all conducive to non-Koreans dating their women
The women (in public) are supposed to be feminine, which means no smoking or fun
The women (in private) apparently are reluctant to put out
There are a zillion thousand trillion crooked language schools, so watch out
They really really like computer games
This may sound negative and the like, but I generally like individual Koreans. Just as a group... I really ran into much of what japanat said. On the whole, people were rude, uncultured, and quite abrasive. Individually, they were helpful, kind, and polite.

There are plenty of message boards out there with details on this stuff if you need more. Gaijinpot, I believe, has quite a bit about this nonsense.

[Swede]

Fun Facts about Koreans:
They really really like computer games

Yeah, pretty sure Starcraft is their national sport.

[Tevin]

Heya Argo, glad to see some more people interesting in Korea around here =)

I just recently came back from a year of studying abroad in Korea(specifically, in Daegu at Keimyung University), and as a white foreigner who didn't know much of the local language I'm pretty sure I can give a good idea as to what to expect while there, from both a general living in Korea experience as well as a teaching English viewpoint, if you decide to teach there for a bit.

About the xenophobic part...ehh, that's hard to debate. I never had an issue getting around or having been yelled at/spat upon/yadda yadda, no matter if I was in Seoul(where there were plenty of foreigners, which in and of itself causes some issues) or in Daegu where there aren't that many white dudes. I found for the most part that people were pretty eager to come up and talk to us(us being me and/or me + the other exchange students), and would often engage us in rather lengthy conversations, about half the time being political in nature. I actually had more problems with the foreigners there than any other group.

Drinking's a rather big part of the culture there too, and I wouldn't be amiss to say that if you're around a sizable amount of Koreans in your daily life and don't make it apparent early on that you don't like going out, you'll probably be heading to a bar 2-3 times a week easy. There were some weeks that I went every day, to a point where I had gone out drinking(and pretty heavily most days) for 27 days straight. When you go drinking, expect to be putting down a lot of soju(local alcohol similar to vodka, but about 18-35% alcohol, depending on where the soju was distilled) or makkoli(another local alcohol, not as sure on the % of this guy) if you go to one of the makkoli stands, and expect to put down a lot of it. And since quite a few bars don't close until 4-6am(I've had a couple stay open as late as 8am =D)...make plans for a long night just in case. XD

The rudeness mentioned is prevalent in some cases, as a lot like the Japanese tend to ignore anything that's not affecting them, Koreans tend to ignore anyone not of their family. Get used to be jostled on the subway or shouldered on a crowded street, especially if you're living in Seoul; it's not that big of a deal. Spitting is pretty common outside, so I'd take care and watch out for anyone looking like they're about to hack something up. On the flip side, I've had people make room for me on the subway when I had a heavy load or had grandmothers offer me their seat(which is directly the *opposite* of the way it is)...so, there's good and bad on the manners end.

Gaming *is* a big industry in Korea(hell, they have two channels which regularly play Starcraft-related stuff XD), and expect to see many, *MANY* PC cafes in most cities. Personally, I find this really good, as it helped out whenever I got lost in Seoul during my first few trips there and I had to bounce into a cafe to Google directions/send an e-mail-IM to a friend to figure out where I need to go next. And if you can play Starcraft well and you're with Koreans who play the game, you'll score kudos points big time if you keep up with them; I made quite a few friends there simply because I managed to Mutalisk/Guardian rush the hell out of them. =D Wi-Fi is a bit harder to find, so I wouldn't be wandering around with your laptop trying to find a station unless you've a place picked out beforehand.


On the teaching side, you definitely have to divide it between public/private school work, and hakwon(secondary schools) work. The prior is definitely more secure, generally better work stress-wise, but comes at a price of less flexibility in how you teach, and a bit of frustration in how the school systems work. The latter can often have higher pay(which can be done either hourly or monthly, though monthly is the norm by far) and depending on the school you'll have a greater freedom to teach as you see fit, but as was mentioned before the schools can be rather crooked and pretty stressful. I highly suggest school teaching over hakwon teaching personally, but as those jobs are much less numerous, availability isn't so hot. You'll also probably be asked to do private teaching there, which is a "big no-no"...which means it's the norm, but don't get caught. =P

I haven't run into the issue Japanat spoke about, with his friend being sent to prostitutes, but that may be something you see more in the working industry than in the student life...though none of my teacher friends ever mentioned it to me. Granted, there are plenty of these places throughout the country, and just like any other country there are plenty of bars which are essentially "foreigner pick-up" bars *coughstheentirehongdaeanditaewonareascough*, I never was asked to go to them, and never was in a situation where I was propositioned. Did have a lot of girls hitting on me, and I had a girlfriend while I was there(which sadly ended after two months due to living on the other side of the country from her)...but I didn't hang out in the pick-up spots so take it for what it is.

Can't quite agree with PLF about some things he said, at least not fully. While it's true that in public the feminine thing is accurate, that only lasts until you're behind doors...which means things loosen up in restaurants/bars/karaoke places/etc, which could be considered "public". Take the definition as you will, just thought I'd expand on it. I'm a tad skeptical about his comment about girls being shy to put out when in private considering quite a few discussions I had while there, but I'll agree that the sexual liberalism there isn't as high as some other areas, and you'll oft be having to look for it to get it(which is pretty much the same for any country).



Anyway, that's just what I learned while there, and like anyone who's lived in a foreign country and has tried comparing their journey to another's can say, actual experience may vary. It's all dependent on what your own lifestyle is like, and how much you try to incorporate it into your life in Korea while incorporating aspects of Korean life into your own. I'll say most heartedly that my year there was a positive one, that I look forward to going back there in the near future either to visit or to do my grad studies, and that I would personally recommend Korea to anyone with the courage to live in a foreign country(it certainly takes a special breed of people to make a jump like that). Granted, I'm an East Asian Studies major with a focus on culture/public relations in Korea and Japan, and a minor in Korean language with five years of Japanese language self-study, so I may be a little...let's say...*favourably biased* towards the region. *chuckles* Take it as you will =)

If you've got any specific questions about Korea, feel free to PM me about them(as I admit I'm a little lax in checking out the boards as of late, and that'd probably be the easiest way to contact me), and I'll do my best to answer. =)

[jindojim]

Prob Japanat went to Korea before they cracked down on prostitution (around 2004 or so). Before then, it wasn't unusual at all to take someone else to one of those "massage parlors".

They love to drink. To excess.
This is a fact. Esp cuz soju is often cheaper than bottled water too. The food is always delicious though when washed down with excess alcohol :)

Oh, and always remember to respect elders, even if they treat you like crap.

EDIT: I don't know very much about teaching English in Korea, but I know that my friend (though working harder) made almost twice my monthly salary while I was teaching in Japan.

[ミュー]

They love to fight when drunk (or fight while drunk, loving it or not be damned)
The men are not at all conducive to non-Koreans dating their women

And this is why my friend comes within a cockhair of getting his ass whomped every time we go to Shin-Okubo :boggled:

[Argo]

Thanks a lot for the impressions guys. Some things to keep in mind, there is a very good chance I would be able to teach at my friend's mother's school, I like to drink more than the average person my age I'd say, oh and I've met plenty of FOBs in highschool and at college so I'm generally aware of how koreans carry themselves at least individually.

And about this rudeness that keeps getting mentioned, is it just worse in comparison to Japan, is that the lens you're using? Because I have heard way worse about China, and seriously in New York City some people you cant look in the eye for a split second without there being an issue, and you get shouldered too etc. Japan Korea contrasts are still quite welcome, I find them interesting.

Ive heard the internet speeds and wifi is insane over there? Also the affirm someone else's comment, I have heard the wages are quite good, compared to other countries, or in exchange for USD. Exactly why is private teaching not allowed again? I think Az mentioned its the case in Japan too

Oh and 김밥 (kimbap) > sushi (How long did it take you guys to get good at typing japanese? I'm decent at Korean but then again I only have to chose from like 30-40 symbols.)

[ミュー]

...oh and I've met plenty of FOBs in highschool and at college so I'm generally aware of how koreans carry themselves at least individually.
My personal experience is that people (in general) who are overseas do not offer a fair image of people in their home country. I haven't been to Korea, but Personally, I've observed that Koreans in the US and Koreans in Japan are almost like two different races of people.

I've heard the internet speeds and wifi is insane over there?
Well, small nations with a huge IT sector tend to have ridiculous Internets. Wi-fi is the same everywhere but if the access point is connected to a fatter pipe then the speed will doubtlessly be better. In Japan I pay 4400 a month for 100M down, 50M up fiber optic Internet; in my house in the US it was 6M down and 512K up. So yeah, compared the the West the infrastructure here is pretty rockin'.

[gentlemanandscholar]

My personal experience is that people (in general) who are overseas do not offer a fair image of people in their home country. I haven't been to Korea, but Personally, I've observed that Koreans in the US and Koreans in Japan are almost like two different races of people.

I'm going to disagree with you here. FOBs are called FOBs for a reason (I personally don't use the term, but I will here). Every "FOB" of any nationality I've met has matched the general cultural manners of their matching nation.
Why?

Because they're fresh-off-the-boat.

[Argo]

I'm going to disagree with you here. FOBs are called FOBs for a reason (I personally don't use the term, but I will here). Every "FOB" of any nationality I've met has matched the general cultural manners of their matching nation.
Why?

Because they're fresh-off-the-boat.

Yeah, trust me I know literally fresh off the boaters, ones as American as me, and in between. I think its a least a decent judgment, regardless anymore thoughts/experiences?

[stsparky]

Koreans are cool as far as I'm concerned. They party hardy.

[Televisions_Nick]

Koreans are cool as far as I'm concerned. They party hardy.

Hearty?

http://althouse.blogspot.com/2005/02/party-hardy-or-party-hearty.html

[koku]

I say hardy because it stems from partying HARD.

[Tevin]

And about this rudeness that keeps getting mentioned, is it just worse in comparison to Japan, is that the lens you're using? Because I have heard way worse about China, and seriously in New York City some people you cant look in the eye for a split second without there being an issue, and you get shouldered too etc. Japan Korea contrasts are still quite welcome, I find them interesting.
Worse in comparison to Japan. I haven't been to either China or New York, but from what I've heard it's not as bad as either. And yeah, the differences are pretty cool (It's essentially the focus of my upcoming graduate studies) =)

Ive heard the internet speeds and wifi is insane over there? Also the affirm someone else's comment, I have heard the wages are quite good, compared to other countries, or in exchange for USD. Exactly why is private teaching not allowed again? I think Az mentioned its the case in Japan too
The internet speed's usually pretty good; the entire country's pretty much on high-speed cable to T3 connections, depending on where you're getting on, so speeds are really good there. Very nice if you're an online gamer :D

Wages are pretty good, in comparison to living expenses. You can expect to save about $8,000-$14,000(depends on where you're working) in raw savings pretty easily, even if you're a pretty regular going-outer type. Most places will generally either help you pay or pay entirely for your living arrangements, which is basically 80% of your living costs(that key deposit's the biggie, especially in Seoul >_>).

As for the private teaching, it's not covered under the E-2 teaching visa, and is generally under-the-table(i.e. untaxed) work. As there's a big problem with the rising costs of English studies in Korea, they're starting to crack down a lot on it(when I was there, they had a big campaign against illegal English teachers/private teachers in Daejeong, which was in the news a lot)

[koku]

$8,000-$14,000 in a year?

[SlickWilly440]

The internet speed's usually pretty good; the entire country's pretty much on high-speed cable to T3 connections, depending on where you're getting on, so speeds are really good there. Very nice if you're an online gamer :D

Or a chronic bittorent user.

[shinobi_kokujin]

I had an interesting time while stationed in Korea. personally its one of the most friendliest countries ive lived in.

before i came I was disillusioned with taekwondo because of the mac-dojangs i came across in the states. then i met my new grandmaster through some Korean Army co-workers an they inspired and helped me to get back into the game.

When my mom passed away last year, i recieved alot of support from them an the Locals i knew around the neighborhood.

on the whole......the Culture can be Xenophobic. but you should be alright. specially if your a white guy lol. they have certain issues in thier culture such as Skin bleaching and eye-surgery to look more european

your gonna see alot of that on TV commercials. internet is awesome and cell phones too. and what the other peeps posted is dead on

Teachers and contractors have a pretty good time in the country

[Argo]

on the whole......the Culture can be Xenophobic. but you should be alright. specially if your a white guy lol. they have certain issues in thier culture such as Skin bleaching and eye-surgery to look more european

What are their thoughts on the US? I know the military has caused a stir a few times, but I figured it was still good. Also isnt skin bleaching big in Japan too?
Watch this ad http://youtube.com/watch?v=NKEF-8XkWMU sooooo ridiculous.

Anyone done the Busan to Fukuoa (I think) trip?

[koku]

on the whole......the Culture can be Xenophobic. but you should be alright. specially if your a white guy lol. they have certain issues in thier culture such as Skin bleaching and eye-surgery to look more european



How was it as a black guy? Did you deal a lot with stereotypes? Did you feel by being yourself you just alienated people into the black guy stereotype?

I think with any Asian culture, at least personally, room to just be me and having enough people able to appreciate that is #1 on my list.

[Argo]

Also how effective is the Gaijin (wegukin) Smash in Korea?

[Plekto]

From what I understand, not at all. Nearly negative-smash in fact.

[Argo]

From what I understand, not at all. Nearly negative-smash in fact.

Woah, no way, first off Ive heard the smash works (trying to gauge the differences here), second the Koreans in Japanese share a hell of a lot in common (confucian social norms).

[kitsunepixie]

I'm going to disagree with you here. FOBs are called FOBs for a reason (I personally don't use the term, but I will here). Every "FOB" of any nationality I've met has matched the general cultural manners of their matching nation.
Why?

Because they're fresh-off-the-boat.

I can see where both you and ミュー are coming from. On one hand, the Japanese exchange students who I have met tend to be more outgoing, adventurous, and open to new ideas than the Japanese I met in Japan. (I'm using Japanese people as an example because I have far less experience with Koreans.) Moreover, of my closest friends who I met in Japan, most of them had studied abroad and had very similar qualities to the Japanese who I met in the States. But like you said gentlemanandscholar, new immigrants, who may not necessarily be outside their country because of a desire to learn more about a foreign culture, tend to be closer to the ones who've never even left their country before. If that makes any sense.

[Clear.tranquil]

I am glad someone posted this. Lately I have been thinking about Korea as an alternate to Japan. Honestly...I have a hard time meeting nice Japanese people in my area, but Koreans are plentiful and always willing to talk. So I wonder...What my life in Japan or Korea would be like.

[shinobi_kokujin]

What are their thoughts on the US? I know the military has caused a stir a few times, but I figured it was still good. Also isnt skin bleaching big in Japan too?
Watch this ad http://youtube.com/watch?v=NKEF-8XkWMU sooooo ridiculous.

Anyone done the Busan to Fukuoa (I think) trip?

i think the majority love the US. like if your military.....working with the Korean military gave me the feeling that we're cousins so to speak.

there are some factions that are Anti-US an they come out the woodwork at times. like when that incident happened at Va Tech.

they hold protests sometimes for other reasons. like the expansion of some bases.....which ends up forcing people from thier homes and having to give up thier way of life an income from rice and vegetable farming.

usually if theres a protest going on in a certain city......you will know about it so that u dont end up in the middle of it while going out.

there is one Interesting organization i hung out with one time in Seoul. they are US-style Pro-Democratic and Anti-North Korean.

[shinobi_kokujin]

How was it as a black guy? Did you deal a lot with stereotypes? Did you feel by being yourself you just alienated people into the black guy stereotype?

I think with any Asian culture, at least personally, room to just be me and having enough people able to appreciate that is #1 on my list.


it was pretty cool to me. i personally never had anyone act rude or insulting. they were very friendly. didnt deal with stereotypes other than

"packing big meat". the town where i stayed at......the locals are pretty much used to diversity and was surprisingly accepting of the couple

of mixed Korean-Black kids running around with mami and papi

visiting other cities sometimes theres the stares from some people........little kids running up to u wanting to touch u an run thier hands through your hair, an smiles from the locals cause they see you rocking a designer Korean flag T-shirt

[stsparky]

Anyone done the Pusan to Fukuoka (I think) trip?

Wife and I did Super Beetle II for a wedding. Fun and fast ...

[japanat]

Anyone done the Busan to Fukuoa (I think) trip?I did the overnight ferry from Shimonoseki to Pusan and back in order to renew a visa way-back-when, and it was fine. Had smooth seas, took a bento, talked to and drank with a lot of Koreans doing the hop to buy Japanese goods for resale back home. I was polite to the Japanese customs, and got through no problem. The guy after me was a bit arrogant, and he got strip-searched.:clap:

My friend went the following week, and hit very heavy seas. He said the decks of the heads were awash in vomit.

The Super Beetle between Fukuoka and Pusan is much, much faster, but it also costs a fair chunk of change more.

[shinobi_kokujin]

oh yeah....Korean women....pretty....intriguing fashion styles.....independent

(except for some of the 30-something yr olds still living with mami an papi till they find a husband)......

spontanious.......and Batshit crazy....oh those Korean women.


does anyone have any "Juicy girl" stories? LOL.......or is that in another thread

[stsparky]

oh yeah....Korean women....pretty....intriguing fashion styles.....independent (except for some of the 30-something yr olds still living with mami an papi till they find a husband)... spontanious.......and Batshit crazy....oh those Korean women. Does anyone have any "Juicy girl" stories? LOL.......or is that in another thread
I only know of the "ear cleaner" joke which involved oral sex and a surprise!

All the Korean girls I knew were either adopted and raised in my culture or 2nd generation two faced prissy/bed bunny Catholics who had to sneakily have sex. The former were odd, the latter tended to cheat like crazy before settling down. But they all were raised here in SoCal.

[ZylitoL]

I just recently came back from a year of studying abroad in Korea(specifically, in Daegu at Keimyung University)
Woah, my mom works there as a prof. :clap: How did you like it?

I don't know how chronic this misconception is, but up to a few years back, having white foreigners teaching English was extremely appealing to Korean parents. Even though the foreigner may not know a single word in Korean (and hence would not be the optimal choice to teach English to absolute beginners), he would be often chosen over a 2nd gen Korean who was fluent in both languages. Relatively speaking, it wouldn't be that hard to get a job there.

김밥 is arguably better than sushi, since a roll only costs 1000won. 2 rolls easily fill up most people.

On a related note, there's an interesting TV show in Korea called 미녀들의 수다 or 미수다 (misuda)for short. Roughly translates to Chitchat of the Beautiful Ladies. It's a fairly popular talk show (though the ratings have declined recently) which places 16 foreign women and has them talk about a subject (usually something to do with cultural differences) and share their experiences in Korea. A lot of the subjects involve around club life, drinking, dating and other aspects of College life (since the majority of the girls are students), and for the most part, it's not sugarcoated or exaggerated.

It's the rare Korean TV I watch (since most of it is trite dogcrap). Highly recommended to anyone who's been to Korea and/or wants to go. Perhaps a decent way of learning the language (though there are no subs)? Many girls speak Korean quite well, have funny/interesting stories to share and look pretty darn pretty on top of it all.

http://youtube.com/user/aleph3love This guy has almost all Misuda eps uploaded...check them out.

[Argo]

That show is real interesting. Ive only done a year, but I could follow a decent bit of the conversation in the one I watched (about how people are adressed, 누나 etc) good practice at least. But does K TV suck that much? I mean Az rants about how much J TV sucks, but those game shows are amazing, anything on par in Korea?

[shinobi_kokujin]

the only game show i really liked was the one where they play video games against each other like starcraft. i tink J tv got better game shows.

but the K-tv documentaries are interesting with the culture, military, and Sea food

[ZylitoL]

That show is real interesting. Ive only done a year, but I could follow a decent bit of the conversation in the one I watched (about how people are adressed, 누나 etc) good practice at least. But does K TV suck that much? I mean Az rants about how much J TV sucks, but those game shows are amazing, anything on par in Korea?
It's a great show. =)

It's purely my opinion that KTV sucks. Most Koreans love their TV.
IMO,
-The dramas (80% of them) are filled with bad acting, bad script, bad set of characters and features some of the most uninspired plots (which are reused year after year). Misuda sometimes pokes fun at this and I can totally vouch for that.
-Most gameshows are poorly made, feature annoying young celebs and like Kdramas, repetitive and boring.
-Music shows suck because I dislike mainstream Korean pop.
-The comedy shows like 웃찾사 are really not that funny. Not my cup of tea anyways.
-Korean quiz shows are not my thing either; though some of them are really good, there's crap like 스타골든벨 which is destined for massive failure since many Korean celebs (many of whom frequent this show) are stupid.

and most importantly, Korean media is ridiculously commercialized. It's all about the fucking money and how you make it. 소속사s build the celebs up and feed it to the masses. Everything is fucking trendy (aside from the chronic problems like cliched dramas/songs...those never seem to go away) and most new 연애인s are shallow puppets who won't be remembered for shit once their looks fade away in time and/or are replaced by the next wave.

Even Misuda is no exception to this. The producers often place girls who look hot in favor of those who talk interestingly. For example, an Uzbek girl named Djamilya was heavily criticized because the show kept focusing on her "sexiness" despite the fact that her Korean was about as developed as that of a 3 year old. They do this because young males will tune in (and the ratings spiked for the first few episodes she appeared in) to see her. She did get kicked off the show, but now she's moving onto modeling, putting out softcore porn for cellphones(모바일화보) and SINGING. She can barely fucking enunciate the words, yet she's got a record deal.

This isn't to say all KTV is bad, and some of the things I said apply to all TV. Like shinobi said the documentaries are decent. But because everything is commercialized, 방송사s just pump out cookie cutter shows that'll attract the public and grab those ratings. There is good shit out there.

A good Korean gameshow would be 무한도전 (Infinite Challenge). It's got (though recently declined slightly) a massive fanbase and is pretty much the biggest thing. 유재석 is the host of the show and it's very good. It also invites large scale foreign stars like Sharapova and Thierry Henry, (and Paris Hilton as well...:duh: ) for a guest appearance.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EB%AC%B4%ED%95%9C%EB%8F%84%EC%A0%84

I also enjoy some Surprise/서프라이즈 진실 혹은 거짓, which seems hypocritical since bad acting is rampant on this show...but it's got some pretty good stories that you'd never guess actually happened.

The gems are out there though...and you may like KTV if you like JTV.

[Argo]

Ha, thanks a lot for the insight. I was really hoping that you were going to assure me that the gameshows were on the level of the japanese. You know the shows like Ninja Warrior (no idea of Japanese title) and ones that punish the people involved and randomly throw on foreigners (like that one where they had the library pain game skit http://youtube.com/watch?v=LdgdBOTUSqg watch it if you haven't). Those things are awful and hilarious.

[Chuckles]

Ninja Warrior is called "Sasuke" and it's not exactly a game show like it runs in America. It's held once a year (sometimes twice). And those other shows you speak of are actually usually from one or two variety shows, they are only skits they do a times (not something you'd see in every episode). The shows are Downtown and Lincoln, a lot of people act in both shows.

[japanat]

It's purely my opinion that KTV sucks. Most Koreans love their TV.
IMO,
-The dramas (80% of them) are filled with bad acting, bad script, bad set of characters and features some of the most uninspired plots (which are reused year after year). Misuda sometimes pokes fun at this and I can totally vouch for that.
-Most gameshows are poorly made, feature annoying young celebs and like Kdramas, repetitive and boring.
-Music shows suck because I dislike mainstream Korean pop.
-The comedy shows like 웃찾사 are really not that funny. Not my cup of tea anyways.
-Korean quiz shows are not my thing either; though some of them are really good, there's crap like 스타골든벨 which is destined for massive failure since many Korean celebs (many of whom frequent this show) are stupid.

and most importantly, Korean media is ridiculously commercialized. It's all about the fucking money and how you make it. 소속사s build the celebs up and feed it to the masses. Everything is fucking trendy (aside from the chronic problems like cliched dramas/songs...those never seem to go away) and most new 연애인s are shallow puppets who won't be remembered for shit once their looks fade away in time and/or are replaced by the next wave.Boy, substitute J for K and you've got most Japanese TV in a nutshell.

[gentlemanandscholar]

Ha, thanks a lot for the insight. I was really hoping that you were going to assure me that the gameshows were on the level of the japanese. You know the shows like Ninja Warrior (no idea of Japanese title) and ones that punish the people involved and randomly throw on foreigners (like that one where they had the library pain game skit http://youtube.com/watch?v=LdgdBOTUSqg watch it if you haven't). Those things are awful and hilarious.

If you ever come to Japan you're going to be sorely, sorely, sorely disappointed. Refer to Zylitol's post and replace "Korea" with "Japan" and you'll get a real feel for Japanese television. JDramas are particularly nauseating for me, as there are some of the worst actors I have ever seen playing major roles.

edit...

What Japanat said.

[mikem]

I am very entertained by Japanese TV. However there is nothing on Japanese TV that can remotely compete with the best things that are on American and British television. On the other hand it is better than the worst stuff on American TV.

[koku]

http://youtube.com/user/aleph3love

:rofl: I have no idea what they're saying but it's hilarious watching all those skinny little girls speak like that.

EDIT: Canadian girl seems to have the worst noticeable pronunciation. EDIT 2: Nvm someone beat her.

Interesting show. Someone toss in some links for similar stuff in Japanese... I never know what to search for...

[Argo]

Yeah the show is a good find. I found that listening to the girls, the most offensive Korean accent is the Italian girl's, and that despite the fact that the Chinese and Vietnamese girls speak an asian language and share similar sounds, they are characteristically pretty choppy and well, off, .... I dont really know how to put it, not bad, but really discernible.

Question why do Korean and Japanese shows love throwing up text all around the screen describing what someone said or things that happened? I like it a lot because its a good learning tool (better than english subs imo) but isnt it bit overkill for native viewers?

[ak24]

I want to reply to the ones above, but I'm a little lazy to type a long reply, so... a couple of things in my opinion as a Korean American who lived there...

I love looking at tall buildings, and I love food.
I hate watching Korean television unless they are airing American shows or old anime/cartoons I haven't seen in a while. Also, occasionally StarCraft tournaments and music videos.

I love the 90s music like 룰라, 서태지와 아이들, H.O.T, 영턱스클럽, U.P, 안재욱, 김건모, 박진영, 디바, 김현정, and many others.
I despise music right now with exception of couple remakes. I have no idea what they are doing trying to have a group of 13 or more people... and some underage too, what the hell...

I love Korean films right now. Ki-duk Kim's film I saw... 시간 that movie was brilliant. The Host was okay.
I hate Korean dramas. Yes. They are soapy, and sad, but some dramas just keep repeating itself.

Honestly, though, I have a love and hate relationship within the Korean culture. I hate people who smoke. It smells. I don't like how they don't excuse themselves after bumping into one another. I don't like random people approaching me telling me to go find Jesus. I don't like audiences in variety shows and music shows... Damn them and their screams!

I don't know about now, but occasionally when I speak English, some people would stare. I think that's rare nowadays because of people like you are coming here for military or teaching purposes. And, people don't react to the fact that I have iPod anymore, haha.

Anyways, I love the food, and other things.

Maybe because I look Korean but I rarely get looked at or been judged.

I can say more, but I'll just leave it at that. And, these sound very random...

[Digital Masta]

I love Korean films right now.

Korea does pop out some incredible films.

[Pierrot le Fou]

Question why do Korean and Japanese shows love throwing up text all around the screen describing what someone said or things that happened? I like it a lot because its a good learning tool (better than english subs imo) but isnt it bit overkill for native viewers?
Odd dialects? Prevent confusion from homophones? Promote literacy? Because it makes it seem like something is active when everyone is really just sitting down and talking? Because the subtitle guilds of Asia have an iron fist around the testicles of the industry?

Take your pick.

[Riinuka]

I like the testicle theory. Most amusing explanation.

[Argo]

Odd dialects? Prevent confusion from homophones? Promote literacy? Because it makes it seem like something is active when everyone is really just sitting down and talking? Because the subtitle guilds of Asia have an iron fist around the testicles of the industry?

Take your pick.

So no one knows the real reason? The one I watched had no odd dialects, Korea is like 99% literate anyway, and there is already enough action. Seriously it always perplexes me.

[gentlemanandscholar]

So no one knows the real reason? The one I watched had no odd dialects, Korea is like 99% literate anyway, and there is already enough action. Seriously it always perplexes me.

It's this one:
Because it makes it seem like something is active when everyone is really just sitting down and talking

They use it as a sort of dramatic emphasis to have an illusion of progression in the shows. As far as I know it started out with only the punchlines, but now they have a habit of highlighting everything that is "funny".

[ZylitoL]

It's this one:


They use it as a sort of dramatic emphasis to have an illusion of progression in the shows. As far as I know it started out with only the punchlines, but now they have a habit of highlighting everything that is "funny".
He's got it.

In addition, the PDs often add in liner notes and (lame) jokes in the bubbles. It's interactive (somewhat at least) and it's a positive attribute about KTV IMO.

ak24,

The music scene has been about making money from day one. It's just that beginning with the mid-to-late 90s, people realized that forming an idol group and expanding their work into every area of media and milking their name for 10 years would be a kickass idea. Later they also realized doing the same thing with Group Y once Group X's fad washes out would exponentially increase the asskickery.

Of course, this also holds true for many other music markets as well, so it would be unfair to say Korea is the only proponent of this stupidity. However, there is definitely less variety (at least in the mainstream) in the music scene Korea.

[mikem]

So no one knows the real reason? The one I watched had no odd dialects, Korea is like 99% literate anyway, and there is already enough action. Seriously it always perplexes me.

There is no real reason. Japanese had verbs like になっています and 決まる to describe these sorts of things. Someone decided it and that is that. (I think there is even a noun for it ...)

You can't see it from your perspective, at least not yet, but there are tons of things that you do every day that there is no reason for. It's just part of the culture and society.