Dan, I read it all and told you my thoughts already. Great article, good reading. =)

What I'd like to know though.. is JeeYunee's perspective. What was her impression of Rekrul? What's it like to be a girl in a booking club? What is the impression of Koreans when it comes to foreigners (and how do they compare to the local boys)? Whats up with the 50 condoms? Actually I dont really need to know the answer to that last question.

NewbSaibot

3849 Posts

June 14 2005 09:45 GMT

#183

have you ever thought about becomming a progamer again? Do you ever fear a year or so down the road you may begin to miss it and wish you had stuck it out?

1tym

Korea (South)2425 Posts

June 14 2005 09:46 GMT

#184

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=27974
here's the thread I created featuring streets & club scenes in Seoul pictures while ago

and here's a picture of Seoul taken from top of Nasam Tower

Smorrie

Netherlands2942 Posts

June 14 2005 09:46 GMT

#185

are there alot foreigners in korea? like.. you see at least a few of them everyday or you're really feeling like you're the only one out there?

1tym

Korea (South)2425 Posts

June 14 2005 09:50 GMT

#186

There are certain towns & areas where you get to see a lot of foreigners in Seoul such as Itaewon, Insadong etc. In these areas you won't be draw any attention at at all since there are heaps of them.
However in a country town outside Seoul, You may be stared at as if you have a mosquito masturbating on your face. Large proportion of foreigners are either English teachers or GIs.. some tourists as well.

1tym

Korea (South)2425 Posts

June 14 2005 09:58 GMT

#187

On June 14 2005 17:31 mnm wrote:
Dan, I read it all and told you my thoughts already. Great article, good reading. =)

What I'd like to know though.. is JeeYunee's perspective. What was her impression of Rekrul? What's it like to be a girl in a booking club? What is the impression of Koreans when it comes to foreigners (and how do they compare to the local boys)? Whats up with the 50 condoms? Actually I dont really need to know the answer to that last question.

About the girls in booking clubs..
Generally the frequent booking club goers are far more liberal and some are even considered sluts. (Korean society is more conservative than US) For both male and female, it's a time effective way to meet tons of people per night and you get to choose from them. It may end in exchanging numbers or in some cases going to hotel afterwards.

One of the reason why girls like to go to expensive booking club is because it's a quickest way to meet a rich guy. In a booking club, A wealthy man is regarded as a king and a pretty girl as a queen. So prioritywise, it's money for guys and looks for girls. Truthfully for guys one of the main reason they go to booking clubs is to get laid. Not many guys are that keen on making girlfriends through booking clubs. It's hypocritical in a way, like they'd have sex with tons of them but they still prefer a nice conservative girl for a girlfriend.

1tym

Korea (South)2425 Posts

June 14 2005 10:18 GMT

#188

About the impression about the foreigners... This really depends and it varies from person to person. I assume you are of a philo descent and though not many people are racists other than against blacks I guess Korea might not be the best place for you.

Since Korea is against the immigration policy and does not embrace diversification there are certain stereotypes about certain race. There are heaps of Phillipines & Malaysian girls working in a sex related business in Korea and guys working in a factory with minimum wage with illegal visa. (Same goes with Chinese). There are many campaigns going on at the moment about improving the treatment toward these people and any open minded people would not treat you any different though I have to say it really depends on the way you are dressed. If you're a philo and you're dressed in a blue jacket and a worn out shoes, then you are immediately an illegal factory worker.. If you are dressed in a nice suit or attire then you may be seen as an English teacher or business men travelling to attend conference in Korea.

About whites in Korea.. Some of the Koreans envy white people and they are generally curious about them.. Some are hostile against whites especially with the late anti american trends especially among youth group further fuelled by Bush. (Old men are relatively grateful toward US as they have experienced the Korean war themselves). There are girls who are more than willing to go out with a white guy and there are some who would never consider it an option. But in general if you're a white, you'll experience many people being nice to you with no apparent reasons and some trying to strike up a conversation.

If you're a black, then you are most likely to experience a discrimination one way or another. You are immediately regarded as a GI with bad manner. It is partially due to the LA Korea town attack from blacks years ago and GIs in korea stirring up numerous troubles everywhere. However, Hiphop is big among teen & youth group and many try to be immitate the style. Hence the teens endulged in hiphop culture would be curious about you.

Rekrul

Korea (South)17174 Posts

June 14 2005 10:19 GMT

#189

On June 14 2005 18:46 Smorrie wrote:
are there alot foreigners in korea? like.. you see at least a few of them everyday or you're really feeling like you're the only one out there?

where i live, kang nam area i feel like i'm the only one other than my roommate

on weekdays i never see other foreigners but on friday and saturday nights i see quite a bit in my area

Rekrul

Korea (South)17174 Posts

June 14 2005 10:21 GMT

#190

1tym, very very good posts, totally true on every account.

Xeofreestyler

Belgium6777 Posts

June 14 2005 23:23 GMT

#191

Damn, this makes me wanna go on exchange to korea .... Even before this I thought of it though, with starcraft and all... ^^

1tym

Korea (South)2425 Posts

June 15 2005 22:45 GMT

#192

Seriously, If you're only wanting to visit Korea because of Starcraft, forget it... It's not like young kids are walking around with marine helmet on nor strike up a conversation with you saying " is macro more important than micro?" It is still big, but you won't notice it in your random visit to Korea unless in Pcbang or Koex mall..