During the July holidays, my whole family and I went to Korea for an eight-days vacation. When we were at the Korean Airport, I had a taste of how different Korea's culture is compared to Singapore. I was standing at the scan-the-bags belt there, waiting for my bag to come out when a Korean man who worked at the airport approached me from behind, jabbed me on my shoulder and told me to move along. No light taps on the shoulder and no "ëxcuse me" involved. I was quite surprised as I found it quite rude. I have never encountered such behaviour from the service industry.
However, after spending a few days in Korea, I realised that such behaviour is considered acceptable in their country. The scenario that I had encountered is just a reflection of their patriachal society. In fact, Leo, our tour guide told us that it is not uncommon to see husbands beating up their wives in public 10 or 15 years ago. Of course, with Korea becoming more influenced by western cultures, the Koreans have now realised that such behaviour is unacceptable in other cultures and now women are treated more respectfully. However, Leo mentioned that despite such improvements, there is still gender inequality. Women are still expected to be subservient to their male counterparts.
However, on the bight side, there seems to be a shift or a change role of women. Korean dramas these days show men being caring and supportive while women are successful in their career. Perhaps the mass media hopes that through them, people's mindset will be changed and gender inequality will be reduced. Or perhaps the drama shows are just a way for women to go against their oppression.
It is quite interesting to me that just a simple scenario or behaviour of a person can reveal so much about the society or social structure.
To practice a more effective communication, the Korean airport man should have lightly touched my arm or just muttered an "excuse me" with a smile on his face while asking me politely to stand to one side. After all, effective communication is a combination of verbal and non-verbal responses.
Hey angelia,
ReplyDeleteNice sharing. I have never been to Korea and the only things I know about korea are those from dramas and till date I probably watched less than 5 korean dramas.
I did not realise that they jab people. Could the reason be because you are a female? Afterall they are still quite a male-oriented society. I guess i have to be careful when i do go there for my honeymoon. Anyway, in parts of Germany, it is also common for people to elbow and jostle you on the streets if you are in their way.
We have to be more aware when we are in foreign lands. We have to fit into their cultural behaviours, rather than demand them to fit into our cultural expectations.
Wah! I also think that is pretty rude and I didn't expect it to be from a Korean! :O
ReplyDeleteThough this jabbing behaviour is considered acceptable in their country (as you have said), I guess that man should still try to avoid this habit. This is especially so when he is working in the airport (not really Korean-dominated, but rather a small "international" place) where he has to encounter many different people from different countries and some may find this act offensive.
Furthermore, I think the man should have uphold a professional image as an airport officer and jabbing sure isn't professional. >.<
I've been to Korea before and I've had worse experience. That was probably 6 years ago and it happened when I was in the ladies. The korean ahjummas were so rude! They just kept knocking on the door of the cubicle to ask you to come out so that they can use the toilet. The most ridiculous thing was that the men came in to use the ladies too as there was a queue in the gents. No kidding. But like you mentioned, with the changing of times, perhaps such behavior is no longer found in Korea anymore.
ReplyDeleteOh Dear!! girls think twice before falling for Korean guy!! :))
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