But...

Sleepninja wrote: ^haha I find it hilarious. :p (I guess I'm still stuck in the "farts are funny" mind-set)

and I think farts are funny too but SO Many dramas mention them or do them... Why so infatuated with the flatulence? It's a mystery.

Bladey wrote: LOL. I think it;s a similar issue like with kissing- trying to show something? That they are less shy, transforming, more open?

I'm not sure that theory holds up Bladey because I've watched Kdrama after Kdrama and there are lots more dramas with very little kissing (or even if there is kissing ~ it is stoic, arms kept to their sides, girl's eyes are wide open, lips not even puckered!) and yet....the poopy talk and the farting is very prevalent and it's there even in older dramas.

ok..people..don't get me wrong..but i totally love the "short trousers no socks" look esp. with a cardigan...^^

Oh my goodness, this thread has me cracking up at 1 in the morning! (Sorry, neighbors!) A lot of what has been said regarding Korean dramas at least I can vouch for having validity in reality.

1) The slurping when eating habit is out of control. It's like an octopus trying to grab onto a gobstopper! I have no idea whether it's a sign of appreciation here in Korea or what, but I for one can't handle it. No matter how handsome the gentleman sitting across from me at the table is, once he starts slurping down his naengmyeon, he is crossed right off my list.

2) The double dipping aspect I can't complain about because I am a notorious double dipper back in the States. Here in Korea, it's not so much double dipping as it is a communal/family-style of eating. Which probably doesn't negate the fact that five different spoons are dipping into the kimchi jjigae all at once, but still... When my co-workers saw how willing I was to dip my spoon into the communal pot, they all praised me and complained about how the previous English teacher refused to partake in the meal if it was eaten communally. I guess we can just chalk that one up to cultural differences as well.

3) I can forgive Lee Min Ho's high-water pants look after seeing every other guy on the subway rocking the jeans and matching denim jacket look. *shudders*

4) This is my favorite one: amrita pointed out that women in K-dramas tend to be conservative on top but a little more risque when it comes to their bottoms. This is a fact of fashion here in Korea. Tank tops or cleavage-revealing shirts are a no, but your skirt/shorts can be non-existent. I suffered SO MUCH when I first arrived here back in August: I tried to get by with a wide-strap tank top, but those ahjumma-glares cut me like a dagger to the heart and had me scurrying shamefacedly for a cardigan. IN THE MIDDLE OF A HEATWAVE IN AUGUST. I WORE A CARDIGAN. EVERY. DAY. But my butt cheeks dangling from the bottom of my shorts? Ahjumma approved. I have no explanation for this. It just....is.

As for me - I'm ok with asian male fashion - flower boys and stuff. I think they're adorable, but.... why would you put a ribbon around your neck ? just why?! there are so many fancy, flashy neckties you could put on- why this?

amrita828 wrote: Are you living in Korea, BaT? Probably everyone else knows it already, but it's a surprise to me!
How do you like it? I hope you are going to tell us A LOT of other customs/anecdotes/interesting encounters etc.
Did you buy a bottom revealing skirt? ;);)

Yep, I'm currently in Seoul and will be here for at least another nine months teaching English at a middle school in Dongdaemun-gu. Not the ritziest of areas, but it's crowded with mom-and-pop type restaurants where you can get a full meal for around 5USD, so I will never complain. In short: I like it a lot.

With my great height, I do not have the dignity to spare in order to buy shorts or a skirt here. What looks mildly indecent length ways on the average Korean girl looks downright pornographic on me. Shopping has been an all around interesting experience over here, especially shoe shopping: the shop ahjummas' looks of horror mingled with amazement when I tell them my shoe size will never get old.

I was actually thinking of doing a thread where I offer my services in busting or confirming notions people have about Korea here on MDL. Although I've only been here for a little more than two months, I've already been disabused of a lot of assumptions I previously held about this place. Watching dramas with my friends here has turned into a whole new experience where we constantly crack up and say, "OMG, Korea, can you over-romanticize yourself a little more please? WHAT?! That ahjussi has been on the screen for a full five seconds and he hasn't hocked a loogie on the street yet? In which Seoul is this being filmed? Psh, they bought ONLY couple phones---amateurs..., etc."

boredandtwitchy wrote: Yep, I'm currently in Seoul and will be here for at least another nine months teaching English at a middle school in Dongdaemun-gu. Not the ritziest of areas, but it's crowded with mom-and-pop type restaurants where you can get a full meal for around 5USD, so I will never complain. In short: I like it a lot.

With my great height, I do not have the dignity to spare in order to buy shorts or a skirt here. What looks mildly indecent length ways on the average Korean girl looks downright pornographic on me. Shopping has been an all around interesting experience over here, especially shoe shopping: the shop ahjummas' looks of horror mingled with amazement when I tell them my shoe size will never get old.

I was actually thinking of doing a thread where I offer my services in busting or confirming notions people have about Korea here on MDL. Although I've only been here for a little more than two months, I've already been disabused of a lot of assumptions I previously held about this place. Watching dramas with my friends here has turned into a whole new experience where we constantly crack up and say, "OMG, Korea, can you over-romanticize yourself a little more please? WHAT?! That ahjussi has been on the screen for a full five seconds and he hasn't hocked a loogie on the street yet? In which Seoul is this being filmed? Psh, they bought ONLY couple phones---amateurs..., etc."

Please do, it's a terrific idea!!! :D
But I need to ask: what does it mean that your shoe size will never get old? That you have big feet? lol
:D