They’re trying to protect themselves from SEX, DRUGS and ROCK AND ROLL!

I think Hub-A-Rub is pretty much right — the more you speak Korean, the more Koreans treat you like a Korea (ie., pretty shitty). For all the whining I hear by foreigners about wanting to fit in, I think a lot of them fail to realize how poorly far too many Koreans treat each other.

I also think that far too many people here are poorly trained at whatever their jobs, and the instinct is, “when in doubt, say no.” I’ve gotten dozens of strange requirements at various banks around Korea over the years when I have asked for one service or another. Sometimes the person remembered an old regulation. Sometimes the person was just making up regulations. Luckily, I have a long-time teller who knows me at my main branch and always gets things done fast and easily and correctly (and politely).

Finally (sorry to go on and on), few things are as much fun as when you happen to know someone higher up on the food chain when you happen to get someone being rude and dumb. Because of my job, I know a lot of random people, so when a lowly office worker is being stupid, it is great to pull out the phone, call Mr. Big-Shot, and have Mr. Big-Shot tear dumb worker a new one.

I must be lucky because I have not run into these things but then if I don’t like the vibe from a store or people, I don’t bother. I rely upon much non-verbal before approaching people.

I *loved* the “thrown squid” bit though.

I agree. You have to be high or something to live here.

Check out Jeff’s post on customer service in Korea…it’s hilarious.

Here you step out of Seoul station, get in line for a taxi, and wait until its your turn to have a half inebriated nationalistic taxi driver flip you the bird, shout out a big “Pucku Yu, Yankee go home. Ok?” and drive forward to pick up a Korean passenger.

Then when you finally do get a taxi he drives you all the way through Hoam-dong to get to Itaewon when it’s only one left-turn and a straight shot away from Seoul Station.

When you ask for the “free interpreter” he tells you “NO”. When you call the toll free number complaint number, they are completely non-plussed: “Well, there must be a lot of traffic.”

uh-huh.

Then you step out at Itaewon and get hit by “New Rolex?” “How about a cashmere coat?” “New suit today?”

When all you really wanted was a sandwich.

“Hi Seoul”, indeed.