Comment by LukeFitzpatrick | Hacker News Reader

Comment by LukeFitzpatrick | Hacker News Reader

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LukeFitzpatrick

Hey serialx, I live in SK too, if you ever wanna grab a beer or coffee, shoot me an email: lukejamesfitzpatrick@gmail.com

On Fan Death, the media bought it all up and publicized it on TV, naturally most South Koreans believe it. They are super conscious about anything related to health (even though smoking and binge drinking is quite common here).

If I have a cold, my wife (Korean) will tell me to go to the hospital. I grew up with not taking medicine unless it's absolutely necessary.

Back on topic, It's more of a culturally thing. I wouldn't bother trying to explain to people that it's not real, focus on feeling amused about the cultural difference.

Likwise, I'm from Australia, in my hometown (small beach town), I could walk to the local convenience store wearing no footware, no tshirt - just boxer shorts. To Korean people, they'd think I'm insane..... Just trying to highlight the differences in culture; seeing the humorous side of things is often better than trying to persuade someone they're wrong.

The last bit is so true it hurts. We have numerous shops and other places either in my apartment or right outside and I feel the need to dress up completely just to essentially go downstairs and get some snacks or diapers. I suppose a big reason it doesn't bother me much is that we get enough glances as it is, fully-dressed, so the last thing I want to do is invite more stares.

I've seen what I thought were American tourists in Italy going barefoot on the streets. I and everybody else around them thought they are insane.

But yeah, I like to eat horse (and rabbit) meat while I would be looked upon with disgust in most parts of the world :)

In China, getting an IV of saline solution is considered healthful. People will stop by the hospital for an IV drip even if they aren't sick. Has this infected Korea too?

I haven't seen this (and I've been in the hospital a LOT lately because we have two young boys -- it's common to bring your kids to the doctor over every little thing here) but I wouldn't be surprised at all if it's catching on in some areas.

Wait, boxer shorts?

I used to see "No Shirts, No Shoes, No Service" on American stores. But as far as I know, few Americans walk around the streets in what is actually underwear.

Mind you, I did this when I was a teenager, I'd be shy to do it now. Appearances didn't really matter where I was from. Mostly Rugby guys, surfing ppl and tradesmen from my small town. Nobody judged you by appearance. I've never seen so much designer ware until I lived in Korea. But, fan death does have a cultural stigma here, and appearances matter. It's really hard to change someone's belief on fan death. So, it's better just to feel amused by the difference in culture.

I'd guess they're talking about something more similar to American cargo shorts or swim trunks.

what about in melbourne. would it be normal to walk into a starbucks with no shirt and no shoes?

No idea, I'm from a small beach town and I haven't been to Melbourne before. From what I know, it has extreme temperatures and moody weather.

Walking in to a supermarket with boardies is fine in my hometown (Port Macquarie).

You should know though, my town is warm all year round. I used to surf in winter without a wetsuit.

in Melbourne even the hippies wear shoes, plus in Melbourne it would be decidedly abnormal to walk into a starbucks at all..

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