Continuing on with my 'interview a foreigner in Korea' project...
...after interviewing 'Mr El Salvador' last week...
... I decided to interview one of my Chinese friends from Yonsei University, called Joh.
She is from Xi'an...
... which is located in North Western China.
... which is located in North Western China.
Joh is a little bit shy (scared of the Chinese government?...) so she didn't want me to reveal too much about her identity...fair enough...(I am also a little bit scared of the Chinese government...).
1. Name: Joh
2. Where are you from?
I am from Xi’an, in North West China.
3. When did you first come to Korea?
I came to Korea 2 years ago.
4. Why did you move to Korea?
I originally came to Korea to teach Chinese, but I am now studying Korean language at Yonsei University. I will begin my Masters degree in Linguistics at Korea University next year.
(The terracotta warriors are located in Xi'an, China...)
(Photo Source: http://www.wikipedia.com/)
2. What are some differences that you have observed, between Korea and China?
Korea’s roots are in China. But these days Chinese and Korean culture are very different.
Many people live in Seoul or want to live in Seoul. But China is very big, so people live across a very wide area, in cities and in the countryside. There are so many cities in China, but Korea only has one main city.
3. Do you like Korean food?
I used to like it, but now I don’t. There are very few choices, compared to Chinese food. There are so many kinds of Chinese food. In Korea I can only eat Jajangmyeon 자장면 (Koreanized Chinese black sauce noodles).
4. What do you like about Korea the most?
Korean accessories.
5. What is the most negative point about Korea?
The food. There should be more choices, like in Chinese cuisine.
6. What do miss the most about China?
My friends, my family, and also Chinese food. Especially noodles.
7. What was your first impression when you first came to Korea?
I watched many Korean dramas when I was in China, but when I first came to Korea I realized that Korean dramas and Korean life are quite different.
8. What was your most peculiar experience in Korea?
I used to teach Chinese to Korean company workers. I told one Korean worker about my plans to study a Masters degree in Linguistics, and he replied that; “In Korea, a woman only needs a good body and some language skills, the major doesn’t matter.” I thought this was a negative comment about women.
9. What do you think about the Korean blind dating system, sogaeting 소개팅?
There is no sogaeting 소개팅 in China, unless you are quite old. I don’t want to try sogaeting in Korea.
10. What are the main differences between traditions in China and Korea?
In China we celebrate seollal 설날 (New Year) and chuseok 추석(harvest festival), just like Korea does. In Korea there are many ajummas 아줌마들, but in China we don’t have any ajummas.
Koreans are very concerned about being rich. Chinese people are also concerned about being rich, but less than Koreans.
Chinese people want to save money, but Koreans want to buy luxury products and show other people what they own.
11. Do you have any preference, regarding Korean guys and Chinese guys?
Korean guys have smaller hearts than Chinese guys.
Korean guys care about fashion a lot, but Chinese guys don’t care about fashion.
I prefer Chinese guys.
12. Are there many behavioural differences between Chinese and Korean girls?
Chinese girls don’t try to show off too much.
13. Which aspects of Korea are the most famous in China?
Super Junior 슈주, of course.
Also Dongbangshinki 동방신기.
And Korean cosmetics, clothes, and accessories are also very popular in China.
(Photo Source: http://www.flagspot.com/)
(Note: This interview does not represent the views of every Chinese resident living in South Korea)
