Korea in the World: The United Kingdom

In this new monthly segment, we examine Koreans’ lives in other countries, and how Korean culture and its natives are making a global impact. This month’s writer is Samantha Richter, who resides in England, has previously taught English in Gwangju and currently serves as a proofreader for GN. If you are someone who sees or you know of someone who sees Korea making a difference in another country, please email gwangjunews@gmail.com.  

We are all travellers. Our journeys are distinctly our own, and yet, all so similar. Looking at Korea, particularly Gwangju, I marvelled at the low cost of living, enjoyed the quality and abundance of coffee and despaired at the long working hours. Some arrived in South Korea as teachers, where we stayed for a year, maybe two or longer.

For almost half a century now, South Koreans likewise have been crossing oceans to find new places. But they are not leaving their country for a year of adventure before returning home for a fresh start. They are making their fresh start, even now, in the U.K. So when the South Korean flag began appearing above restaurants and supermarkets here in England, it brought a new world into ours, which people are gradually getting to know.

Having had a profoundly unforgettable experience of my own in Korea, I was intrigued to discover the Korean foreigner’s perspective on my country. The branch of Korean Foods supermarkets, Seoul Plaza on Mill Road, Cambridge, provided such an opportunity.

The unassuming shop front leads into a typically Korean store with everything a Korea-phile like me could want: Kimchi of all kinds and Peppero in every delicious flavour, sold by Koreans. The manager, Kong HyeKyoung (her English name is Grace), was originally from Seoul, and she was happy to share her perspective on living as a Korean in the U.K.

Gwangju News: What brought you to the U.K.?

Grace: I’ve been here for 12 years now. We came here because my husband found a job in England. He works as a computer engineer designing semiconductors in microchips. Before we came to England, we actually lived in Germany for two years because my husband worked there for Samsung. We really admired the European way of life but thought that because German is hard to learn, we thought English would be easier for us.

GN: How did you feel about leaving Korea?

Grace: At first I was nervous about communicating with people because my English was poor. I was also worried about leaving my family in Korea, but on the other hand, I was excited about the prospect of going to a new place.

GN: Did you learn English before you came here?

Grace: I learned basic grammar and vocabulary in school but only basic speaking skills.

GN: So straight off the plane, what were your first impressions of England?

Grace: Cold! That day was the end of September, which was usually hot in Korea, so we wore shorts and T- shirts. We were surprised when we were greeted by freezing rain.

GN: What was your first impression of English people?

Grace: I thought that English people were patient and calm, because when I first took my child out, I saw a young child protesting against going back home, and the mother explained the reasons why they had to go home, calmly and carefully. I admired her. I think, although it can take some time for English people to open up, I like the way individuals sometimes say “hello!” to strangers passing by on the street.

GN: How do your children find it here?

Grace: They’re very happy to be here. The schools are a very caring environment with chances for them to speak their opinions on different topics, as well as being [in a] dependable environment. I also like the fact that it is not just based on academic subjects but also creative and philosophical subjects. I always try to encourage them to speak Korean at home, because I don’t want them to forget their home language to keep in contact with our relatives in Korea. I think they have adapted to both cultures, they choose the most useful skills from both, and therefore, they create a new way of thinking.

GN: What is your impression of British culture?

Grace: I grew up listening to a lot of English pop songs, a lot of the Beatles and Elton John, as they were the stars when I was a teen. I also love the fact that there are so many musicals in London, as I enjoy them, and we try to see at least two musicals a year.

GN: What is your impression of other Korean people in the U.K.?

Grace: I think Koreans are a bit timid and scared of speaking incorrect English. Apart from this, Koreans are usually friendly but have a tendency to stick in groups of Koreans. But they do their best in everything they do.

GN: What is the Western view of Korea?

Grace: A few years ago, Korea was a small country, unknown to many Westerners. However, with Korea flourishing from the Olympics, the Soccer World Cup, and the booming industries of companies like Samsung, Korea has become much more popular and a point of interest.

GN: What do you miss most about Korea?

Family and traditional Korean food. However, as I work at Seoul Plaza, I find my ingredients easily and make the food myself with my improved cooking skills.

Grace is easy to be around, smiles readily and has an amazing generosity of spirit. She seems so at ease here, fitting perfectly into British culture.

I was not always content during my teaching career in Korea, and I grew tired of being a foreigner and longed for home. By talking to this gracious woman, so far from her own country but seemingly so at home in the U.K., I feel like I can see myself more clearly here, too.