Korea In The World: Croatia

Nowadays, Koreans have become interested in Croatia because of the television show “Sisters Over Flowers.” That is why Korean visitors in Croatia numbered 71,546 from January – November 2013. My friends who visited Dubrovnik recently told me they felt as if they were in Korea since there were so many Koreans.

Foreigners, especially Asians, are really new here to the locals. Whenever I meet Croatians, they almost always ask me “Where are you from?” and “Why did you choose Croatia?” The first reason I give is another TV show; in 2011 I watched “The Romantic”, made by TVN. On that show, the picture and atmosphere of Croatia was really romantic. I just thought that if I lived there, I could see artistic and beautiful views whenever I opened my windows. I fell in love with Croatia through that show and dreamed that someday I would live there. Now here I am through a student exchange program of Chonnam National University!

Since they are curious about foreigners, Croatians tend to look at me, and I still have difficulty adjusting. However, they are always willing to help me and other foreigners when I try to find my way or ask something in English. Although Croatia has its own language, most of the younger generation is quite good at English. My life here is thus not that difficult and it is really exciting to see and travel around Europe.

I have been in the Croatian capital of Zagreb for nearly three months. When I flew from Korea, it took around twenty hours because there was not a direct flight. I was surprised. You can see lots of Korean brands here such as Samsung, KIA, LG and Hyundai. Near my student dormitory, there is a big Samsung building, and my Croatian friends know that brand is from Korea. Even though I do not work in that company, I feel proud of the image our country has as technologically advanced.

One day I was surprised when I saw a taekwondo sign in Zagreb. When I gave a presentation about Korea, my professor eagerly asked me, “Did you know Croatia is famous for taekwondo?” I did not know that, but I could see Croatians are interested in it through eyes of my Croatian friends and professor.

Before coming to Croatia, I had a Croatian friend who came to Korea as an exchange student, and through her I found the Korean community in Croatia. You might think the “Korean community in Croatia” would be made up of Koreans who live in Zagreb, but it is actually a Croatian community of people who like Korean culture, such as music and dramas. Isn’t it surprising? Almost 2,000 people are in this community and since my friend was in that group, she chose Korea as an exchange study country. She said normally they have Korean parties where they dance together with Korean music and watch music video clips together. They also have Korean dance competitions supported by Samsung, the embassy of the Republic of Korea, and KOTRA. Winners can get round-trip flight tickets from Zagreb to South Korea. 

I met my Croatian friends in this community. They had already figured out I am from Korea; that is why they wanted to be friends with me. So, when they introduced themselves, they spoke Korean, and their pronunciation was spot-on (I even thought one of them was from Korea). They are just really interested in Korean culture. They read about Korean celebrity news more than me and my Korean friends. Whenever I meet foreign fans of Korean culture, I can see how culture is important and powerful. It makes sense; my first reason to come to Croatia was because of my own cultural interest.

Here in Zagreb there are around sixty Korean residents. I have met families of pastors, missionaries, soccer students and businessmen and -women. Some came here by chance and some came because it is famous for soccer. Nowadays, I see more and more Koreans coming here to live and start businesses because many Korean tourists visit and some of them want to stay in Korean lodgings.

After my friend took a trip to Europe, she was surprised and asked me why so many Koreans travel. Koreans try to travel around the world and become more globalized, especially the young generation – lots of my friends have traveled abroad. Each culture has its own positive aspects. So, I think the traveling experience can make Korea a more embracing culture.