Correspondent
Understanding Korea in Kazakhstan
Understanding Korea correctly depends on how much a person knows about Korea. You can only say that you understand Korea when you know Korea itself instead of knowing about Korea. Understanding Korea itself means having curiosity about Korea and experiencing Korea every day. Simply knowing information such as the location, population, traditional food, and residential area of Korea would not suffice to say that you understand Korea. Such is simply mere knowledge regarding Korea.
Our city has many flower shops. When you enter these flower shops, there are all sorts of flowers that give off beautiful, fresh scents. But one shop among them has no scent despite being full of beautiful and fancy flowers. I once visited the shop out of curiosity, and the reason this shop does not have any scent was that it was full of artificial flowers. Artificial flowers these days are made so well that they look just like real flowers. Still, there is a critical difference between real and artificial flowers – the presence of scent. On the outside, they may look fresh and beautiful, but they have no life. There is a great difference between real flowers and artificial flowers. Similarly, knowing Korea itself and knowing about Korea are vastly different. Understanding Korea itself in depth comes with life and emotion. On the other hand, simply knowing about Korea has no life.
In today’s information era, about 70% of the people in Kazakhstan can freely access the Internet. They use it every day. Of course, obtaining information through the Internet is not some clandestine act. Moreover, people trust this information to be accurate. With the recent rise of the Korean wave, there are many Korean websites with information and materials. But can all of this vast amount of information be trusted? Can a person truly say that he/she has learned and understood Korea through the information he/she has obtained through the Internet? Sometimes, the information on the Internet comes from the personal experience of a person who has visited that country or information that has spread worldwide through word of mouth or networking. Knowledge obtained through the Internet is unconfirmed and incomplete, and this could lead to distorted understanding or misunderstanding of Korea.
The Republic of Kazakhstan is a multiracial nation, and about 150 ethnic groups have been living in harmony since time immemorial. The government of Kazakhstan helps these ethnic groups maintain good relations and help and respect one another as they live together. And they have been able to live in harmony until now. The people of Kazakhstan and Korean people have maintained close relations for a long time. This is archaeologically evident from the cultural similarities between the two countries and the fact that the languages of the two countries belong to the Altai language group. Ancient Kazakhstan and Korea came in contact through the Silk Road. Kim Herman, a professor of historical science in Kazakhstan, states, «The two countries have similarities; first is that both countries are within the influence of oriental culture. Second, both countries have experience of being colonized. Therefore, Korea is closer to the people of Kazakhstan than those of other countries.»
According to survey results, Kazakh people express great interest in Korea and value highly the image of Korea as well as have great trust in Korean brands and medical services. They also love the drama, music, and K-pop of Korea. Recently, the standard of education regarding Korea has increased, and many young people of Kazakhstan learn the Korean language and tend to lean toward studying in Korea.br>
How do Koryoins living in Kazakhstan feel? Koreans in Kazakhstan call themselves Koryoins and make up one of the largest ethnic groups in Kazakhstan. The government under Stalin in 1937 thought that the Korean people were spies for Japan and “Enemies of the Soviet Union,” so they were forced to relocate from the Far East to Central Asia. Many people died during the process of being transported on trains but were not even given proper funerals. The soldiers simply dropped off the corpses at the stations where the trains made stops. In addition, the Korean people had no rights, and they could not move to where they wanted either. The government under Stalin referred to them as the “people who cannot be trusted.” This period was the darkest hour for all Korean people in Kazakhstan. Our grandparents tear up as they think back to those times.
The Korean people had nothing in Central Asia but were armed with diligence and good, strong minds. The people of Central Asia were also good people, so the Korean people were able to survive despite many difficulties. The Korean, Uzbek, and Kazakh people could not understand one another’s language, but the latter two provided food and shelter to the former. And just like many other Korean people, my family is grateful to the Uzbek and Kazakh people. My grandparents knew Korean at the time, but there was no school that taught Korean language, and using Korean names and Korean language was prohibited. Thus, my parents could not learn Korean; neither do they know the Korean language. The young people do not know the Korean language at all. As such, many Koreans ask themselves, “Who am I?” since they are unable to establish their identities. We are referred to as the Koryoins, which differ from the Korean people who live in Korea, but we have made an effort to preserve the culture and traditions since we are Korean people as well. Still, today, only a few Koryoins attempt to learn the Korean language.
Some years ago, I conducted a survey among Koryoins on whether they would teach the Korean language to their children. Many Koryoins did not regard Korea as their homeland, so they said they would not teach the Korean language to their children. This was a very sad result. They even thought English was more important that Korean. Recently, however, Korea has provided various forms of assistance to its people living abroad, and Koryoins have come to appreciate and take pride in Korea; their interest in Korea is also increasing.
Even though people live in a different country and differ in lifestyle, they are bound to feel homesick. My grandmother has felt that way, and so has my parents. My grandmother passed away while looking toward Korea from afar, but our parents were able to visit their hometown last year with assistance from the Korean government. Our parents were grateful, and so was I.
I am a Korean language teacher. When the Korean missionaries first came to the small city in Southern Kazakhstan in 1994 where I was living at the time, I finally had the opportunity to learn the Korean language. There were about 50 students who wished to learn Korean, and we borrowed a small auditorium for the classes. There were many people, but the blackboard was too small for everyone to see; my friend and I always squeezed in among the others in front of the blackboard as we practiced writing Korean. It was very uncomfortable, but I kept going as my desire to learn the native language was greater.
There were few people who knew much about Korea or the Korean people at the time. Therefore, the opportunity to learn the native language was a very precious opportunity to me, as if a gift has fallen from the sky. And I am still continuing to learn the Korean language. I have met many Koreans from various fields throughout the process of learning Korean. I have met missionaries, businessmen, teachers, doctors, young and old, students, and children. And I find all Koreans whom I have met to be kind, diligent, and smart, always trying to help another person. From this perspective, the most effective method of understanding Korea is through personal relationships. When a person goes to another country, he/she feels as if he/she was the ambassador dispatched to that country. The local people gain their first impression about a country by interacting with persons from that country.
For example, the foreigners who have ridden the subway in Korea may think that the Korean people are introverted and indifferent. But the corporate culture of Korea tells a different story. I have worked for 3 years at a Korean construction company that does business in the south of Kazakhstan, and all employees lived and worked together in harmony like family. We looked out for one another and respected one another. The Korean employees even left memos reading “Cheer up, fight!” at my computer when I was in distress as they cheered me up. Some people say that the Korean people are workaholics, but I think that is their «Strength». For 5,000 years, Korea has gone through about 1,000 wars in its own land. Today, however, Korea has achieved the “Miracle of Hangang River,” which amazed the world with the diligent nature of its people.
In other words, relationships with the Korean people are the best method of understanding Korea itself. The personal interactions and relations that make us understand them by heart would tell us everything about Korea just like the beautiful real flowers that are full of life.
But this is impossible since there are very few Korean people in the city of Karaganda in Kazakhstan. Nonetheless, there are many different methods and ways for us. Every city in Kazakhstan has a Koryoin association, with the Korea Education Center in Almaty and Korean Culture Center in Astana. In the city of Karaganda where I live -- and where I have been working as teacher of Korean language for 9 years -- is the Yeldos Education Center. I love my job, and I am very happy that I am contributing to teaching the Korean language. I think it is difficult to teach the Korean language as a teacher without coming in contact with the culture, way of thinking, tradition, customs, and history of Korea.
Our city has many flower shops. When you enter these flower shops, there are all sorts of flowers that give off beautiful, fresh scents. But one shop among them has no scent despite being full of beautiful and fancy flowers. I once visited the shop out of curiosity, and the reason this shop does not have any scent was that it was full of artificial flowers. Artificial flowers these days are made so well that they look just like real flowers. Still, there is a critical difference between real and artificial flowers – the presence of scent. On the outside, they may look fresh and beautiful, but they have no life. There is a great difference between real flowers and artificial flowers. Similarly, knowing Korea itself and knowing about Korea are vastly different. Understanding Korea itself in depth comes with life and emotion. On the other hand, simply knowing about Korea has no life.
In today’s information era, about 70% of the people in Kazakhstan can freely access the Internet. They use it every day. Of course, obtaining information through the Internet is not some clandestine act. Moreover, people trust this information to be accurate. With the recent rise of the Korean wave, there are many Korean websites with information and materials. But can all of this vast amount of information be trusted? Can a person truly say that he/she has learned and understood Korea through the information he/she has obtained through the Internet? Sometimes, the information on the Internet comes from the personal experience of a person who has visited that country or information that has spread worldwide through word of mouth or networking. Knowledge obtained through the Internet is unconfirmed and incomplete, and this could lead to distorted understanding or misunderstanding of Korea.
The Republic of Kazakhstan is a multiracial nation, and about 150 ethnic groups have been living in harmony since time immemorial. The government of Kazakhstan helps these ethnic groups maintain good relations and help and respect one another as they live together. And they have been able to live in harmony until now. The people of Kazakhstan and Korean people have maintained close relations for a long time. This is archaeologically evident from the cultural similarities between the two countries and the fact that the languages of the two countries belong to the Altai language group. Ancient Kazakhstan and Korea came in contact through the Silk Road. Kim Herman, a professor of historical science in Kazakhstan, states, «The two countries have similarities; first is that both countries are within the influence of oriental culture. Second, both countries have experience of being colonized. Therefore, Korea is closer to the people of Kazakhstan than those of other countries.»
According to survey results, Kazakh people express great interest in Korea and value highly the image of Korea as well as have great trust in Korean brands and medical services. They also love the drama, music, and K-pop of Korea. Recently, the standard of education regarding Korea has increased, and many young people of Kazakhstan learn the Korean language and tend to lean toward studying in Korea.br>
How do Koryoins living in Kazakhstan feel? Koreans in Kazakhstan call themselves Koryoins and make up one of the largest ethnic groups in Kazakhstan. The government under Stalin in 1937 thought that the Korean people were spies for Japan and “Enemies of the Soviet Union,” so they were forced to relocate from the Far East to Central Asia. Many people died during the process of being transported on trains but were not even given proper funerals. The soldiers simply dropped off the corpses at the stations where the trains made stops. In addition, the Korean people had no rights, and they could not move to where they wanted either. The government under Stalin referred to them as the “people who cannot be trusted.” This period was the darkest hour for all Korean people in Kazakhstan. Our grandparents tear up as they think back to those times.
The Korean people had nothing in Central Asia but were armed with diligence and good, strong minds. The people of Central Asia were also good people, so the Korean people were able to survive despite many difficulties. The Korean, Uzbek, and Kazakh people could not understand one another’s language, but the latter two provided food and shelter to the former. And just like many other Korean people, my family is grateful to the Uzbek and Kazakh people. My grandparents knew Korean at the time, but there was no school that taught Korean language, and using Korean names and Korean language was prohibited. Thus, my parents could not learn Korean; neither do they know the Korean language. The young people do not know the Korean language at all. As such, many Koreans ask themselves, “Who am I?” since they are unable to establish their identities. We are referred to as the Koryoins, which differ from the Korean people who live in Korea, but we have made an effort to preserve the culture and traditions since we are Korean people as well. Still, today, only a few Koryoins attempt to learn the Korean language.
Some years ago, I conducted a survey among Koryoins on whether they would teach the Korean language to their children. Many Koryoins did not regard Korea as their homeland, so they said they would not teach the Korean language to their children. This was a very sad result. They even thought English was more important that Korean. Recently, however, Korea has provided various forms of assistance to its people living abroad, and Koryoins have come to appreciate and take pride in Korea; their interest in Korea is also increasing.
Even though people live in a different country and differ in lifestyle, they are bound to feel homesick. My grandmother has felt that way, and so has my parents. My grandmother passed away while looking toward Korea from afar, but our parents were able to visit their hometown last year with assistance from the Korean government. Our parents were grateful, and so was I.
I am a Korean language teacher. When the Korean missionaries first came to the small city in Southern Kazakhstan in 1994 where I was living at the time, I finally had the opportunity to learn the Korean language. There were about 50 students who wished to learn Korean, and we borrowed a small auditorium for the classes. There were many people, but the blackboard was too small for everyone to see; my friend and I always squeezed in among the others in front of the blackboard as we practiced writing Korean. It was very uncomfortable, but I kept going as my desire to learn the native language was greater.
There were few people who knew much about Korea or the Korean people at the time. Therefore, the opportunity to learn the native language was a very precious opportunity to me, as if a gift has fallen from the sky. And I am still continuing to learn the Korean language. I have met many Koreans from various fields throughout the process of learning Korean. I have met missionaries, businessmen, teachers, doctors, young and old, students, and children. And I find all Koreans whom I have met to be kind, diligent, and smart, always trying to help another person. From this perspective, the most effective method of understanding Korea is through personal relationships. When a person goes to another country, he/she feels as if he/she was the ambassador dispatched to that country. The local people gain their first impression about a country by interacting with persons from that country.
For example, the foreigners who have ridden the subway in Korea may think that the Korean people are introverted and indifferent. But the corporate culture of Korea tells a different story. I have worked for 3 years at a Korean construction company that does business in the south of Kazakhstan, and all employees lived and worked together in harmony like family. We looked out for one another and respected one another. The Korean employees even left memos reading “Cheer up, fight!” at my computer when I was in distress as they cheered me up. Some people say that the Korean people are workaholics, but I think that is their «Strength». For 5,000 years, Korea has gone through about 1,000 wars in its own land. Today, however, Korea has achieved the “Miracle of Hangang River,” which amazed the world with the diligent nature of its people.
In other words, relationships with the Korean people are the best method of understanding Korea itself. The personal interactions and relations that make us understand them by heart would tell us everything about Korea just like the beautiful real flowers that are full of life.
But this is impossible since there are very few Korean people in the city of Karaganda in Kazakhstan. Nonetheless, there are many different methods and ways for us. Every city in Kazakhstan has a Koryoin association, with the Korea Education Center in Almaty and Korean Culture Center in Astana. In the city of Karaganda where I live -- and where I have been working as teacher of Korean language for 9 years -- is the Yeldos Education Center. I love my job, and I am very happy that I am contributing to teaching the Korean language. I think it is difficult to teach the Korean language as a teacher without coming in contact with the culture, way of thinking, tradition, customs, and history of Korea.
We have been introducing the culture, tradition, and history of Korea to the students as we teach the Korean language for the students to understand Korea properly and for them not to suffer from cultural shock when they visit Korea. As such, we have been holding the following events: Kimchi day, making kimbap together, hanbok experience, watching Korean drama, Korean tradition experience (wedding ceremony, play, etc.), and playing Korean games (yunnori (traditional Korean board game), ggongi, name stack game, hongsam game, etc.). Furthermore, students are able to understand Korea better as they make friends through the Internet while chatting and watching Korean dramas and TV shows. Nowadays, I am watching the TV show called «Non-summit» with great interest. I am able to understand Korea more as well as other countries through this talk between the Korean people and the foreigners.
In conclusion, when understanding a country, a person must not determine whether the culture is good or bad but should be prepared to accept what exists as it is. There is no such thing as bad culture. It’s just a different culture. Just like the saying «When in Rome, do as the Romans do.» you must first have the mindset to accept the culture of the country when you go to live in that country. Next would be relationships. Of course, it would be difficult to understand the country if you do not know the language of that country due to lack of communication.
Therefore, it is important to learn the language. We all live on the same planet Earth. Therefore, it would be great for us to love one another to make a better world as we climb the walls hand in hand, just like the lyrics of the song by the group «Koreana». I believe we can only fully understand each other once our minds are wide open.
You will learn to feel the taste, color, and scent of Korea once a beautiful flower named Korea blossoms in your mind as you actively try to understand the culture of Korea.
In conclusion, when understanding a country, a person must not determine whether the culture is good or bad but should be prepared to accept what exists as it is. There is no such thing as bad culture. It’s just a different culture. Just like the saying «When in Rome, do as the Romans do.» you must first have the mindset to accept the culture of the country when you go to live in that country. Next would be relationships. Of course, it would be difficult to understand the country if you do not know the language of that country due to lack of communication.
Therefore, it is important to learn the language. We all live on the same planet Earth. Therefore, it would be great for us to love one another to make a better world as we climb the walls hand in hand, just like the lyrics of the song by the group «Koreana». I believe we can only fully understand each other once our minds are wide open.
You will learn to feel the taste, color, and scent of Korea once a beautiful flower named Korea blossoms in your mind as you actively try to understand the culture of Korea.
Kim Olga
(Country of Activity: Kazakhstan)
(Country of Activity: Kazakhstan)
