The Story of Foreigners Rooted in Korea

Hello, my Canadian friends! I've got a truly special story to share with you today. I met three incredible foreign friends who appeared on a Korean talk show, and their experiences were so captivating that I just had to share them. Though they differ in nationality, birthplace, and profession, they have all deeply rooted themselves in Korea. Shall we dive into their stories?

I was joined by Leo, who came to Korea from Finland at just 100 days old; Amarachi, a Nigerian national born and raised in Itaewon, Seoul; and Michael, who moved from Canada to Jeju Island and has been living there for 16 years. Each of their stories was truly remarkable.

A Foreigner's Fascination with 'Goshiwon' and 'Jeonse'

The unique aspects of Korean life they shared completely turned our conventional notions upside down. Michael, in particular, was deeply impressed by Korea’s unique housing culture. Having lived on Jeju Island for 16 years without any experience on the mainland, he showed great curiosity about the concept of a "goshiwon." He noted that foreigners find it very appealing because it's a small space with almost no deposit and an incredibly cheap monthly rent, allowing them to live in the heart of Seoul. Furthermore, the Korean "jeonse" (a large lump-sum deposit) and traditional deposit system was a shock to them. In Canada, a deposit is typically just one or two months' rent, but in Korea, a massive amount of money is required upfront. He pointed out that goshiwons and goshitels, with their small deposits ranging from ₩100,000 to ₩500,000, are a much more manageable option.

Discovering 'Strange' Cultural Differences in Korea

• Delivery Culture and Unmanned Stalls: Everyone was amazed by the delivery culture where parcels are left at the door, a practice unimaginable overseas. He noted that seeing drinks and goods left outside for sale in front of supermarkets is something that would never happen in Canada. The trust that no one will steal them is truly astonishing. • Strange Doors and Buttons: Leo expressed his curiosity about the "fixed doors" found only in Korea. He found it odd that one side of a double door is always fixed. He also mentioned that the 'close' button on elevators is unusually large, which he attributes to Korea's "Pali-Pali" (hurry-hurry) culture. • The Discovery of 'Nego': Michael, a 16-year resident, shared his recent discovery of the Korean slang word "nego." He was surprised to learn that it's a shortened version of the English word "negotiation." Something we use so naturally, yet he had to discover it after so many years.

Unexpected Gifts from Korean Life: Their Favorite Korean Phrases

They also shared their favorite Korean phrases they’ve picked up while living here. • Amarachi: "Geureoryeoni" (그러려니) – Meaning "just let it be," she loves this phrase as the best way to protect oneself after experiencing many things. • Michael: "Tikkeul moa taesan" (티끌 모아 태산) – Meaning "a collection of small dusts makes a great mountain," he believes in this saying and lives his life by it. • Leo: "Saegreopda" (새그럽다) – A Gyeongsang-do dialect for "sour," he prefers this word over the standard "shida" because it conveys a much stronger feeling of sourness.

Listening to their stories, I felt the true beauty of life as they crossed borders, adapted to, and fell in love with Korea. What about you? How about coming to Korea and finding your own favorite Korean phrase?