What are your top travel tips?
For sightseeing, go to the traditional palace at Kyungbokgung and see the amazing views from Seoul Tower. To party, you must spend a weekend in Itaewon and for beauty, Korean mask packs will make you look younger!
Eunyoung Song, Emirates Cabin Crew, from Seoul
Describe where you’re from?
I am from Busan, the second-largest city. It’s famous for its film industry and as a tourist destination. Recently it became more famous with the film Train to Busan.
Bongsook Lee, Hotel Beauty Salon and Spa Manager, from Busan
What is the essence of the Korean cultural identity?
To be patriotic, nimble and fast. We say “ppali-ppali!” which means “hurry hurry!”
Young woo Jun, Employee Director at Etisalat, from Incheon
What is your favourite Korean food?
I love naeng-mun, a refreshing cold noodle which can be served with or without soup. It is enjoyed in the summer when appetite is low and of course after a Korean BBQ to cleanse the palate.
Yujung Kwon, MBA Student, from Seoul
When will you return home?
I’ve been in this country for eight years now, and I am happy living here. I do miss my country from time to time, but not enough to return yet. If the time comes when I miss living in Korea so much that I cannot stay here any longer, then I will go back.
Eunjee Kim, External Relations at the Korean Cultural Centre in the UAE, from Goyang
Which stereotypes about Korea are true and which are not?
It’s true that Koreans are workaholics. Yes, we tend to work hard, but it’s false that Koreans are just workaholics — we also play hard. We value friendship and we love to eat, drink, sing and dance.
Bernardo Jun, Managing Director at Spark44 Middle East, from Seoul
What is unique about Korea and its people?
We have our own Korean language called Hangul and a long history of culture, but also now there is Hanryu, the Korean wave of modern culture such as K-Pop, K-Drama and K-Beauty.
Julian Kim, Business Development Manager at Chateau Investment, from Seoul
What does the future hold for Korea?
Korea is hyper-competitive and life can be extremely stressful. Being a very communal society, we have a very narrow definition of success. We will need to continue to build a social contract where success is defined in a wider way, without losing our culture of effort and perseverance.
Aeri Cho, Postgraduate Student, from Seoul
