Love and Marriage in the Land of the Morning Calm
From the book Seoul Survivor: Living and Working in Korea by Ryan Weaver.
Reprinted with permission from Eunhaeng Namu
The evolution of the concept of love in Korea is nearly as mind blowing as the development of the Korean economy. Whereas the modern Western concept of love has been based on Romanticism for generations, Korean relationships were, until recently, founded solely on something called “jeong," which is quite a bit different. In much of Western philosophy, romantic affection is created by the separation of two individuals (think Shakespeare for a moment); jeong, on the other hand, describes a bond between two people which is believed to be more important than either person. This deep-rooted commitment to the relationship invariably supports Confucian values, such as a woman’s devotion to her husband under all circumstances, and the preservation of marriage as an obligation to one’s family and to society.
The concept served both marriage partners well years ago when women lacked the financial independence to leave their husbands, and divorcees were outcast by the community. Women would stay home and cook and take care of the children while their husbands did as they pleased without fear of reprimand from their other halves.
These days, however, the institution of marriage has gone through a fair amount of change, most notably due to the fact that women now have much greater opportunities to provide for themselves (although I wouldn’t venture as far as to call it equal footing in what is still a rather male-dominated society). With materialist and individualist ideas creeping their way into Korean society, even the concept of romance has been transformed, as for many it serves as a more palatable alternative to what they grew up watching their parents endure (or not endure).
Nonetheless, one will find that in Korea today, parents still have considerable influence on their children's choice of spouse,especially if they have deep pockets.In Korea, children often remain dependent on their parents longer than the average American, for example, with many young working adults living at home until they get married. Needless to say, by the time the "emerging adult" in question approaches the magic age of thirty, wealthy parents will be looking for an appropriate suitor to assure them that the wedding day will be the last expense they incur, at least until grandkids come into the picture. Meanwhile, middle class folks will just be happy to cut their kids loose so that they can make a last-ditch attempt at preparing for retirement.
You may wonder how foreigners fit into this equation. Well, it’s a little complicated. Aside from looks of curiosity, an international couple might also face the occasional scolding from older men in public. They may, for example, accuse the Korean partner of simply dating a foreigner without their parents’ knowledge, or outline the consequences that “blood mixing” with a foreigner will have on offspring and family lineage. But all in all, such encounters with conservative Koreans could be argued to keep relationships together just as much as tear them apart. The real fun begins when a couple takes the next step and gets married.
With regard to marriage, Koreans will say that you are not just marrying an individual but also the entire family. I am not sure how much significance such a statement has in other cultures, but in a Confucian-influenced one like Korea's, it is not to be taken lightly. Some things to consider before tying the knot are: the scale and cost of the wedding, what you will be expected to bring to the table financially, and what your obligation to both your new spouse as well as their family may entail.
In what many westerners may call a worst case scenario, you could end up living together with your mother-in-law and helping to support your wife's younger siblings finish college. So it’s best to sit down with your spouse and have a frank chat about expectations and plans for the future,just like one would be recommended to do in the Western hemisphere. The difference is that greater potential obstacles may be lurking around the corner if you choose to forgo the realistic stuff until each other's hormones come back into check. From my personal experience, however, I believe that with love and understanding (perhaps a little extra dose of the latter), an international relationship or marriage can work. Just be sure to be proactive in resolving difficulties before they arise,and hopefully you will have already learned the importance of such advice through experience, before you find yourself in love.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
koreataste.org
here is the article i wrote a while back about spicy food
http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/columns-en/food-test-broaden-your-korean-culinary-experience-by-trying-spicy-food/trackback
http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/columns-en/food-test-broaden-your-korean-culinary-experience-by-trying-spicy-food/trackback
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Article I wrote for Art and Culture magazine with my brother (april 2010)
Life here isn’t just tough for foreigners
By Ryan Weaver and Damien Weaver
When my brother and I first arrived in Korea we wanted nothing more than to fit in -or at least not to offend anyone with our ignorance of Korean culture. At any rate, we had confidence that our sincere curiosity and tolerance were our greatest assets in this endeavor, and knew that the experience we were undertaking would be a great opportunity to broaden our world view and assess the values of our own culture.
In our first year we each had our share of promising relationships as well as disappointing setbacks. During our second year there were times that we were ready to call Korea our permanent home, and then days when we felt rejected to the point that we considered dropping everything and returning to Canada. Finally, by year three we began feeling that we had increasingly less in common with fellow expatriates; sensing that we were becoming ever more embedded in Korean society -until shaken periodically, by a cultural wake up call.
What became frustrating for us, after spending the better part of our 20's in a foreign country, was that we began to wonder whether their were cultural walls that were not meant to be breached. Our western told us that all people are fundamentally the same; that we all have similar wants and desires whether we use forks or chopsticks to consume them. If you stay in Korea long enough you will notice that a lot of foreigners go through a stage where they throw down those chopsticks they have tried so hard to become accustomed to and use their knife and fork to cut up everything they find backward and illogical about Korean culture. For this reason we still call each other on the phone now and then seeking cultural vindication after an encounter with an aspect of Korean culture that we find objectionable.
Walking down the street in modern day Seoul, surrounded by state of the art skyscrapers and sidestepping double-parked luxury cars, its difficult to imagine that this all emerged from dirt roads and Korean traditional style buildings roughly a half century ago. Back then in Korea, spending foreign currencies on simple luxuries like imported cigarettes and candies was considered treachery, purchasing a foreign automobile unheard of. These days, visitors to Korea are often amazed to find that Seoul is well-developed and as functional and well-equipped as any other large city you might find in Japan, Taiwan, or China.
Henceforth, one has to wonder what a Korean born at the turn of the twentieth century might think of the development this society has gone through at the expense of cultural loss. While some effects of western capitalism have had an astoundingly positive impact on the life of the average Korean, for example, longer, more financially prosperous lives, the stress that individualism has put on the family has meant a sky-rocketing divorce rate, single-parent households and all sorts of social pathologies that follow. Perhaps Lee Kuan Yew put it best when he described how Singapore, not unlike Korea, needed the "good points from the west" to guide them out of the backwardness that gripped their country both economically and socially. He went on to lament, "We have left the past behind, and there is an underlying unease that there will be nothing left of us which is part of the old."
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Can I enjoy korean cuisine if I dont like spicy food?
Visitors to Korea often worry that they may not be able to enjoy Korean cuisine because they are not accustomed to spicy food. Why is it that so many here enjoy igniting their tastebuds on fire at the dinner table they may ask. Part of the answer can be explained geographically. As Cornell University professor, Paul Sherman explains, "people in warmer regions of the world benefit from eating spicier foods, because spices are natural antimicrobials. Food-borne pathogens and parasites are more prolific in warmer climates, and spices can kill or inhibit their growth. So it follows, "Humans do what makes them feel good, and they learn from each other. He adds, that people in hot climates learned that spicy food is less likely to make them sick and thus developed a preference for it. Personal experience is also a big factor, if your parents fed you spicy food since you were a child then you will have become accustomed to it over time. And finally, there is likely a genetic component as well, scientific studies have revealed that people vary in their sensitivity of taste, with most women tending to have a more sensitive palatte than men. So if you are a non-smoker with highly sensitive taste buds then the burning sensation that you experience while trying spicy food may be too painful to grant a second attempt.
Nonetheless, non-spicy eaters often rationalize their preference with statements like, "spices were invented to offset the taste of bad food," and complain that adding excessive spices to food renders one unable to appreciate the quality, or distinguish more subtle flavors of other ingredients. They mock those of us who reach for the salt and pepper shakers without first tasting the food from our plate, and point smugly to the fact that most so-called First-Tier restaurants stay away from overly spicy food because it overwhelms other flavors. Perhaps some of their critique is warranted, but I for one am more than a little offended when my taste for spicy food at the age of thirty is likened to a grown child that despite his parents best efforts couldnt be weaned off the adding of sugar to his cereal bowl.
In response, spicy food eaters will retort that those who do not have the courage to try spicy food are bland themselves, too weak to bear the initial sessions of mouth burning in order to experience the euphoria that follows. A little exaggerated, yes, but not completely untrue. Capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the burning sensation, triggers the brain to release endorphins because it thinks the mouth is on fire and needs chemical relief from the pain. Its not enough to intoxicate us by any means, thats probably why weve never heard of someone being pulled over for driving while under the influence of jalapenos, but it is enough to make spicy food somewhat addictive. Yes, its true that the very word addictive rightfully raises some red flags, but as a matter of fact, studies have proven that eating spicy food in itself does not pose health risks, so long as you are not suffering from a preexisting digestive disorder and enjoy your suicide-chicken wings in moderation. And interestingly, further studies have suggest that eating spicy food also offers health benefits such as helping to boost one's metabolism and immune system, lower cholesterol levels, and even prevent some forms of cancer -since capsaicin is a natural antioxidant.
If you're still not convinced, or too scared, then there is no need to worry. There are several Korean foods to enjoy that are not very spicy, and restaurnteurs much to my dismay, usually modify the ingredients for non-Koreans without asking based on the assumption that foreigners dont usually share a taste for spicy food. So rest assured, if you don't like spicy food then you will not starve during your stay in Korea, and if you have ever thought about trying spicy food then you have nothing to lose!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
First interview, with chosun ilbo in february (Korean)
February 22, 2010
You can read the article here if youre fluent in Korean:
Magazine articles
Art and Culture (cultural change)
April 2010
Queen Magazine (interview)
April 2010
Good Morning Pops (interview)
May 2010
April 2010
Queen Magazine (interview)
April 2010
Good Morning Pops (interview)
May 2010
Good morning pops, p.10
Queen magazine, p. 378
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Interview with Kbs world radio
my interview with Kbs radio in Seoul will broadcast.
Overview of the interview: http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/culturenlife/culturenlife_seoulreport_detail.htm?font_size=13&No=2931
Go to the main page, and on the right hand side there is a list of shows, choose "Seoul Report" and when the player comes up click on "2010-05-08"
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/radio/
Overview of the interview: http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/culturenlife/culturenlife_seoulreport_detail.htm?font_size=13&No=2931
Go to the main page, and on the right hand side there is a list of shows, choose "Seoul Report" and when the player comes up click on "2010-05-08"
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/radio/
Why do most foreigners living in Korea have mostly foreign friends?
I was recently asked this question by Matt Kelly on Kbs world radio and didn't have time to finish answering
1. Common interests
Let's face it, to most westerners especially young male Koreans are not cool-in fact they're stereotypical nerds. Studying like machines, playing videogames, and watching soccer? Boring!
2. Language barrier
Most young foreigners in Korea teach English thirty or forty hours per week for a living, how about teaching for free in your spare time? No thanks!
3. Sense of humor
Or lack there of, from a western perspective at least. Koreans predominantly like comedy of he slapstick variety. It's not just a coincidence or trend, I believe there to e cultural and sociological roots. In postmodern (developed countries-by that I mean socially as well as economically), people have more time to reflect on lifes bigger questions. These relate mostly to existentialism, and the answers we've come to are influenced by individualism. In short, we realize that life is absurdly pointless and it's funny to poke fun at the fact (dark humor), Koreans don't get it yet, they will, just wait!
1. Common interests
Let's face it, to most westerners especially young male Koreans are not cool-in fact they're stereotypical nerds. Studying like machines, playing videogames, and watching soccer? Boring!
2. Language barrier
Most young foreigners in Korea teach English thirty or forty hours per week for a living, how about teaching for free in your spare time? No thanks!
3. Sense of humor
Or lack there of, from a western perspective at least. Koreans predominantly like comedy of he slapstick variety. It's not just a coincidence or trend, I believe there to e cultural and sociological roots. In postmodern (developed countries-by that I mean socially as well as economically), people have more time to reflect on lifes bigger questions. These relate mostly to existentialism, and the answers we've come to are influenced by individualism. In short, we realize that life is absurdly pointless and it's funny to poke fun at the fact (dark humor), Koreans don't get it yet, they will, just wait!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
"Seoul Survivor" ~Press Release
[English Version]
❚ Press Release ❚
Seoul Survivor
Living and Working in South Korea
Written by Ryan Weaver ｜Illustrations by Hong Seok-jin
Paperback 220 pages｜January 27, 2010｜Price 13,000 won
ISBN 978-89-5660-287-5 (03330)
EunHaeng NaMu Publishing Co.
384-12 Seokyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul 121-839, Korea
Tel: 3143-0651~3｜Fax: 3143-0654｜Email: ehbook@chol.com
❚ Press Release ❚
Seoul Survivor
Living and Working in South Korea
Written by Ryan Weaver ｜Illustrations by Hong Seok-jin
Paperback 220 pages｜January 27, 2010｜Price 13,000 won
ISBN 978-89-5660-287-5 (03330)
EunHaeng NaMu Publishing Co.
384-12 Seokyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul 121-839, Korea
Tel: 3143-0651~3｜Fax: 3143-0654｜Email: ehbook@chol.com
“Sink or Swim?”
It's too soon to give up your life in Korea!
When first arriving in Korea, or in any new country for that matter, it is only natural to want to try and fit in--or at least try not to offend anyone with your lack of knowledge of the local culture. As one will soon learn, playing the role of the ignorant foreigner gets old fast, and in fact may have the effect of prolonging the amount of time it will take to start feeling comfortable. Within just over 200 pages Ryan Weaver's book, "Seoul Survivor," provides the practical information needed to live in and navigate Korea's dynamic cityscape, the cultural insight to avoid embarrassing social blunders, adapt to the Korean work environment, and become well-informed of the country's most pressing social issues.
The Challenge of Living and Working Abroad
Learning about a host country’s culture, etiquette, and social/business practices can play an important roll in speeding up the acclimation process.
Unfortunately, however, while learning about one’s new environment may be adequate for some of us, individuals traveling abroad to work, study and live often neglect a very important part of the expatriate puzzle, and that is themselves. If you really want to be happy and successful in your new home you must also make a careful self-examination in order to fine tune and develop new skills for dealing with uncharted obstacles and personal issues that may be waiting for you around the corner.
It takes an extraordinary person, on many levels, to make a seamless transition to living in Korea, but don’t worry, there is hope for the rest of us. Also covered in this book is pertinent information one may use to discern whether or not he or she is the right kind of person for such a challenge of living abroad. Equipping readers with information and tips to both better anticipate problems that one may have while living and working in another country, as well as providing ways to mitigate stress, and live happier. For Korean readers, learn about what makes life for foreigner residents in Korea challenging so that you can help them become a more productive part of the workforce and active members in the community.
About the Author
Ryan Weaver
After finishing his undergraduate degree in economics, Ryan Weaver first came to Korea in 2003 for a year and a half to work as an English teacher. He left Korea in 2005 to travel through East Asia while beginning a master's degree in management in the US via correspondence, returning to Korea periodically to study the causes of expatriate failure among foreign nationals living in Seoul for his thesis.
Ryan is currently studying the Korean language and preparing for a doctorate level course; where he plans to study the effect of Confucian culture on social and economic development. Ryan's parents and younger sister currently live in Canada, while Ryan's twin brother and his wife reside in Seoul.
It's too soon to give up your life in Korea!
When first arriving in Korea, or in any new country for that matter, it is only natural to want to try and fit in--or at least try not to offend anyone with your lack of knowledge of the local culture. As one will soon learn, playing the role of the ignorant foreigner gets old fast, and in fact may have the effect of prolonging the amount of time it will take to start feeling comfortable. Within just over 200 pages Ryan Weaver's book, "Seoul Survivor," provides the practical information needed to live in and navigate Korea's dynamic cityscape, the cultural insight to avoid embarrassing social blunders, adapt to the Korean work environment, and become well-informed of the country's most pressing social issues.
The Challenge of Living and Working Abroad
Learning about a host country’s culture, etiquette, and social/business practices can play an important roll in speeding up the acclimation process.
Unfortunately, however, while learning about one’s new environment may be adequate for some of us, individuals traveling abroad to work, study and live often neglect a very important part of the expatriate puzzle, and that is themselves. If you really want to be happy and successful in your new home you must also make a careful self-examination in order to fine tune and develop new skills for dealing with uncharted obstacles and personal issues that may be waiting for you around the corner.
It takes an extraordinary person, on many levels, to make a seamless transition to living in Korea, but don’t worry, there is hope for the rest of us. Also covered in this book is pertinent information one may use to discern whether or not he or she is the right kind of person for such a challenge of living abroad. Equipping readers with information and tips to both better anticipate problems that one may have while living and working in another country, as well as providing ways to mitigate stress, and live happier. For Korean readers, learn about what makes life for foreigner residents in Korea challenging so that you can help them become a more productive part of the workforce and active members in the community.
About the Author
Ryan Weaver
After finishing his undergraduate degree in economics, Ryan Weaver first came to Korea in 2003 for a year and a half to work as an English teacher. He left Korea in 2005 to travel through East Asia while beginning a master's degree in management in the US via correspondence, returning to Korea periodically to study the causes of expatriate failure among foreign nationals living in Seoul for his thesis.
Ryan is currently studying the Korean language and preparing for a doctorate level course; where he plans to study the effect of Confucian culture on social and economic development. Ryan's parents and younger sister currently live in Canada, while Ryan's twin brother and his wife reside in Seoul.
Contents
Foreword by Kang Hyun
Introduction: Sticking Out While Trying to Fitting in
Part 1. Korea at a Glance
1. Korean History: Legends and Controversy
2. North Korea: Is There a Threat of War?
3. The Miraculous Transformation
4. Korea's Modern Economy
5. Can You Find Korea on a Map?
Part 2. Getting off on the Right Foot
1. Introductions and Interacting with Others
2. Communicating with Non-native Speakers
3. Language that Causes Misunderstandings
4. What People Have to Say about Koreans
5. Misconceptions that Foreigners Have of Koreans and Vise Versa
6. Things about Korea that Foreigners Find Amusing, Strange and Annoying
7. Things about Foreigners that Irritate Koreans
Part 3. Navigating the City
1. Transport for Seoul
2. Crime and Public Nuisances
3. Don’t Forget to Bring Your BMW and Lots of Multivitamins
4. Finding a Residence/Apartment
5. Tourist Attractions
Part 4. Getting Settled into a New Lifestyle
1. Korean Food
2. Korean Dining Etiquette
3. Hangouts and Hotspots
4. Drinking Etiquette
5. Shopping (Day and Night)
6. Blending In: Korean Fashion
7. Recreation
Part 5. Korean Culture in Focus
1. Humanity
2. Filial Piety
3. Collectivism
4. Special Relationships
5. Korean Culture in Business
Part 6. Korean Society
1. Why Are Koreans So Competitive?
2. Confucian Roots: Both a Help and a Hindrance
3. Confucianism and its Effect on Business Development
4. Korea’s "Unique" Legal Environment
5. Korean Politics: Why So Much Fighting?
6. Korea’s Need for Education Reform
7. Korea’s Leadership Gap
8. Korea’s Social Development
Part 7: Social Issues Facing Korea
1. Senior Poverty
2. Korea: OECD's Suicide Capital
3. Anti-Americanism in Korea
4. Rights for Gays and Lesbians
5. Love and Marriage
6. Korea’s Spiking Divorce Rate
7. Are Koreans Open to 'International Couples?'
Part 8: Before You Book Your Flight
1. Evaluate Yourself
2. Will You be Able to Cope?
3. Keys to a Happy and Successful Life Abroad
4. Be Proactive in Discerning Which Practical Concerns Might Spoil Your Assignment
5. Take an Interest in Korea
6. Bring a Positive Attitude
7. Once You Arrive in Korea: Make Friends and Build Strong Relationships
8. Learn to See Problems from a Different Perspective
9. Cultural Adversity: Love It or Leave It
Appendix_ Useful Korean Expressions
Appendix_ Travel Information for Subway Tourists in Seoul
References
----------------------------------------------------
[Korean Version]
◆ 신간 보도자료 ◆
Seoul Survivor
Living and Working in South Korea
라이언 위버(Ryan Weaver) 지음｜일러스트 홍석진｜전문 영어
145*214mm｜220페이지｜값 13,000원｜2010년 1월 27일 출간
ISBN 978-89-5660-287-5 (03330)
도서출판 은행나무
121-839 서울특별시 마포구 서교동 384-12
Tel: 3143-0651~3｜Fax: 3143-0654｜Email: ehbook@chol.com
“한국에서 살아남으려면 소주 마시는 법부터 배워라!”
외국인이 직접 들려주는, 외국인을 위한 대한민국 완벽 적응 지침서
낯선 땅에 착륙한 외국인들을 위한 ‘대한민국에서 살아남기’ 매뉴얼
세계의 어느 나라이든 타국에서 생활하기로 결정하고 현지에 갓 도착한 ‘외국인’의 입장에서는 그곳에 잘 적응하는 일이 무엇보다 시급할 것이다. 적어도 현지 문화에 대한 무지로 인해 누군가와 부딪히는 일조차 두렵기 마련이다. 익숙하지 않은 땅에 첫발을 디딘 사람이라면 누구나 ‘무지한 외국인’으로 살아가는 것이 얼마나 피곤한 일인지 금세 깨닫게 된다. 그리고 스스로 새로운 세상에 직접 부딪치며 녹아들지 않는다면 결국 자신은 ‘패배자’가 되어 그곳을 떠나야 한다는 사실도 말이다.
대한민국 역시 외국인들에게 결코 만만한 나라가 아니다. 오랜 역사를 통해 이루어진 독특한 문화와 사회구조는 쉽게 체득할 수 있을 만한 것이 아닐뿐더러, 이처럼 광범위한 지식과 정보를 얻을 만한 매체나 방법도 찾기 어렵기 때문이다. 따라서 이러한 과정을 모두 거친 외국인이 들려주는 ‘대한민국에서 살아남기’ 안내서라 할 만한 라이언 위버Ryan Weaver의 신간 《Seoul Survivor》(은행나무刊, 전문 영어)는 한국에서 살고, 일하고, 즐기는 외국인들에게 더없이 반가운 조력자가 될 것이다. 이 책에서 저자는 역동적이고 쾌활한 한국의 수도 서울을 중심으로 한국과 한국인을 보다 깊이 이해하고 제대로 즐길 수 있도록 실용적인 정보와 지식을 제공하고 있다. 독자들은 이 책을 통해 기본적인 역사와 문화뿐 아니라 한국의 비즈니스 환경과 주요 사회적 이슈들에 대해서 쉽고 재미있게 이해할 수 있으며, 쇼핑과 여행 등 여가생활에 필요한 정보에 이르기까지 폭넓은 지식을 습득할 수 있다.
외국인들이 대한민국에서 성공적으로 살 수 있도록 도와줄 맞춤 가이드북
이방인의 입장에서 볼 때 한 나라의 문화와 사회적 규범, 그리고 기업·비즈니스 환경 등을 배우는 것은 새로운 환경에 적응하는 데 있어 중요한 전제조건이다. 물론 어떤 이들에게는 새로운 환경에 대해 배우는 일이 입맛에 잘 맞을지도 모르지만, 불행히도 일이나 학업 등을 위해 해외로 나가는 사람들 중 많은 수가 이러한 점을 소홀히 한다. 그것이 얼마나 중요한지 망각한 채 말이다. 하지만 진심으로 제2의 고향에서 행복하고 성공적인 삶을 이루어내고 싶다면 자신이 주파수를 올바로 맞추고 있는지 신중하게 검토해야 한다. 또한 언제 어디서 닥칠지 모를 미지의 장애물을 피할 수 있는 ‘신기술’을 익혀야 한다. 문제는 배우고자 하는 생각이 있음에도 배울 수 있는 방법을 찾기 어렵다는 점이다. 어떻게 하면 좀 더 빨리, 그리고 좀 더 효과적으로 새로운 사회의 훌륭한 일원으로 변신할 수 있을까?
이 책의 저자 라이언 위버는 자신도 한 번 실패했었다고 고백한다. 처음 한국에 도착한 후 그의 쌍둥이 형이 성공적으로 대한민국에 정착했던 반면, 저자는 이 생경한 나라에 녹아드는 데 어려움을 겪었고, 그는 결국 한국을 떠나 고향인 캐나다로 돌아갔다. 그러나 그는 자신의 실수를 깨닫고 다시금 한국으로 돌아와 새롭게 시작했다. 그리고 한국에 머물면서 외국인들이 이곳에 뿌리내리지 못하고 실패하는 원인에 대해 탐구하였다. 그는 자신이 직접 겪었던 경험과 수집한 자료들을 바탕으로 한국에 머물고 있는 외국인들이 꼭 알아야 유용한 정보들을 정리해 외국인에 의한 외국인을 위한 대한민국 지침서를 완성했다.
《Seoul Survivor》는 총 8개의 장으로 구성되어 있다. 1장 ‘Korea at a Glance’에서는 한국의 역사와 북한, 현대의 경제 성장 및 교통에 이르기까지 개괄하고 있고, 2장 ‘Getting off on the Right Foot’에서는 인사와 소개 등 한국에 처음 도착했을 때 가장 쉽게 느끼게 되는 사회·문화적 차이에 대해 설명하며 외국인들이 갖고 있는 한국에 대한 여러 가지 잘못된 선입견에 대해 지적한다. 3장 ‘Navigating the City'는 서울을 중심으로 교통환경과 주거방식 등 실용적이고 기초적인 정보에서부터 추천 관광지까지 아우르고 있으며, 4장 ‘Getting Settled into a New Lifestyle’은 한국의 음식 문화와 더 나아가 다채로운 문화생활과 쇼핑을 즐길 수 있는 지역들을 소개하고 있다. 5장 ‘Korean Culture in Focus’에서는 인정, 효, ‘우리’ 의식 등 한국 사회와 문화에 깊은 영향을 미치고 있는 요소들을 하나씩 짚어가면서 설명하고 있다. 또한 6장 ‘Korean Society’에서는 한국 사회에 유교가 미친 영향을 비롯하여 다른 나라와 구별되는 한국 사회의 고유한 특징에 대해 언급하고 있고, 7장 ‘Social Issues Facing Koreans’에서는 이혼에서 자살, 고령화 문제 및 반미감정에 이르기까지 오늘날 한국에서 불거지고 있는 다양한 이슈들에 대해 설명하고 있다. 마지막 8장 ‘Before You Book Your Flight’에서는 외국인들이 타국에서 살아갈 때의 자세에 대해 다시 한 번 정리해주며 긍정적이고 열린 마음의 중요성을 강조하고 있다.
저자는 보다 효율적이고 실수를 줄이면서 ‘빠르게’ 그리고 ‘제대로’ 한국에 정착하는 것은 한국과 한국인을 올바로 이해하는 데서 시작한다고 주장한다. 한국에 갓 도착한, 혹은 한국을 방문하거나 체류하고자 하는 외국인 독자들을 위해 쉽고 실용적으로 구성된 대한민국 생활 안내서인 이 책 《Seoul Survivor》는 외국인 독자들에게 대한민국에서의 ‘성공적’이고 ‘다이내믹한’ 삶을 위한 토대가 될 수 있을 것이다. 그리고 한국인 독자들에겐 오늘날 대한민국이 외국인의 눈에 어떠한 모습으로 비춰지고 있는지, 그리고 그들을 도와 하나의 공동체를 꾸려갈 수 있는 방법이 무엇인지에 관한 또 다른 시각을 제공해주는 색다른 가이드가 될 것이다.
저자 라이언 위버 Ryan Weaver
라이언 위버는 모국인 캐나다에서 경제학을 전공했다. 졸업 후 2003년 처음 한국을 방문해 1년 반 가량 머물며 영어강사로 일했다. 2005년에는 한국을 떠나 동아시아의 여러 국가를 여행했고, 미국에서 경영학 석사학위를 받은 후 ‘서울에 거주하는 외국인들이 한국에 적응하지 못하는 이유’에 관한 논문의 자료 수집과 작성을 위해 한국으로 돌아왔다. 현재 한국어를 공부하며 박사학위를 준비하고 있으며, ‘한국의 유교적 관습과 문화가 사회와 경제 발전에 미치는 영향’에 관한 논문을 준비 중이다. 그의 부모와 여동생은 캐나다에 거주하고 있으며, 얼마 전 결혼한 그의 쌍둥이 형이 서울에서 살고 있다.
Foreword by Kang Hyun
Introduction: Sticking Out While Trying to Fitting in
Part 1. Korea at a Glance
1. Korean History: Legends and Controversy
2. North Korea: Is There a Threat of War?
3. The Miraculous Transformation
4. Korea's Modern Economy
5. Can You Find Korea on a Map?
Part 2. Getting off on the Right Foot
1. Introductions and Interacting with Others
2. Communicating with Non-native Speakers
3. Language that Causes Misunderstandings
4. What People Have to Say about Koreans
5. Misconceptions that Foreigners Have of Koreans and Vise Versa
6. Things about Korea that Foreigners Find Amusing, Strange and Annoying
7. Things about Foreigners that Irritate Koreans
Part 3. Navigating the City
1. Transport for Seoul
2. Crime and Public Nuisances
3. Don’t Forget to Bring Your BMW and Lots of Multivitamins
4. Finding a Residence/Apartment
5. Tourist Attractions
Part 4. Getting Settled into a New Lifestyle
1. Korean Food
2. Korean Dining Etiquette
3. Hangouts and Hotspots
4. Drinking Etiquette
5. Shopping (Day and Night)
6. Blending In: Korean Fashion
7. Recreation
Part 5. Korean Culture in Focus
1. Humanity
2. Filial Piety
3. Collectivism
4. Special Relationships
5. Korean Culture in Business
Part 6. Korean Society
1. Why Are Koreans So Competitive?
2. Confucian Roots: Both a Help and a Hindrance
3. Confucianism and its Effect on Business Development
4. Korea’s "Unique" Legal Environment
5. Korean Politics: Why So Much Fighting?
6. Korea’s Need for Education Reform
7. Korea’s Leadership Gap
8. Korea’s Social Development
Part 7: Social Issues Facing Korea
1. Senior Poverty
2. Korea: OECD's Suicide Capital
3. Anti-Americanism in Korea
4. Rights for Gays and Lesbians
5. Love and Marriage
6. Korea’s Spiking Divorce Rate
7. Are Koreans Open to 'International Couples?'
Part 8: Before You Book Your Flight
1. Evaluate Yourself
2. Will You be Able to Cope?
3. Keys to a Happy and Successful Life Abroad
4. Be Proactive in Discerning Which Practical Concerns Might Spoil Your Assignment
5. Take an Interest in Korea
6. Bring a Positive Attitude
7. Once You Arrive in Korea: Make Friends and Build Strong Relationships
8. Learn to See Problems from a Different Perspective
9. Cultural Adversity: Love It or Leave It
Appendix_ Useful Korean Expressions
Appendix_ Travel Information for Subway Tourists in Seoul
References
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[Korean Version]
◆ 신간 보도자료 ◆
Seoul Survivor
Living and Working in South Korea
라이언 위버(Ryan Weaver) 지음｜일러스트 홍석진｜전문 영어
145*214mm｜220페이지｜값 13,000원｜2010년 1월 27일 출간
ISBN 978-89-5660-287-5 (03330)
도서출판 은행나무
121-839 서울특별시 마포구 서교동 384-12
Tel: 3143-0651~3｜Fax: 3143-0654｜Email: ehbook@chol.com
“한국에서 살아남으려면 소주 마시는 법부터 배워라!”
외국인이 직접 들려주는, 외국인을 위한 대한민국 완벽 적응 지침서
낯선 땅에 착륙한 외국인들을 위한 ‘대한민국에서 살아남기’ 매뉴얼
세계의 어느 나라이든 타국에서 생활하기로 결정하고 현지에 갓 도착한 ‘외국인’의 입장에서는 그곳에 잘 적응하는 일이 무엇보다 시급할 것이다. 적어도 현지 문화에 대한 무지로 인해 누군가와 부딪히는 일조차 두렵기 마련이다. 익숙하지 않은 땅에 첫발을 디딘 사람이라면 누구나 ‘무지한 외국인’으로 살아가는 것이 얼마나 피곤한 일인지 금세 깨닫게 된다. 그리고 스스로 새로운 세상에 직접 부딪치며 녹아들지 않는다면 결국 자신은 ‘패배자’가 되어 그곳을 떠나야 한다는 사실도 말이다.
대한민국 역시 외국인들에게 결코 만만한 나라가 아니다. 오랜 역사를 통해 이루어진 독특한 문화와 사회구조는 쉽게 체득할 수 있을 만한 것이 아닐뿐더러, 이처럼 광범위한 지식과 정보를 얻을 만한 매체나 방법도 찾기 어렵기 때문이다. 따라서 이러한 과정을 모두 거친 외국인이 들려주는 ‘대한민국에서 살아남기’ 안내서라 할 만한 라이언 위버Ryan Weaver의 신간 《Seoul Survivor》(은행나무刊, 전문 영어)는 한국에서 살고, 일하고, 즐기는 외국인들에게 더없이 반가운 조력자가 될 것이다. 이 책에서 저자는 역동적이고 쾌활한 한국의 수도 서울을 중심으로 한국과 한국인을 보다 깊이 이해하고 제대로 즐길 수 있도록 실용적인 정보와 지식을 제공하고 있다. 독자들은 이 책을 통해 기본적인 역사와 문화뿐 아니라 한국의 비즈니스 환경과 주요 사회적 이슈들에 대해서 쉽고 재미있게 이해할 수 있으며, 쇼핑과 여행 등 여가생활에 필요한 정보에 이르기까지 폭넓은 지식을 습득할 수 있다.
외국인들이 대한민국에서 성공적으로 살 수 있도록 도와줄 맞춤 가이드북
이방인의 입장에서 볼 때 한 나라의 문화와 사회적 규범, 그리고 기업·비즈니스 환경 등을 배우는 것은 새로운 환경에 적응하는 데 있어 중요한 전제조건이다. 물론 어떤 이들에게는 새로운 환경에 대해 배우는 일이 입맛에 잘 맞을지도 모르지만, 불행히도 일이나 학업 등을 위해 해외로 나가는 사람들 중 많은 수가 이러한 점을 소홀히 한다. 그것이 얼마나 중요한지 망각한 채 말이다. 하지만 진심으로 제2의 고향에서 행복하고 성공적인 삶을 이루어내고 싶다면 자신이 주파수를 올바로 맞추고 있는지 신중하게 검토해야 한다. 또한 언제 어디서 닥칠지 모를 미지의 장애물을 피할 수 있는 ‘신기술’을 익혀야 한다. 문제는 배우고자 하는 생각이 있음에도 배울 수 있는 방법을 찾기 어렵다는 점이다. 어떻게 하면 좀 더 빨리, 그리고 좀 더 효과적으로 새로운 사회의 훌륭한 일원으로 변신할 수 있을까?
이 책의 저자 라이언 위버는 자신도 한 번 실패했었다고 고백한다. 처음 한국에 도착한 후 그의 쌍둥이 형이 성공적으로 대한민국에 정착했던 반면, 저자는 이 생경한 나라에 녹아드는 데 어려움을 겪었고, 그는 결국 한국을 떠나 고향인 캐나다로 돌아갔다. 그러나 그는 자신의 실수를 깨닫고 다시금 한국으로 돌아와 새롭게 시작했다. 그리고 한국에 머물면서 외국인들이 이곳에 뿌리내리지 못하고 실패하는 원인에 대해 탐구하였다. 그는 자신이 직접 겪었던 경험과 수집한 자료들을 바탕으로 한국에 머물고 있는 외국인들이 꼭 알아야 유용한 정보들을 정리해 외국인에 의한 외국인을 위한 대한민국 지침서를 완성했다.
《Seoul Survivor》는 총 8개의 장으로 구성되어 있다. 1장 ‘Korea at a Glance’에서는 한국의 역사와 북한, 현대의 경제 성장 및 교통에 이르기까지 개괄하고 있고, 2장 ‘Getting off on the Right Foot’에서는 인사와 소개 등 한국에 처음 도착했을 때 가장 쉽게 느끼게 되는 사회·문화적 차이에 대해 설명하며 외국인들이 갖고 있는 한국에 대한 여러 가지 잘못된 선입견에 대해 지적한다. 3장 ‘Navigating the City'는 서울을 중심으로 교통환경과 주거방식 등 실용적이고 기초적인 정보에서부터 추천 관광지까지 아우르고 있으며, 4장 ‘Getting Settled into a New Lifestyle’은 한국의 음식 문화와 더 나아가 다채로운 문화생활과 쇼핑을 즐길 수 있는 지역들을 소개하고 있다. 5장 ‘Korean Culture in Focus’에서는 인정, 효, ‘우리’ 의식 등 한국 사회와 문화에 깊은 영향을 미치고 있는 요소들을 하나씩 짚어가면서 설명하고 있다. 또한 6장 ‘Korean Society’에서는 한국 사회에 유교가 미친 영향을 비롯하여 다른 나라와 구별되는 한국 사회의 고유한 특징에 대해 언급하고 있고, 7장 ‘Social Issues Facing Koreans’에서는 이혼에서 자살, 고령화 문제 및 반미감정에 이르기까지 오늘날 한국에서 불거지고 있는 다양한 이슈들에 대해 설명하고 있다. 마지막 8장 ‘Before You Book Your Flight’에서는 외국인들이 타국에서 살아갈 때의 자세에 대해 다시 한 번 정리해주며 긍정적이고 열린 마음의 중요성을 강조하고 있다.
저자는 보다 효율적이고 실수를 줄이면서 ‘빠르게’ 그리고 ‘제대로’ 한국에 정착하는 것은 한국과 한국인을 올바로 이해하는 데서 시작한다고 주장한다. 한국에 갓 도착한, 혹은 한국을 방문하거나 체류하고자 하는 외국인 독자들을 위해 쉽고 실용적으로 구성된 대한민국 생활 안내서인 이 책 《Seoul Survivor》는 외국인 독자들에게 대한민국에서의 ‘성공적’이고 ‘다이내믹한’ 삶을 위한 토대가 될 수 있을 것이다. 그리고 한국인 독자들에겐 오늘날 대한민국이 외국인의 눈에 어떠한 모습으로 비춰지고 있는지, 그리고 그들을 도와 하나의 공동체를 꾸려갈 수 있는 방법이 무엇인지에 관한 또 다른 시각을 제공해주는 색다른 가이드가 될 것이다.
저자 라이언 위버 Ryan Weaver
라이언 위버는 모국인 캐나다에서 경제학을 전공했다. 졸업 후 2003년 처음 한국을 방문해 1년 반 가량 머물며 영어강사로 일했다. 2005년에는 한국을 떠나 동아시아의 여러 국가를 여행했고, 미국에서 경영학 석사학위를 받은 후 ‘서울에 거주하는 외국인들이 한국에 적응하지 못하는 이유’에 관한 논문의 자료 수집과 작성을 위해 한국으로 돌아왔다. 현재 한국어를 공부하며 박사학위를 준비하고 있으며, ‘한국의 유교적 관습과 문화가 사회와 경제 발전에 미치는 영향’에 관한 논문을 준비 중이다. 그의 부모와 여동생은 캐나다에 거주하고 있으며, 얼마 전 결혼한 그의 쌍둥이 형이 서울에서 살고 있다.
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