Reflections on the Land of the "Miracle of the Han River"

After spending over four and a half years in South Korea and successfully defending my PhD at Seoul National University (SNU), I wanted to reflect on some major observations that deeply impacted me during my time there. These insights, though sometimes culturally surprising, were overwhelmingly positive and may serve as inspiration to others.

1.??????? The Culture of Respect

?? One of the first things that struck me about Korean society is the deep respect that younger generations show towards their elders, which is evident in their speech patterns. When meeting new people, the first thing you share is not your name but your age, allowing others to address you appropriately. Relationships are shaped by age, with older individuals often being addressed with titles like Unnie (older sister for females) or Noona (for males). Oppa and Hyung are used for the opposite gender. If you happen to be the same age, you’ve instantly made a “friend,” and casual conversation follows. In return, the elder is expected to be kind, often buying meals, checking on their juniors, and offering help when needed.

2.??????? The Office Culture

?? While Korea is known for its cutting-edge fashion, the office environment leans more towards comfort. It's common to see people wearing Crocs or sandals, treating the office as a second home. This habit stems from early childhood, where children are taught not to flaunt their shoes, often wearing uniform footwear. The office space itself often resembles a home, with students bringing pillows, toothbrushes, and other personal items, enabling them to stay late into the night. The workload for students, especially at the master's level, is intense, with full agendas of meetings and deadlines. What surprised me most was the flexibility in choosing subjects, unlike the rigid curriculums in Morocco, where the path to graduation is strictly defined.

3.??????? The “Woori” (Our) Culture

?? Koreans have a strong sense of collective identity, which is reflected in their language. Phrases like "our country," "our house," or "our daughter" are commonplace. This doesn't imply shared ownership but rather a sense of unity and togetherness. For example, "our country" means "we Koreans, our nation," and "our daughter" simply refers to the daughter of the household.

4.???????The Food Culture

?? Similar to Moroccan customs, Koreans wait for the eldest at the table to start eating. They often share food from a common dish and are mindful of others' preferences and dietary restrictions. One unique tradition I observed was the lab dinner, which occurs bi-weekly following a lab meeting. These dinners, often funded by research budgets, provide an opportunity for students and professors to bond outside the classroom. It's a concept I believe would benefit Moroccan universities as well.

5.??????? The Event Culture

?? In Korea, every event comes with a small gift, whether it’s a pen, snack, or souvenir. This practice, a "participation gift," reflects the value they place on people's time. It’s a simple yet effective way to encourage attendance and participation. It would be wonderful to see this idea adopted in Moroccan events.

6.??????? The Queuing Culture

?? Koreans have a strong sense of order and patience, evident in their queuing habits. Whether at subway stations, bus stops, or cafeterias, people always wait in line, reflecting their upbringing in respecting others' time and personal space. There's no sense of entitlement—everyone is equally important.

7.??????? The Safety Culture

?? South Korea offers a remarkable sense of safety. Apart from bicycles (which Koreans joke about), theft is virtually nonexistent. You can leave your belongings unattended in cafes, or walk around late at night without fear. It’s a reflection of the societal values ingrained from childhood.

8.??????? The Hard Work Culture

?? Koreans are renowned for their strong work ethic. They strive for excellence and take pride in doing things right, which can sometimes create a stressful environment. Yet, they balance it out with relaxation methods, often linked to social activities like shared meals. Despite the constant tension from their northern neighbor, they remain focused, knowing that as long as American expatriates remain, the threats are perceived as unlikely to escalate.

9.??????? The Part-Time Job Culture?

?? Many students in Korea work part-time while studying, with a minimum wage of about 9,860 won (around $7 USD as of 2024). Jobs range from convenience store work to tutoring, and the university even offers work-study programs that allow students to earn income while doing administrative tasks. This independence helps students navigate the real world and, in many cases, fund travel experiences abroad.

10.??????? The Language Pride

?? Despite being colonized by Japan for 35 years, Koreans take great pride in their language, Hangeul. Developed six centuries ago by King Sejong, it was designed to replace the complex Hanja (Chinese characters), making reading and writing more accessible. As a foreigner, learning Korean is essential for living and working in the country. Unlike in Morocco, where speaking French can be seen as a social marker, in Korea, speaking foreign languages is purely for communication, not status.