Naomi Bromley and Natan Torche come from French-speaking Switzerland, David Roth from German-speaking Switzerland. All three successfully completed their vocational training last year – and they have a common goal: to gain their first professional experience abroad. Their journey took them to Seoul in Korea, far away from their familiar surroundings and loved ones.
During their stay, I was able to accompany the three young creatives, experience their work and implement exciting ideas together with them. Over the past six months, we have experienced a lot and achieved goals together. In this interview, Naomi, Natan and David talk about how they experienced their stay in a foreign country and a completely different culture – and what has remained of this time.
Ein Projekt wie dieses erfordert eine sorgfältige Vorbereitung. Wie hast du dich auf deine Zeit in Korea vorbereitet? Mit welchen Erwartungen bist du nach Seoul aufgebrochen?
Naomi: Bevor ich nach Korea kam, habe ich viele Dokumentationen über das Leben in diesem neuen Land, über seine Küche und seine Kultur geschaut. Ausserdem habe ich einige Tipps recherchiert, wie man einen so langen Flug von der Schweiz gut übersteht – kleine Tricks, um sich die Zeit zu vertreiben und weniger nervös zu sein. Meine einzige Erwartung bei der Ankunft war eigentlich, mich komplett ausserhalb meiner Komfortzone zu fühlen. Ich rechnete damit, dass dieses Land sich in jeder Hinsicht stark von der Schweiz unterscheiden würde.
Natan: I did a lot of research – mainly through documentaries and on the internet. At the same time, I didn’t want to know everything in advance to leave room for surprises.
David: For my work as a graphic designer at Schauplatz Magazin, I researched various elements. I learned Hangeul (the Korean script) to make it easier to orient myself in the design and looked at inspiration for magazines or interesting designs.
How did you experience your first few days in Korea? What impressions did you particularly remember?
Natan: An endless, huge city – and yet very pleasant. With all the cafés and spacious open areas, you never feel cramped.
Naomi: My first few days in Seoul were intense. The smells were new, the tastes, the accommodation – everything really. But above all the city’s landscape: huge buildings as far as the eye can see and a relentless pace. At first, I wondered if I would ever get used to it. I felt like an ant in a world full of giants.
David: As soon as I arrived at the airport in 인천Incheon, I noticed how Koreans have a collective memory. I saw a man picking up a piece of litter from the ground that he hadn’t lost. I was also immediately helped and explained to at the bus terminal.
Was Korea everything you expected it to be? What surprised you the most?
Naomi: After a few weeks, I realized that I was no longer so impressed by this city with its tall buildings. Instead, I began to notice the small, hidden things. I was particularly struck by the friendliness of the people – it surprised me again and again, even if our different languages sometimes made communication difficult. I was also surprised by how much I liked this culture: its consideration, rules and respectful interaction. Sometimes I even felt like I was rediscovering a part of Swiss culture – just in a calmer way. Overall, I felt much less foreign than I had expected. The longer I stayed, the more similarities I discovered with Switzerland, which surprised and touched me at the same time.
Natan: Yes, Korea is exactly as I had imagined. What surprised me the most was how open and welcoming the people are. They often just approach you on the street to start a conversation.
David: Certain cultural traits are often overemphasized in people’s minds, whereas in reality they are completely different. I would say, for example, that the importance of being polite or behaving in a friendly manner towards customers varies greatly depending on where and when you are. You can’t say that all Swiss people are “like that”. Every restaurant, every person, every neighborhood is different.
What impressed you most about Korea? What will you remember in particular – perhaps even as a personal highlight?
Natan: Every encounter with locals. They were magical moments when we were able to laugh together and share so much despite the language and cultural barriers.
Naomi: What has stayed with me the most is that friendliness and openness are not dependent on the language, but on the willingness of the people. I also learned that even in a noisy, crowded city, you can always find places of peace – and that your own spirit can also find peace there.
David: The view over the city is fascinating. As far as you can see, all you can see are houses. Hills peek out here and there, and the city flows around them like water.
When friends ask you about Korea today – how do you describe the country to them?
Natan: A country with incredible depth that is sometimes misrepresented by its very touristy places. A place that everyone should visit at least once in their life.
Naomi: South Korea is a country that has only relatively recently opened up to the rest of the world. As a result, it still feels very authentic today – both in its culture and its traditions – and at the same time presents an impressive contrast to services and a lifestyle that is at times hypermodern and almost futuristic. This contrast, combined with the fast pace of life, makes the country unique and unforgettable and promises something exciting at every moment and in every respect.
It’s a wonderful balance between discovering a new, yet sometimes familiar culture and experiencing a real cultural change – a perfect environment for personal growth and development.
And how would you describe the people you met in Korea?
Natan: People with huge hearts who are willing to help – even if they’ve only known you for five minutes.
Naomi: From what I could observe, Koreans tend to be reserved towards foreigners, but at the same time curious. Those who approached me more actively and sought a conversation had mostly studied abroad. Despite this reticence – which is sometimes also due to language barriers – they are generally always helpful and happy to help. Whether you are lost, don’t know how to eat a dish or simply need support – Koreans will approach you, show you how to do it and help you, even if it is only in Korean. And the most interesting thing is that you always end up understanding each other.
David: Koreans are culturally very reserved and respectful. Sometimes even too much, which can also lead to funny situations. I once asked a young man if he could take a photo of me. Afterwards, he bowed lower and thanked me more than I did when I asked. Otherwise, representation is very important to them. You have to look good, you have to have a good job and be expected to work overtime. You see a lot of couples, as this is also a status symbol. People were always friendly and curious when I met them. They wanted to know where I was from and were always happy to hear about Switzerland.
Living and working abroad for several months, far away from home, takes courage. Why would you recommend this experience to other young people?
Natan: Time flies when you’re constantly discovering new things. It’s a unique journey: Not only do you discover a new culture, but you also discover yourself. It really opens up your view of the world.
Naomi: I can wholeheartedly recommend this experience. It is an opportunity to discover another country, another culture, but also to discover yourself. What is particularly fascinating is that although the cultural differences are noticeable, I never felt so foreign that I was homesick. I adapted very quickly. It’s a wonderful balance between discovering a new, yet sometimes familiar culture and experiencing a real cultural change – a perfect environment for personal growth and development.
David: We grow up in a familiar environment and are unconsciously shaped by one way of thinking. Breaking out of this gives us the opportunity to expand our world view with a counterpart and to grow personally and professionally. Especially at a young age, it’s important to dare to do something like this, because you come home as a new person and have the choice of returning to the old one or investing the new developments in your future.
Now that you’re back in Switzerland – is there anything from Korea that you already miss?
Natan: Definitely! Korean BBQ and soju – haha!
Naomi: On the first day after my return from Korea, I was very happy to see my loved ones again. Three days later, I already missed South Korea and Seoul. I think I miss everything: the way of life, the fast but respectful rhythm of the city, its traditions, its culture and especially the view from the subway at sunset when you cross the Han River.
David: There is an endless supply of restaurants in Seoul. There is food from dozens of nations on every street. I will definitely miss this convenient variety. But Korean food the most. I count 찜닥Jjimdak, Korean fried chicken, 비빔밥 Bibimbap and other dishes among my favorites that I have to try to cook myself, because without them a piece of me is missing.
For me, this time together with Naomi, Natan and David was a particularly enriching experience. We learned a lot from each other and shared many memorable moments. And I am sure that they were not only able to take home new experiences, but also lasting impressions. Impressions that will stay with them for a long time…
