My Opera:: Korean experience
Sunday, January 29, 2012 7:21:25 AM
:: Russian in Seoul
I always knew that people basically live in their own reality. There is a good phrase for it - usually all that's happening with you is about 10%, and how you react to it is 90%. And indeed it is. Before I begin my story, I just want to remind you, dear friends, this is my personal feeling, and I probably would have changed my opinion about some things, if I would been in South Korea long enough.
I ..
I'm sure you've heard this phrase in American movies: "I came to America with eight dollars in my pocket! That was all that I had then! And now I have a network of eateries throughout the country and even a small boat moored in the bay of San Francisco! ". Upon hearing this phrase in the first time I was in nonplussed. How it's possible? Arrive in a foreign country with a small change in pocket, which enough only for a hotdog and a jar of cola. How to find a job? Where to live? What to eat all that time? It is amazing! They are eccentrics.. And how those people dare to make this step? It seems like very hard to life for them in those sunny Italy or Greece. Just only oranges and olives, it should be not easy ... )) Well, I have no reason not to trust these people. Although they are fictional movie characters. This is possible in real life. World history knows many examples of that. Maybe I'll be one of them? (smiling modestly)
My name is Lina. I am a professional graphic designer, photographer, casting director, administrator, manager, reporter of TV news... After all the above you, of course, understood that I'm diverse person. Maybe that's why I always try to find something new and interesting for myself in all of the world.
I arrived in Seoul August 16, with seven hundred dollars in my pocket, with a laptop, a two digital cameras, the heavy suitcase and a package of buckwheat for a "rainy day". And before that, almost 6 month planning, learning, read the information on Internet. God bless the Internet! And how these eccentrics emigrants survived in concrete jungle of America without the Internet? No, my friends, I'm not so strong. Through Internet, I met wonderful and helpful people. I found a place where to live in the first two weeks, the useful contacts for future work and even a couple of candidates for a romantic walk under the moon, hehe. So I tried as best as possible to learn about opportunities in the Land of Morning Calm! In a country where they eat bracken and makes a good movie.
The shelling from the North, increasing fares at the Seoul subway, increasing seismic activity, flooding, heat and humidity! Plus, the Koreans will never show the way, if you will ask them street because they too shy to speak on English, even if they do. Push in the subway without an apology, too much drink and smoke, spit on the street. The iron rule: "Chicken - not a bird, a woman - not a human." And "If Russian, they will think that you are prostitute!". This is a primary list of warnings about Korea, which I have repeatedly found at different sites. Such warnings are not encouraging, right? But the visa came, tickets are bought , and stuff is packed. And what will be, will be!
I arrived and immediately felt an incredible humidity. It was the rain and the air was like after shower in bathroom. Damn wet air, it seemed to me that I can swim in it. And the rain. A lot of rain. As promised meteorologists, the whole week and no one knows when it end. And for worse, I lost my umbrella in Moscow ... At the airport I was met by an acquaintance. Forty years old Korean man, who dreams to have a business in Russia and of course the Russian girl-friend! About first, I promised to help, but about the second, I prefer to explain immediately: "No, thank you! I'm fed up!" After India, where European woman girlfriend, is akin to a prestigious car. I not dream right now about that someone raises their social status by me! I'm here for find a decent job, but not for think about the romance! This is how I decided for myself!
II..
Of course the first thing that I saw in Seoul, was Subway! Seoul subway certainly is interesting and amazing. But not in the same way amazing as Moscow subway or North Korean, for example, but it's amazing schematic inside subway! I do not think any subway in the world is a rather complex scheme of transfers (although what do I know). Subway in my home town has only two lines long 20 minutes, one transfer. The Moscow subway is much longer and more complicated. But there is quite simple transfer. Much more attention is given to the beauty of the interior design of central stations. Some of them are really amazing!
As for the Seoul subway, in this case, amazingly how many useful and convenient features it has! Elevator for the elderly and people with trolleys, special lift platform for wheelchairs, even stickers for the blind. Also the place for bikes and even left-luggage exactly for these bikes. Air conditioners, free drinking fountains, clean and comfortable restrooms , and place for meetings and a lot of mirrors! Everywhere arrows and signs, even has info about how many meters to transfer station! Sometimes it seems to get lost in the Seoul subway can only an idiot, but I still get confused sometimes. These elevators and other amenities, I'm sure I will remember always after returning to Russia. I've always wondered the complete deficiency of any devices for people with disabilities. Despite the fact that Moscow is the capital, and one of the most expensive cities in the world, but all that was built in the subway, for that we need to say "Thank you" to the Soviet people! After that they built entirely underground many years ago it wasn't updated. But even the stations that were launched not so long ago, it is not designed to move in a wheelchair or even a large heavy suitcase. Such a feeling that in Russia just does not exist wheelchair users or blind or other disabled! This is strange ...
Another thing that I really like in Seoul subway - TV! I mean what it shows. In my hometown we also have TVs in the subway, but they mostly show local ads and horoscope. But the Seoul subway is more than once I saw the interesting shows about the farmers and workers! About the different agricultural organizations and how they grow these or other products. These broadcasts were not uncommon during the Soviet times, but not now unfortunately. But I think it is very useful for people in any country. Especially in the capital, where teenagers sometimes forget that bread created by workers who toil in the field.
In general, from whatever angle we look, Subway in Seoul, South Korea, is damn useful and handy thing! And even though I never met any of the beautiful station for three months in that time as I been here, but this is compensated by the fact that it represents how much the South Korean government is trying to care about convenience of its citizens, at least in this matter, regardless of their gender, Age, ethnicity and physical ability!
One thing is bad, not many teenagers give the seats for seniors.III..
So I got to new apartment safely. By the way, room on the first two weeks I found on web site CS. One remarkable girl, Christine, from USA allowed me to live with her in a first two weeks. God bless her for her kindness, because as I understand now it is not easy to find a place even in this very useful site for more than 3-4 days. So any way I arrived, unpacked and ... start wait when the rain will end. Sometimes it was taking a break and I could go for a walk in the district Noksapyeon, look around. And the first people I met were was two Russian women! Here and so just walk and speak russian! From joy I even give a yell, "Hello! Can you tell me where I can buy a toilet paper here? ". The women were confused, but kindly showed me the store and even give their phone numbers after they found out why I came to Korea. "Ok, Russians here more friendly... That's nice, that's good."
Oh, yes! I forgot to tell you, my friends, why I came to South Korea! The thing is, I love movies since childhood! And I watched a lot of movies from different countries. Why do I love watching movies is a other question, but sure that many people will understand me. After all, movie - it's the most affordable for the common man understanding a work of art. Arriving in Moscow, I accidentally (like many people in this industry) started to work in film production. In the beginning as a designer, then as a property man, and then four years worked as a casting director and second assistant of director.
Work in the film industry is not easy, I tell you. 12-hour working day, six days a week. And sometimes, free time is limited to only a few hours of deep but short sleep. And also to be an assistant, it means to be a diplomat between the capabilities of the producer and the requirements of the actors. It is not easy to be severe chief and at the same time be agreeable for the whole film crew. It's hard work, but I love it more than anything else. But one problem - in Russia, we don't have already long time talented direction and interesting script. Many movies all rather insipid and predictable. Russian cinema becomes is similar to the U.S. movies ... Of course still exist some good directors, but only few. And then was an idea: try to find a job in the film industry in another country. I always hoped that I'm a good worker and can handle with many of the tasks set, just need a little practice. I need only the initial capital and contacts. (ha, so naive girl)
I chosed between India, the Czech Republic and Korea. I love India and it is much easier for me to find work than anywhere else. Especially since I have many friends there and even my Indian family, people whom I love and respect. And movies in India also very interesting and beautiful! I love indian culture a lot. But I decided to leave this option for a snack. The Czech Republic is a good country with talented directors and actors. I especially like Petr Zelenka. And by the way there lives my best friend, David. But you have to go to Europe with the euro in your pocket. And I do not have such big money. I chose South Korea. I made my choice as well, because the South Korean cinema level is high enough. I am confident in this opinion people from different countries will support me. Korean cinema is becoming popular. I don't know nothing about Kpop and other things. But Koreans makes just amazing movies. Interesting stories and fantastic directors work! Decorations and music - all at the highest level. Some things for me the perfect mystery and I have a lot of questions in the process of filming.
I really want to see how work together actors and director. I want to know their system works. I really wonder who improvises more director or actor. In the movie, the Koreans seem much more freely and open, I think. In general, I can talk about movie forever. Especially about Korean movies.
And also, I just enjoy looking at Koreans and listening how they are funny stretched end of the words! And their abuse like "Ayguu", "Ayschhh" and the other (decent magazine will not print that kind of things). Russia is famous for its obscene expressions in the whole world. And for me korean expressions of bad words to the kindergarten level, but it looks so cute when some brutal gangster tries to express his displeasure with one simple word "Ayschschhhhh!" In his place, the Russian man would used a combination of at least of 7-8 obscene words, whose meaning can hardly be explained, but interesting to listen to! this is only one thing of many that I love in Korea.
Also the other purpose of my visit, just do not laugh, take an autograph from actor Gong Yoo. My mom loves him. And it is surprising that of the large number of Korean films that I showed her, she remember only one actor - Gong Yoo. I think he's a talented and versatile actor. I don't know how much he is popular in Korea. But I hope before I leave I will be able to attend the meeting fans of the actor and get his autograph. And it will be another experience. Because the russian people are quiet in terms of fanaticism movie star or pop. Never once in my life I have never heard about such meetings with the fans of any actor in Russia. But if I will not find out any info about that kind of meetings, then at least I'll bring to her a mug with his picture. I've already bought
IV..
All my new friends here in Seoul, is an English teachers. Of course I also have several contacts of Korean producers and directors, but the opportunity to get these contacts also was through a teachers. I also know some people who work in media and magazines, but they were also or teachers or worked them and worked several hours in a week, just only seven months in the year and receive a salary as a some Korean who from morning to late evening who ruin the health in the office of company, which resell the fish from Vietnam to Japan. For example. In one word - it's much easier to be a english teacher here than korean manager.
English teachers are also interesting people. They are open and sociable people. The reasons why they live in Korea for longer than one or two years, almost the same: the difficulty of finding such a well-paying jobs in their homeland and able to travel 5 months, receiving a stable salary! Ha! I would also liked it if so. This is not the same as if you work in Russia as teacher and receives a salary, which only enough for pay the bills for water and electricity. And 10 months your mind and your nerves will destroy the aggressive teens. And vacation only 1 or 1,5 months Russian teacher must spend in "dacha", trying to grow enough potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers and cabbage, that would be to eat in the winter time!
But of course someone of those English teachers really love teaching. Some of them really have teacher education and this is probably the best place for them. I met also people, who live in Seoul for over 10 years! They are not married and can not buy land or a house in Korea. And some of them even don’t likes Koreans. Or better say – cant accept them. Foreigners have the precarious situation in South Korea and the government is increasingly trying to restrict their possibilities. And because of this I'm wondering - why are they there for so long? What causes people to live far away from homeland, family and familiar understanding of the mentality for so long? Even 3 years it's a long time! A difference between Korean culture and other foreigners, are enormous. Is it only a good salary and the opportunity to spend almost every evening in a bar about 50,000 with empty talk? Sometimes I saw the same people in the same bars every evening! Every evening! And most of them always was drunk. Who said that russians or koreans drink a lot? I don’t know any russian in my surroundings who would be drunk every evening. It's expensive by the way.
But I must also tell you about those teachers who are doing interesting things in Korea. Organize exhibitions and theatrical performances. Create a music band and make an interesting movie. There are teachers who are actually artists and strip dancers, there are teachers who are actually singers; there are teachers who are actually photographers and reporters. Even a teachers who is just a wise people
And that rare, but sometimes there are teachers who understand and love Koreans!Nevertheless, I like all English teachers. They are very nice and open people. I am very grateful to them for support. I met many of them good friends, sincerely trying to help me. And I hope that all of their hopes and dreams come true. I hope these people will find that they expecting.
Unfortunately (only in this situation), I'm not a native English-speaker person, I'm just a humble photographer from Russia without much education, but full of enthusiasm! That's why for me get a job in South Korea is much more difficult. Sometimes I think that this is absolutely not possible… My capabilities are limited to multiple choice: be a student, get married and ... be a girlfriend Korean businessman but without a visa .. just like that. And it's a funny moment! Within two months that I lived in Seoul, several people tried to act as my pimp. On the face of normal people, but after awhile started talking about how I can get unlimited financial support through a "private Russian lessons." And I'm not even blonde with legs growing out of her ears. But for a good status for Koreans fine even short-feet nerd like me. It's funny!
Privilege to have a Russian girlfriend (tell me why ??!!) attract many Koreans, but most of them do not know basic things about Russia. Neither the climate nor the mentality! It's fucking annoying. More than once I had to answer a question like:
- "Russia? Really? Always cold there, right? "
Unfortunately it’s the only thing that they know.. But is anyone know how much?? If between Russia and North Pole no other country It doesn't mean that all Russia have a low temperature.
- "Lina, why are you so sad?"
I'm not sad, I'm just serious! I think!
Yeah. Russian people are thinks a lot, always talking about the past and drinking bad beer. But they are generous and sincere people. Russian person will never come to the birthday party without a gift. And your Russian friend always will listen to you and will support, even if you came to him in the middle of the night without phone call.
Probably sounds pretentious, but I love my country (no matter what). And I came to Korea not for staying here, but in order to find out more about this brave and diverse people. If they give me the opportunity to do it, of course ...
But I'm trying, seeking, asking. I found several options, but nothing stable. Side job as photographer, gave a few lessons in photography, as well as written a couple of articles in Russian newspapers and helped to organize some Asian Film Festival in Seoul. Find something and that something is lost. Within two months of searches in different areas, I realized that it is pointless to expect official work. Simply run freelancer and gradually look for ways how to get into film production.
V..
Of course the difference between Russian culture and the culture of Korea is very high. And it shows at a glance. Russian people are always thoughtful and often sad. Koreans is trying to think only about positive thinks and always smiling. To Russian people have much given from God - a healthy and a hardy body , large and rich fossil land. Because of this, we don't limit ourselves, we have no rules. Korea is a small country and get the food here is much more complicated. Because of this, Koreans rallied and strong-willed people. They have a lot of rules and systems. And I like it. That which you can not take so easy, is always more appreciated. I even envy, how hard they try to restrict the access of foreigners to the country, as well as limit the ability of those who have already entered there. I would very much want the same in Russia. Otherwise will come the day then Russia will be empty. Everything will be stolen ...
I really enjoy watching the Koreans. Listen to them and try to understand their daily lives. For now their rhythm of life is changing, and the generation gap is huge. A lot of pop bands, plastic surgery, frequent divorce, etc. The pursuit of beauty and comfort. It happened many years ago, with many countries in Europe and America and would not say that I love it .. I love Asia, because in this part of the world, people longer than others retain their individuality.
And although architecture in Seoul not such an interesting and beautiful as in Moscow, but there is much more beautiful parks and interesting places. In this city no time and no where to be bored and sad. I like to inhale the aroma of coffee in the morning and at night the smell of roasted meat, which comes from many restaurants, wherever I went. Great pleasure I look at how Koreans spend time with their family. I feel myself comfortable. And Korean children! Uuuu, they are so sweet and well-bred that sometimes I would also like to have same cute baby. Strange, but this feeling I have not previously encountered.
I would love to stay here longer. Find a job and learn many things. In Korea, have many more interesting things. Koreans have a good taste and a subtle sense of composition. One has only to walk down the street, look around and you will see so many small and interesting details, which perfectly blend with each other. Not surprisingly, then Korean movies and scripts are full of interesting details and episodes. After three months of life in Seoul, I think that even three years is not enough that explore such a small country, Korea, from all sides!
