We’re more similar than you’d think
Name: Mr Kwang-il Noh
Age: 52
Occupation: Ambassador
Place I call home: Seoul, Korea
My passion is: Promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula and reunification of the two Koreas. My family roots are near Pyongyang in North Korea and one day I would like to build a traditional house and enjoy my retirement there, which will only be possible after unification.
My hero is: King Sejong. He created Hanggul, the Korean alphabet, and made education accessible to all Koreans.
If reincarnated, I’d be: In a profession which allows me to spend more time with my family and friends. Perhaps a medical doctor since so many of my extended family are medical doctors.
IS New Zealand a popular post for an ambassador, or a dreaded one?
My friends and colleagues are very envious and I was very lucky to be appointed as Ambassador here in Middle Earth, but I have been disappointed that I couldn’t find any hobbits. It is very easy to come to New Zealand because there are daily direct flights from Seoul, which combined with the clean and pure natural beauty of New Zealand, explains why NZ is one of the most popular destinations for Korean tourists. Also, NZ is a highly developed and advanced country, well known among Koreans for health promoting foods like honey and it is things like this that also help make NZ a very popular choice.
What’s the Korean population in Wellington?
Here in Wellington the size of the Korean community is about 500. In total there are about 30,000 Koreans in New Zealand.
How are Koreans most different from New Zealanders?
New Zealanders are very adventurous people, which I think is why NZ is regarded as the home of bungy jumping and other extreme sports like rafting and jet boating. There are more similarities than differences between our two countries, but one further difference would be our cultural histories. Koreans have lived on the Korean Peninsula for 5000 years and have developed in to being a relatively homogenous people, while I think NZ is a country which is relatively young and growing, but has a rich and diverse culture. In this age of globalisation, we are becoming more and more assimilated and Korea is becoming much more ethnically diverse so I believe the similarities between us will actually become more evident as ties between our countries develop further.
What makes Koreans laugh?
In Chinese history books from 1BC, it was written that we are always drinking, dancing and entertaining. I think it is fair to say that Koreans enjoy themselves whenever they can and we are known to enjoy jokes and satire, which have often been targeted at aristocrats. When Korea was devastated and poor for the most part of the last century, this tradition seemed to be lost, but now it is coming back and Korea is producing many comedies and dramas, for television and cinema, and continue to be artistic, colourful and lively people.
What ‘Kiwi experience’ was the strangest for you, when you first got to New Zealand?
When I first heard people and media addressing your Prime Minister as John I was surprised. We would never dare do that publicly in Korea and the casual and relaxed way of life here in New Zealand was certainly the strangest thing for me at first. Now I have come to appreciate and see the benefits of your relaxed culture and lifestyle, which could be one of the reasons why my family would like to extend my posting to NZ.
What makes Korea such a prosperous country?
Many Kiwis know of Korea a war-torn country that was poor and achieved amazing development in more recent times. the time around the Korean war was the worst time in our history. Most Korean people regard my country’s rapid and successful economic development as a miracle, but not something that was unachievable. The secret to this remarkable development is a strong emphasis on education, tireless sacrifices by my parents’ generation and government policy choices.
What do New Zealanders not understand about the relationship between North and South Korea?
Some New Zealanders tend to think that North Koreans are somewhat different from South Koreans. Before the division of Korea in 1945, there was no such notion of North Korea and South Korea. The Korean nation and people have been one and it is only natural to become one again. North Korea has made some provocations from time to time, which have been highlighted in the media here. That might give some impression that it is a very dangerous area to visit. However, my country would be one of the safest places, so please don’t hesitate to visit Korea.
What must every Kiwi try at a Korean restaurant?
All the free side dishes. Restaurants always serve side dishes with meals and it is the wide variety of side dishes available that makes a Korean meal special. Some think Korean food is spicy, but there are many side and main dishes that are not. Bulgoggi, which is a beef dish, and Bibimbap, which is a rice dish mixed with vegetables, are two dishes that Kiwis must try. For the more adventurous I suggest they try kimchi, which is fermented cabbage, because kimchi is to Koreans what fish and chips is to Kiwis.
Why does Wellington need a Korean Food Festival?
Organising this festival has been one of my important achievements. Korean food, drama and K-pop are the three elements of the so-called Korean wave which is sweeping through Asia and around the globe.
Please complete these sentences:
A good meal… is a source of vitality and my reason for hard work.
A classic Korean meal has lots of… generosity and lots of free side dishes, sometimes more than can fit on the table.
My motto in life is… wherever you are, whatever you do, do your best and enjoy every moment.
The Korean Food Festival, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, July 28.
Have Your Say
0 Comments
No comments.