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The barista from Viet Nam: Hongryeon Oh

ongryeon Oh, who immigrated to Korea from Viet Nam, is always doing some form of work, whether as barista, instructor on multicultural understanding, or volunteer. In recognition of her contributions to improving the Korean public’s perception of multiculturalism through brewing coffee, helping marriage immigrants, and taking part in various activities for her community, Oh was awarded the grand prize by the Ministry of Gender Equality & Family at the Hana Multicultural Family Awards hosted in July by the Hana Nanum Foundation. For our October issue, we asked the multi-talented Oh about her life in Korea.

Please introduce yourself to the readers of the ACH Monthly.

Xin chao! Ahn-nyeong-ha-sae-yo! My name is Hongryeon Oh. In December 2005, I married a Korean man in Viet Nam and came to Korea the following March. For 15 years now, I’ve lived happily in Jeonju with my beloved husband and daughter. How time flies! These days, I enjoy my job as barista at a local cafe.

How’ve you been?

My main job is barista. In my spare time, I serve as a freelance interpreter at the Seonneomeo Social Welfare Center. I go wherever international couples are who have difficulty communicating with one another to help solve their problems. I also serve as mentor for female marriage immigrants who are having a hard time adjusting to Korea or are recently divorced to help them in any way I can.

Of the many occupations you could have chosen from, why did you become a barista?

When I said that I want to work, my husband suggested that I do what I’m confident about. My mother operated a cafe since I was a child, which made me decide to get a barista certification. I was so happy when I learned that I passed the barista exam. I get a lot of satisfaction from my career choice when cafe customers say that my coffee makes them feel emotionally refreshed.

What do you hope to accomplish?

By living in Korea, I’ve become more aware of other cultures and languages. I’m also better able to understand and accept others. Moving forward, I want to balance my day job with helping women like myself. I would like to study Korean further and earn a TKSOL (Teaching Korean as a Second Language) certificate. If possible, I would also love to return to my home country to start my own business based on my understanding of Korean culture.