KOREA FOUNDATION

한국 속의 아세안

Five years ago, Phothong Saithibvongsa, who worked as a public servant in Lao PDR, came to Korea, brought here by his interest in higher education and Korea. He immersed himself in his studies, and outside of school, he actively engaged in activities to bridge Lao PDR and Korea. Mr. Saithibvongsa, who has already completed his Ph.D. in Business Administration at Keimyung University, says the path he’s chosen has not always been smooth, but throughout his time here he has made invaluable experiences that he wouldn’t exchange for anything.

Q. What made you decide to study in Korea?

A. Ever since I was young, I watched Korean movies, so I became gradually interested in Korean culture. As I grew up, I looked for documentaries about Korea and was attracted by its world-class cultural heritage sites and beautiful tourist attractions. I was also curious about what made it possible for Korea to achieve such great development in such a short period of time.

Q. 6 years ago, you were working as a public servant in Lao PDR. So, I would guess that when you first said you would go to Korea to study, your family must have been very surprised.

A. At first, my parents were very surprised. They were worried about how I could study in Korea, not knowing Korean and in unfamiliar environment. Besides, they must have been worried even more because it took me longer to complete my studies.

Q. You said earlier that Lao and Korean culture have a lot in common. I wonder what similarities you discovered.

A. There are many people who like spicy food in Korea, and most Lao people also enjoy spicy food. And just as people respect elders in Korea, there is a similar culture in Lao society.

Q. Then again, Lao PDR and Korea must have some differences in terms of their culture and environment. Was there anything you found inconvenient or difficult?

A. There are as many differences as similarities between Korea and Lao PDR. First of all, there are four distinctive seasons in Korea, but Lao PDR has only rainy and dry seasons. It’s usually hot or rainy. For Lao people who have never experienced a real winter, the winter in Korea is very cold, and it’s inconvenient to need so many layers of clothes. Moreover, unlike Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese, Korean is completely different from the Lao language, so it is not easy for Lao people to learn Korean.

Q. Please tell us more about what kind of country Lao PDR is.

A. There are many different ethnic groups living in Lao PDR. Each ethnic group maintains its own distinctive culture, respects others, and lives peacefully. Due to Lao PDR’s cultural diversity, I think my country is like a treasure box for those who enjoy traveling and are interested in different cultures. It is also a land of endless opportunities as it is rich in natural resources and emerging as a main consumer market for international companies.

Q. You were the vice president of the Korea-Lao PDR Friendship Association and are a member of the Korea-ASEAN Center. You also participated in the ASEAN Culture House’s “Easy Access Laos” events. Is there a special reason why you engaged in these activities?

A. There were two reasons why I participated in activities hosted by international exchange agencies in Korea. The first was that I could learn more about Korean culture and Korean people, and the second was that through field experiences with international exchange experts I was able to gain valuable experiences and knowledge that are hard to obtain at school.

Q. You’ve engaged in many events and volunteer work to promote Lao PDR. Is there any Korea-Lao PDR friendship event that you want to plan yourself?

A. Lao people usually have few opportunities to experience and learn things about Korea. If I had the chance, I would like to invite Lao youths to Korea and provide them with an opportunity for cultural exchange with their Korean counterparts to experience and share each other’s culture. Wouldn’t a friendship event for young people from both countries be a good foundation for Lao PDR and Korea to form a closer relationship and create new dreams for young people?

Q. I saw many beautiful photos of Korea on your social media accounts, taken in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and on Jeju Island. What was your favorite place?

A. I traveled to many places in Korea, visiting Gyeongbok Palace, Namsan Tower, Nami Island, Changdeok Palace, Mt. Halla, Udo Island, and Jusang Cliffs. My favorite place was Jeju Island. I liked it so much that I went there three times. Jeju Island has beautiful scenery, clean skies and clear air, and the residents are so kind. I think it’s a really good island for foreigners to live on.

Q. Soon you’ll be going back to Lao PDR. What do you plan to do there?

A. I will work as a university lecturer, thanks to the knowledge in the field of business administration that I gained here in Korea.

Q. Do you have any plans to visit Korea again?

A. After living in Korea for 5 years, I’ve got used to many things here, such as the culture and the food. I feel as if Korea has become my second home now. It’s like another hometown, so I’m sure I will visit Korea again someday.

Q. You participated in various events of the ASEAN Culture House. Is there anything you’d like us to do in the future?

A. The ASEAN Culture House is already conducting many activities that foster the positive relationship between Korea and ASEAN. Thanks to that, many Koreans and ASEAN people have a chance to learn more about ASEAN countries’ cultures, lifestyles, and peoples. If the ACH continues to hold so many events, then there’s nothing left to be desired, and I am sure it will have a good influence on all ASEAN countries as well as on Korea.

Q. Lastly, do you have anything you want to say to Lao people living in Korea like you?

A. Korea is as beautiful as Lao PDR and we can learn a lot to from Korea’s experience. Being able to stay here for a long time is a precious opportunity. I hope they will make good use of this opportunity and have a meaningful time, and I hope they’ll support the friendship between Lao PDR and Korea.