The vibrant streets of Seoul become the backdrop for a fascinating journey as Marla, a Latina artist from Chile, shares her two-year experience living in South Korea. In a recent podcast appearance on the Shiny Souls Podcast, Marla opens up about her adventures, challenges, and cultural nuances encountered while pursuing her artistic endeavors in this East Asian country. From her initial motivations to her unique insights into Korean culture, this article takes an in-depth look at Marla’s story.
Initial Encounters and Cultural Exploration:
Marla embarked on her Korean journey driven by a profound interest in the culture and a desire to explore different countries. Born to a French mother and Chilean father, she had always felt the pull of diverse cultural experiences. In her interview, Marla reflects on her first impressions of Korea, drawing parallels between the landscapes of Seoul and her hometown Santiago. The familiar rivers and city layouts triggered a sense of connection, even as she began her journey into the unknown.
The linguistic challenge was one of Marla’s early encounters, as she initially struggled to adapt to the Korean language. Despite some prior attempts to learn Korean through self-study and classes, her first week was marked by a degree of silence, as she grappled with the language barrier. However, her perseverance paid off, and gradually, her ears opened up to the sounds of the Korean language.
Professional Transition – From Art Direction to Entertainment Visa:
In Chile, Marla had established herself as an art director, mainly working on music videos and TV shows. However, her initial stint in Korea, on a working holiday visa, limited her to non-professional jobs such as working in cafes and restaurants. This restriction hindered her artistic pursuits until she transitioned to an entertainment visa.
The shift to an entertainment visa allowed Marla to explore modeling, acting, and other creative pursuits. She delves into the challenges of adapting to the industry’s demands, particularly the emphasis on skincare for on-camera appearances. The contrast in work dynamics and the need for additional Korean knowledge on set presented hurdles for Marla, who was still refining her language skills.
Navigating the Entertainment Industry:
Marla shares her experiences in the Korean entertainment industry, shedding light on the nuances of obtaining an entertainment visa and the competitive nature of the field. As a foreigner, securing roles sometimes requires proving why a particular job cannot be entrusted to a Korean professional. The visa limitations and the need to continually prove her worth in the industry pose ongoing challenges.
She elaborates on the shift from being behind the scenes as an art director to being in front of the camera, highlighting the increased emphasis on personal care and appearance. The meticulous skincare routines and the need for conscious efforts to maintain one’s physical well-being underscore the industry’s demanding nature.
Navigating Korean Society as a Latina:
Marla discusses the cultural differences she encountered in Korea compared to Latin America. While she appreciates the safety and orderliness of Korean society, she notes the distinct approach to friendships. Koreans, she observes, may be reserved initially, often viewing foreigners as temporary acquaintances rather than long-term friends. The challenge lies in breaking through this barrier and establishing meaningful connections.
Her worst experience in Korea, which she hesitates to dwell on, involves a disturbing encounter with an individual following her on the street. Marla recounts the unsettling incident, highlighting the safety measures she and her friends took and the prompt response from the Korean police. This episode emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant, even in relatively safe environments.
Best and Challenging Moments:
Amidst the challenges, Marla cherishes a recent achievement – her participation as an extra in a Korean music video. This opportunity provided her with a unique perspective on the intricacies of creating a music video, from camera equipment to lighting setups. The excitement in her voice resonates as she recounts the experience, underlining the joy of stepping in front of the camera.
On a broader scale, Marla reflects on her best experiences in Korea. One notable highlight was her first Hanbok experience during Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival. The vibrancy and elegance of the traditional attire left a lasting impression, symbolizing the cultural richness she continues to explore.
Daily Life in Korea:
Marla provides insights into her daily life in Seoul, sharing her love for meeting new people and her extroverted nature. She reminisces about her time working in a club during her working holiday stint, emphasizing the challenges faced by those in the nightlife industry. Her observations shed light on the misconceptions about such roles and the demanding nature of maintaining a lively atmosphere.
The discussion shifts to the safety and convenience of daily life in Korea. Marla contrasts her experiences with the hyper-awareness she developed while traveling in Europe, where concerns about theft and safety became more prominent. The security and ease of leaving personal items unattended in Korea mark a notable contrast.
Dating in Korea – Myths and Realities:
A significant portion of Marla’s insights revolves around dating in Korea, dispelling myths perpetuated by popular media. She acknowledges the existence of stereotypes regarding Korean men and their perceived “coldness.” However, her personal experiences paint a different picture. She shares her thoughts on Korean men being respectful and considerate, emphasizing the importance of open communication in relationships.
Marla offers advice to fellow expats on navigating the dating scene, encouraging them to approach relationships with an open mind and genuine curiosity about cultural differences. She underscores the importance of understanding and embracing both individual and cultural diversities in the pursuit of meaningful connections.
Culinary Adventures – From Spicy Delights to Comfort Foods:
The conversation takes a delicious turn as Marla discusses her culinary adventures in Korea. While acknowledging the widespread love for spicy food in Korean cuisine, she admits her preference for non-spicy options, such as the delectable m. Her love for diverse Korean dishes, including kimbap and samgyeopsal, reflects her appreciation for the rich flavors that define the local food scene.
Nature-Loving Soul in the Concrete Jungle:
A self-proclaimed nature enthusiast, Marla expresses her yearning for more green spaces in Seoul. Coming from a country surrounded by nature, she finds solace in the occasional trips to Namsan Park or the Han River. The concrete jungle of Seoul, while dynamic and bustling, lacks the natural landscapes she grew up surrounded by in Chile. Her exploration of Korea extends beyond its urban centers, seeking pockets of nature to rejuvenate her spirit.
Recommendations for Fellow Expats:
As the conversation winds down, Marla offers valuable advice to fellow expats contemplating a move to Korea. She encourages them to learn the Korean language earnestly, emphasizing its impact on daily interactions and building meaningful connections. Marla also suggests embracing the local customs and traditions, whether it’s wearing a Hanbok during festivals or participating in traditional ceremonies.
In conclusion, Marla’s journey in Korea is a tapestry woven with diverse experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Her story transcends the conventional narratives often associated with expat life, providing a nuanced perspective on the intricacies of adapting to a new culture. Through her eyes, we gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted layers that make up life in South Korea for someone with a passion for art, a love for nature, and an unwavering spirit of exploration.
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