Rachel Park
Rachel Park: Finding My Way Home
Rachel Park is a Korean Canadian currently studying and working in South Korea. She and her family moved to Calgary, Alberta when she was nine years old and relocated to Vancouver, B.C. in 2002. She returned to Korea after graduating from the University of British Columbia in 2014.
Christine Lee (CL): Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed. We’ve been friends since high school, but I never had the chance to ask you why you decided pursue a life in Korea. What were some of the reasons why you relocated to Korea after graduating from UBC?
Rachel Park (RP): For me, it was a lifestyle decision. Even before graduating, I felt life in Vancouver had become mundane for me. It had become a repetition of similar places, faces, and challenges. I wanted to live in a busier city where I could be more stimulated. A place in my heart also yearned to return to Korea. That was the country where I felt most at home, and the constant rain of Vancouver did not help in persuading me to stay (chuckle).
CL: Still, that is a very big decision to uproot your life and move back to Korea. Did you face any hardships adjusting to Korea?
RP: It may not be easy to believe, but I faced no hardships adjusting to life in Korea. In part, I think the presence of my family and friends who had lived in Korea prior to my arrival helped. But to be honest, it just felt like I was home.
CL: I understand – I feel that way too when I return to Korea. Even though I’ve spent little time in Korea in my adulthood, there is always a sense that it’s my home. Now, I’m curious. What are some differences that exist between Korea and Canada based on your observation?
RP: First, I feel that people tend to be more dependent in Korea than Canada. There is a group mentality here. This is even reflected in people’s choice of fashion in Korea. People follow the latest trends, and everyone ends up looking similar. In Canada, it seems people are not as prone to societal pressures to dress or act a certain way. I would say that’s the biggest difference. Second, Canada’s environment cannot be compared. As the issue of micro particles and poor air quality becomes prevalent in Korea, the difference becomes more striking.
CL: So that’s 2:0 for Canada. Anything for Korea?
RP: The convenience. There are shops and restaurants that are open 24 hours a day here. And the overall service wait time is much shorter – whether it’s a bank or public agency. Overall, life in Korea is more quick and convenient based on my experience.
CL: I agree with you. The efficiency of Koreans cannot be surpassed. I just have one more question to ask. Where would you consider home? Canada or Korea?
RP: Although I grew up in Canada, I would call Korea home. A big part of it is because my parents are based in Korea now. I would never rule out returning to Canada in the near future, but for now, Korea is where I call home.