Having lived in both Mongolia and Korea, I could explore some cultural differences between these two countries. One of the biggest differences is the use of the word, ‘busy.’ Koreans always say “busy.” I can say many good things about that behavior but generally Mongolians are not hurrying anything. Mongolians typically avoid answering to people rather than saying they are busy when people ask for something. Mongolians are not hurried to start conversations but they are interested in talking with foreigners. And, if they can speak a little bit of a foreign language, they like to talk with foreigners in their languages, for example, Koreans in Korean. Maybe Koreans have the same characteristic and that can be a common characteristic of the eastern cultures. Like all individuals are unique, all cultures have unique differences.

Once upon a time I took a taxi to go somewhere. Taxi driver asked me, “Where are you from?” I answered, “Mongolia.” As soon as I said the name of the country he started to talk about what he knows about my home country and the Mongolian lifestyles. Unfortunately some of what he knew was inaccurate. Therefore I asked him where he got such knowledge about Mongolia. He said, “From television.”  Most of the foreigners think about Mongolia as a country of rich history, wide and steepen land and rural life styles. Although that is completely true before, the new Mongolia is experiencing another form of lifestyle and civilization.

When I first came to Korea, people asked me simple questions about my country. Typical questions were: “Do Mongolians usually eat meat for food? Do people ride horses and live the nomadic lifestyle?” My answer is easily “No”. Obviously, Mongolia has a long history of nomadic lifestyle. But, in the new century, we have changed and developed many modern lifestyles.  Therefore, I answer those questions nope.

Like the taxi driver before, most Koreans are gathering knowledge about Mongolia from watching TV programs. Although viewing is better than hearing about the subject, it does not give the true knowledge about the people and the country.  Therefore, the best way is to visit Mongolia at least once.  

I was born in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar is just like any other modern civilized city.  In Ulaanbaatar, the life style of young generations is completely same as in Seoul. People enjoy eating, riding and living the same modern lifestyle.  My country is a fully republic and democratic country. And the country is always open and ready to welcome and show you the world.

When we study abroad, we represent the home country. After we return, we represent the country that we studied. That means I will represent Korea and Korean culture to Mongolia after my graduation. My Korean life experience is growing gradually. I will continue to look forward to explore Korean culture and many things of Korea in the coming days.

A.Byambajargal(KMU Korean language course student)

byambajargal14@gmail.com