Meet Emily, a Canadian entertainer, model, and VP of Production and Entertainment at Geosang Entertainment in Seoul. A mother of three, she has lived in Korea for 12 years. Emily embraces Korean culture and language, navigating challenges while pursuing her dream career and raising her family in this dynamic country.
Interview
- WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
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Canada
- WHAT DO YOU DO IN KOREA?
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Entertainer, Model, Youtube Content Creator & VP of Production and Entertainment at Geosang Entertainment in Seoul. I am a mom of three Korean Canadian Kids.
- WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN KOREA?
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Even after living here for 12 years, I still learn something new about Korea every day. The culture, people, language, food, fashion, SKINCARE, everything here fascinates me.
- WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN THIS CITY?
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I have lived in 4 different cities over my time in Korea. Daegu (7 years), Pyeongtaek (4 years), Paju (less than a year) and now Goyang (right on the border of Seoul) Each city has its charms. Daegu is great because the people are very friendly and prices are decent. Daegu is like my Korean hometown, so it has a special place in my heart. Pyeongtaek is nice because raising kids there is great and the American army base is there so it’s fun to go eat American style food sometimes. Goyang is awesome. It has everything and it is right beside Seoul.
- WHERE IS YOUR LOCAL RECOMMENDATION IN THIS CITY?
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Daegu – Seomun Market, Suseongmot (mini lake), Sinsegae Shopping Center at Dongdaegu Station, Makchang Gil and Bulgogi Pocha streets are also very fun. Plus Daegu Downtown area is really really fun with awesome shopping even underground shopping.
Pyeongtaek – American Air base and American Army base – they have multicultural festivals that are a MUST attend! Also, Sosabol is a really great mini downtown area with lots of wonderful little restaurants and cafes Around Pyeongtaek, there are many large scale cafes – One famous one is called Main Street. It is made to look like New York City. There’s another one called Cafe Dodaeri that has a lovely facility and really delicious bread.
Paju – Paju has TONS of awesome huge cafes. There is a really fun donut cafe there called Malttong Donut Dessert Town. Paju has a really large landmass, so you can find really great large-scale cafes there.
Goyang – Since I only recently moved here, I can recommend Starfield Mall (there is also one in Pyeongtaek), hiking, private kids’ poolhouse cafes, etc.
- WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST WHILE STAYING ABROAD?
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I feel like Korea has helped me grow so much as a person. I became a mother here, and I have faced many hardships that has all led me to become who I am today. I love this country for many reasons. I think the things I enjoy the MOST are things like DAISO, delivery services, skincare, fashion, kids fashion, convenience stores, good internet, technology, the medical system, honestly there is no end to the positive aspects of living in Korea. I am proud to call this country my adopted home and I am always touched by the heart of Korean people and the support and love that I have received while being here. I am able to do my dream job here which is probably one of the luckiest things ever. Happy days ^^
- WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE BEING IN KOREA?
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Language – 100% – Life gets easier the better I get at Korean. Also, missing home. Korea and Canada are very far, and flights are very expensive, so I haven’t been home in 7 years. Also, as a non-Korean, I am regularly challenged by bureaucratic circumstances; such as applying for government support programs as a foreigner. These things can be very challenging. Just navigating the logistics of life in Korea can be very difficult.
- WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN KOREA AND YOUR COUNTRY?
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Haha… that is a very big question. Canada and Korea have lots of differences, but actually I think that one similarity is that Koreans and Canadians are both polite. However, in social situations, it seems to me that Korean culture is more considerate of others and more generous. Differences: language, medical system, culture, Canada is multicultural, Korea is mostly homogenous, Canada is young, Korea is 5000 years old, ancient Korean history is very interesting, Canada is huge but with a small population, Korea is tiny with a large population, etc.
- DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS?
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SO MUCH. I could write a book on this. Korea has given me the platform to be on TV and become an entertainer which is my dream job. Being a foreign mom of 3 here has been a massive change from the person I was before. I think I have learned a lot from Korean culture about how to be more considerate in society. Koreans are very generous and considerate of other.
- WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?
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I want to keep going on the path I am currently on. Raise 3 healthy, happy kids and live in abundance and happiness in this very special place. I feel very blessed to be here.
- MESSAGE TO OUR FRIENDS WHO WILL GO TO KOREA.
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Do your homework and learn about the customs before you come. Things like talking loudly on public transit are considered rude. These are things you should learn before you come. Also, don’t expect to come here and have some romance like in the dramas. haha!!!
- HOW DO YOU LEARN KOREAN?
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I self-study and I talk with Korean people a lot. Watching Korean TV/dramas helps a lot, too. You have to be consistent.
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