South Africans embrace life in Korea
South Africans enjoy Heritage Day in Seoul last year. / Photo by John Redmond
By John Redmond
When interacting with expats on the Korean Peninsula, one nationality often leaves people with a strong sense of curiosity: South Africans.
Hailing from the southern-most country on the tip of the African continent, South Africans are no strangers when it comes to traveling to seek work opportunities.
South Africa, like much of the African continent, has experienced more than its share of troubles, past and present. But it still boasts a wealth of talent among young university graduates.
As English is an official language, one of 11, many see teaching in Korea as a tempting option amid skyrocketing local unemployment and a shrinking rand.
“The packages they offered us were great,” said Emma Dunn from Cape Town. “I came for six months; I've been here for five years.”
South Africans join in the fun of Heritage Day in Seoul last year. / Photo by John Redmond
Many highlighted the benefits of life in a country with a lower crime rate and greater infrastructure than back home.
“Life over here is amazing. It's so safe,” Taahiera Carolus said. “I walk around at 11 p.m. at night with my phone and earphones and my wallet and nothing happens. I totally love that about Korea.
“I absolutely love it here. The medical system is out if this world. Everything is quick and convenient ― from banking, medical checks, transportation and so much more. I totally understand why many teachers tend to stay and make a living here.”
Issues of race and stereotyping are minor problems.
“I'm also Muslim and colored, so I always get people staring at my complexion and especially with my students when I wear my headscarf,” Carolus said. “As far as I know, I'm the only Muslim in my city (Paju).”
“When people ask me where I'm from and I say 'South Africa', they say, 'but you are white,'” Dunn laughed. “Not only Koreans, but other foreigners too.”
South Africans flocked to Heritage Day in Seoul last year. / Photo by John Redmond
As with most groups of foreigners, networks began to form as people started organizing celebrations of traditional holiday festivals.
One such group, SAKorNET, a nonprofit organization that organizes social events for the South African community, has a large presence on Facebook and hosts events like Freedom Day, Heritage Day, Christmas parties and meet-and-greet braais.
A braai is a traditional South African-style barbecue and get-together that involves grilling lamb chops, boerewors (a South African spiced beef and pork sausage) and other meat on an outdoor wood fire.
“The hosting of these events depends on interest from our community members,” SAKorNET administrators said.
“The South African Embassy also sends out invitations to festivals like the Seoul-Africa Festival that caters to African countries contributing to Korea, and the Seoul Friendship Fair, which is more general in that it allows guests to interact with people from around the world.”
Roddy Bancroft at Braai Republic in Itaewon. / Photo by John Redmond
Another upside to the surge of young foreigners is the need to enjoy traditional cuisine.
Braai Republic, Korea's first South African-run restaurant serving traditional South African food, opened in Itaewon in 2011.
Owned by Chris Truter and Roddy Bancroft, the signature dishes include lamb chops, a range of sausages including boerewors, and freshly baked meat pies.
Other items on the menu include selections of South African alcoholic beverages and snacks.
Truter and Bancroft originally began catering South African-style foods and snacks at local rugby games, as well as food stalls at international food markets.
Braai Republic has since opened a branch in Pyeongtaek.
Braai Republic brings a little taste of South Africa to Seoul. / Photo by John Redmond
Last year, a law was passed in Korea stating that South Africans wanting to teach here must have passed their high school and university studies in English, which has seen a slight decrease in SAKorNET event participation.
“It seems the community has gotten smaller when judged by the attendance of events and general activity,” group members said. “The online community is growing every single day as more people ask to join groups.”
When asked for advice, organizers responded: “Join online support groups and be a part of your community. Meet other friends and do as much socially as you can. For the workplace, teach you coworkers about your culture, its manners and etiquette and make sure your contract and work conditions are above board.”
For more information, visit the Braai Republic and SAKorNET pages on Facebook.