Interview with students

At Saenal School

 

 

​

​

 

Female, 18 years old (Korean Age)

 

How old are you?

I am 18 years old.

 

 

When did you come to Korea? 

I came here in 2020.

 

 

Where are you originally from?

I’m from Uzbekistan.

 

 

What is your hobby?

I don’t think there’s anything in particular.

 

 

What do you do in your spare time?

I went to a dance academy.

 

 

What is the most important thing in your life?

I think my family and being healthy are the most important.

 

 

When do you feel happy?

I am happiest when I eat

 

    

When do you feel sad?

I think it will be sad when my family is sick.

 

 

Please tell us your happiest childhood memory.

I was so glad when I went to the zoo with my grandfather.

 

 

Is your grandfather here, too?

He passed away.

 

 

Can you tell us any strange dream that you had recently?

I had a dream about fighting with my best friend.

 

 

What do you like about Uzbekistan?

I like Uzbekistan food and culture.

 

 

What kind of Uzbekistan food?

Fried rice, plop in Uzbekistan.

 

 

Can you cook plop?

Sure. 

 

 

What do you don’t like about Uzbekistan?

I don’t think so.

 

 

What do you like about Korea?

I like Korea because there are many advanced technologies.

 

 

What you don't like about Korea?

It's a little difficult because I don't know Korean well.

 

 

What is the biggest difference between Korea and Uzbekistan?

I think the degree of technological development seems to be the most different.

 

 

Please tell me about the history of Goryeo people if you know any of it.

I know, but it is hard to explain everything.

 

 

Do you know about your great grandparents who first moved to Russia?

Yes.

 

How did you know that? Did your parents told you about it?

My parents and my grandmother taught me.

 

 

What is your dream in the future?

I want to run my own cafe. 

 

 

 

 

 

_____________________

 

Male, 20 years old (Korean Age)

 

How old are you?

I am 20 years old.

 

 

When did you come to Korea? 

I came here in 2016.

 

 

Where are you originally from?

I’m from Uzbekistan.

 

 

What is your hobby?

My hobby is playing soccer and basketball.

 

 

Are you good at soccer and basketball? Which one do you prefer?

I prefer basketball.

 

 

Who is your hero? 

My hero is Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

 

What is the most important in your life? 

I don’t know.

 

 

When do you feel happy?

I am happiest when I play with my friends.

    

 

When do you feel sad?

I feel sad when I fight with my friends.

 

 

When do you feel angry?

I get angry when I can’t speak Korean well in class.

 

 

Please tell us your happiest childhood memory.

I was so glad when I came to Korea, and when I met new friends.

 

 

Can you tell us any strange dream that you had recently?

I had a dream about zombies.

 

 

Did you have to run away and survive from them?

Yes.

 

 

What do you like about Uzbekistan?

I like Uzbekistan food

 

 

What do you don’t like about Uzbekistan?

I don’t like Uzbekistan school.

 

 

What do you like about Korea?

I like K-pop.

 

 

What do you don't like about Korea?

I don’t think so.

 

 

What is the biggest difference between Korea and Uzbekistan?

I think the food seems to be the most different.

 

 

Which food do you like more?

I prefer Korean food.

 

 

Please tell me about the history of Goryeo people if you know any of it.

I don’t know, because I have not learned about it. 

 

 

If you don’t, can you guess? 

No. It is difficult to guess.

 

 

Do you know about your great grandparents who first moved to Russia?

I don’t know.

 

 

What language do you speak at home?

I speak Russian.

 

 

Do you speak Uzbekistan?

No I don’t. 

 

 

If there is one country you must fight, Korea or Uzbekistan, which country will you fight against?

- Did not answer

 

 

What is your dream in the future?

I want to be a basketball player.

 

 

Who is your favorite basketball player?

I like Wardell Stephen Curry the most.

 

 

 

 

_____________________

 

 

Female, 20 years old (Korean Age)

 

How old are you?

I am 20 years old.

 

 

When did you come to Korea? 

I came here in 2016.

 

 

Where are you originally from?

I’m from Uzbekistan.

 

 

What is your hobby?

I am a florist and I make floral arrangement. I can show you the picture of it.

 

 

Do you do it at home?

Yes. Not every day, but I do get flowers from other people and do floral arrangement

 

 

When did you start floral arrangement?

I started it last year.

 

 

When did you start practicing it? 

I started practicing last winter.

 

 

Who is the most influential person in your life?

There is no one.

 

 

What is the most important in your life? 

I think my family is the most important.

 

 

When do you feel happy?

I feel happy when I play with my friends, stay at home, and sleep.

 

    

When do you feel sad?

I feel sad when things I want to do don’t go well.

 

 

When do you feel angry?

I don’t get angry often, so I don’t remember being angry so far.

 

 

Please tell us your happiest childhood memory.

I have been living with my grandmother since I was 5 years old. I was so glad when my parents went work to Russia because I was the only granddaughter and my grandmother did everything for me.

 

 

Is your grandmother in Korea too? 

Yes.

 

 

Can you tell us any strange dream that you had recently?

I don’t dream often.

 

 

What do you like about Uzbekistan?

People are kind to others.

 

 

What do you don’t like about Uzbekistan?

I don’t like dirty and unclean Uzbekistan cities.

 

 

What do you like about Korea?

I like the comfortable life in Korea.

 

 

What do you don't like about Korea?

Age culture is difficult for me because even if the other person is one year older than me, I have to show respect for them. At that time it seemed ridiculous, because in Uzbekistan, everyone can become friends regardless of their age.

 

 

What language do your parents speak?

They speak Russian and Korean.

 

 

Can you speak Uzbek?

No I can’t. My mom and grandmother is Goryeo people, and my dad is Uzbekistan.

 

 

Do you know about Goryeo people’s culture?

No I don’t. I have heard about them from my grandparents that Goryeo people were in Jeju Island in 1950s.

 

 

If there is one country you must fight, Korea or Uzbekistan, which country will you fight for?

I would fight for Uzbek.

 

 

What is your dream in the future?

I want to go to the university and open my own flower shop.

 

 

 

 

_____________________

 

Female, 19 years old (Korean Age)

 

What is your name and how old are you? 

My name is Anastasia and I am 19 years old. 

 

 

Where are you originally from?

I’m from Uzbekistan.

 

 

When did you come to Korea?

I came here in 2016.

 

 

What is your hobby?

I love making things by hand.

 

 

What do you mostly make?

I mostly make jewelries such as rings and bracelets.

 

 

Do you make them at home?

Yes.

 

 

Who do you respect the most? 

No one.

 

 

How about an actor or singer?

No one.

 

 

What is the most important in your life? 

It is a difficult question for me.

 

 

When do you feel happy?

I am happy when I play with my friends.

 

    

When do you feel sad?

I feel sad when I talk with my elder brother.

 

 

When do you feel angry?

I don’t know.

 

 

Please tell us your happiest childhood memory.

It was when my dad come to Uzbekistan. 

 

 

Did he live in another country?

Yes he was in Korea until I became 13. 

 

 

What did you do with your dad then?

We ate, went for a walk, and played together.

 

 

What do you like about Uzbekistan?

I like Uzbekistan food.

 

 

What food do you like?

I like meat dishes.

 

 

Can you cook?

No I can’t.

 

 

What do you don’t like about Uzbekistan?

Nothing.

 

 

What do you like about Korea?

I like everything about Korea.

 

 

What do you don't like about Korea?

I don’t think so.

 

 

What is the biggest difference between Korea and Uzbekistan?

I think the food seems to be the most different.

 

 

Which food do you like more?

I prefer Uzbekistan food.

 

 

What language do your parents speak at home?

They speak Russian.

 

 

Can you speak Uzbek?

Yes, a little.

 

 

Would you tell me about the history of Goryeo people if you know any of it?

No, I don’t know about it.

 

 

Do you know about your great grandparents who first moved to Russia?

I don’t know.

 

 

If there is one country you must fight, Korea or Uzbekistan, which country will you fight for?

It is a difficult question. I don’t know yet. 

 

 

What is your dream in the future?    

I want to go the university in Russia, but the language is too difficult for me.

 

 

What kind of major do you want to study?

I want to study interior designs.

 

 

Is it difficult to entering Russian interior design school? 

t is difficult for me.

 

 

Do you have to draw pictures?

Yes. 

 

 

Then do you decorate your room, too? 

Yes.

 

 

How about Korean interior design school? If you can study in Korea, would you?

I would not, because I am not good at Korean.

 

 

Is Korean too difficult for you? 

Yes. 

 

 

Is Russian more comfortable for you?

Yes.

 

 

 

 

_____________________

 

Male, 20 years old (Korean Age)

 

What is your name and how old are you?

My name is Yoon, Dima and I am 20 years old.

 

​

When did you come to Korea?

I came to Korea 2 years ago.

 

 

Where are you originally from? 

I’m from Russia.

 

 

What city in Russia are you from?

I’m from Orenburg.

 

 

What is your hobby?

I do computer assembling and sell it. 

 

 

Do you make a lot of money with that?

I earn a little.

 

 

Who is your hero? 

It is my father.

 

 

What is the most important in your life? 

My little sister is the most important person in my life.

 

 

How old is your sister?

She is 9 years old. 

 

 

Is she in 3rd grade? 

Yes.

 

When do you feel happy?

I am happiest when I give present or something delicious to my sister.

 

    

When do you feel sad?

I don’t know. My life is happy.

 

 

When do you feel angry?

I get angry when I want to do something but don’t have money.

 

 

Please tell us your happiest childhood memory.

When I was very young, I got a robot for my birthday gift.

 

 

Can you tell us any strange dream that you had recently?

No, I sometimes dream when I sleep, but I don’t remember well.

 

 

What do you like about Russia?

I can’t answer just one thing, because it’s my home country. I have many friends in Russia.

 

 

What do you don’t like about Russia?

I don’t like Russian people keep feeling sad.

 

​

Why are they sad?

Because they can’t make a lot of money.

 

 

What do you like about Korea?

I like Korea’s ability to study, because I can learn a lot.

 

 

What do you don't like about Korea?

I don’t like when there are too many people on the bus.

 

 

Do you speak Russian with your parents at home? And with your grandparents?

Yes. 

 

 

Please tell me about the history of Goryeo people if you know any of it.

I came here recently, so I don’t know much about it.

 

 

Have you ever heard of it from your parents or grandparents?

My grandparents have explained it to me a little by little.

 

 

What is the biggest difference between Korea and Russia?

There are many new things in Korea.

 

 

If there is one country you must fight, Korea or Uzbekistan, which country will you fight against?

Maybe I would rather suicide than choose..? (laugh) I’m just kidding. I’ll try to make Korea and Russia unite without fighting each other, because I love these people. 

 

 

What is your dream in the future?    

I want to buy a big house for my parents.

 

 

 

 

_____________________

 

 

Female, 19 yeras old (Korean Age)

 

How old are you?

I am 20 years old in Korean age, originally 19 years old.

 

 

When did you come to Korea? 

I came here in 2015

 

 

Where are you originally from? 

I’m from Uzbekistan.

 

 

What city in Uzbekistan are you from?

Tashkent.

 

 

What is your hobby?

Make-up is my hobby.

 

 

Do you do it at home?

Yes. 

 

 

Who do you respect the most? 

My family.

 

 

How about an actor or singer?

BTS

 

 

What is the most important in your life? 

I think it is my family.

 

 

When do you feel happy?

All the time, because I love living in Korea.

 

    

When do you feel sad?

I felt sad when I broke up with my boyfriend.

 

 

When do you feel angry?

When my parents keep making me do chores.

 

 

Please tell us your happiest childhood memory.

It was when my little sisters were born. I have two sisters.

 

 

How old were you when she was born?

I was 16 at that time. 

 

 

Can you tell us any strange dream that you had recently?

I don’t remember.

 

 

Then do you remember any strange dreams that you had when you were young?

It was a dream of dying all of a sudden.

 

 

What do you like about Uzbekistan, and why?

I like Uzbekistan because my relatives are in Uzbekistan.

 

 

What do you don’t like about Uzbekistan, and why?

I don’t like Uzbekistan people that much because of Uzbekistan's higher crime rate. I think they are worse than Koreans because they discriminated more against me. They sarcastically commented that why am I Goryeo person in Uzbekistan. Really.

 

 

Was it the same or did it get worse?

Uzbekistanis are more impolite than Koreans.

 

 

So did people talk directly like that?

Yes, and also they told me I’m a pig because I’m chubby. But in Korea, people say I’m chubby and cute. I like the way people say. I like the way people talk like this.

 

 

What do you like about Korea, and why?

I love Koreans because they are really nice.

 

 

What do you don't like about Korea, and why?

The language difference make me difficult a little.

 

 

What language do your parents speak at home?

They speak Russian.

 

 

Do you speak Uzbek?

Yes, I can speak Russian, Uzbek, and Korean. I’m not good at Korean because I learned Uzbek more than Korean. At school, I used Russian a lot.

 

 

Please tell me about the history of Goryeo people if you know any of it.

At that time, there was a war between North and South Korea and Goryeo people had taken the trains to Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. It is why there are many Goryeo people in Russia.

 

 

Have you heard of it from your parents and grandparents?

Yes.

 

 

Do you know when your great grandparents moved?

I don’t know it well. My grandparents didn’t tell me the details.

 

 

Then you don’t know where your great great grandparents lived, right?

No. I don’t.

 

 

If there is one country you must fight, Uzbekistan, Russia, or Korea, which country will you fight against?

It is hard to choose.

 

 

What is your dream in the future, and why?    

I want to be a make-up artist. I want to make people who are unconfident beautiful.

 

 

What would you have to do to become a make-up artist?

Perhaps studying would be helpful.

 

 

What would you like to say to the adolescences who has the same dream like you?

Your dreams will come true if you wish. This makes me shy.

 

 

 

 

 

_____________________

 

Female, 19 years old (Korean Age)

 

How old are you?

I am 20 years old in Korean age, originally 19 years old.

 

 

When did you come to Korea? 

I came here when I was in 3rd grade, 10 or 9 years old.

 

 

Where are you originally from? 

I’m from Uzbekistan.

 

 

Then you have been in Korea for 10 years?

It becomes 11 years on December 4th. 

 

 

Do you remember the day you came to Korea?

Yes.

 

 

What did you feel?

I couldn’t believe it, but it was amazing that day.

 

 

Were you happy, sad, or confused?

I was looking forward to meeting Korean actor Joon-pyo Koo, because I’ve seen the Korean drama “Boys over flowers.” And I thought I could meet him when I go to Korea 

 

 

What is your hobby?

I edit the videos. 

 

 

Do you film the videos?

Yes. I shoot Vlogs and I enjoy editing them, but don’t upload them.

 

 

What program do you use?

I use mobile apps. 

 

 

Who do you respect the most?

I respect Nam Joo Hyuk, the actor.

 

 

What is the most important in your life? 

I think being healthy is the most important.

 

 

When do you feel happy?

I feel good when I get paid.

 

 

Do you work?

I am doing a part time job.

 

 

Where do you work?

I work at a convenience store, Ministop.

 

 

When do you feel sad?

I’m sad when I go to the restaurant I want to go but it’ closed.

 

 

When do you feel angry?

I get angry when I couldn’t finish something perfectly.

 

 

You would be a perfectionist.

(Nod)

 

 

Please tell us your happiest childhood memory.

It was when my mom bought delicious treat for me from Korea to Uzbek.

 

 

Did your mom lived in Korea?

She came to Korea earlier than me to work. 

 

 

How old were you then?

I was about 6 years old.

 

 

Can you tell us any strange dream that you had recently?

It was a nightmare.

 

 

Can you tell us about it?

It was about zombies. I think I dream about them often.

 

 

Do you often watch zombie movies?

No, I don’t watch them often, but I dream about them a lot. The dream is about me fighting with zombies.

 

 

Can you guess why? 

I don’t know. I don’t watch zomebie movies that much.

(interesting)

 

 

What do you like about Uzbekistan?

I love the landscapes because of good air quality

 

 

What do you don’t like about Uzbekistan, and why?

I don’t like Uzbekistanis because they are so zoo-like.

 

 

Does “zoo-like” mean they see you differently?

They stare at me and if I wear shorts, they do catcalling.

 

 

Do you have any plans to go to Uzbekistan?

When I have to change visa, I go to Uzbekistan.

 

 

What do you like about Korea?

Everything.

 

 

What do you don't like about Korea, and why?

There’s nothing particular that I don’t like about Korea. However, I have experience someone muddy the waters when I hung out with girls. One of them had argued with another, the other pretended to be all nice.

 

 

What is the biggest difference between Korea and Uzbekistan?

I think the food seems to be the most different.

 

 

Which one do you prefer?

I prefer Korean food.

 

 

Please tell me about the history of Goryeo people if you know any of it.

I’ve been in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan for 10 days recently and I’ve watched a play “I am Goryeoin” at Honam University because I have interest in it. In the past, I wasn’t very interested in Goryeoin, but after these experiences, I became very proud of being a Goryeoin.

 

 

Do you know about your great grandparents who first moved to Russia or other places?

Do you mean the outbreak of war?

 

 

Yes and do you know when they moved?

I haven’t heard about when they moved in person, but I know about my grandmother’s story. I’ve heard that she was a baby at that time, and everyone evacuated to other countries. She’d already passed away when I was born. 

 

 

Do you know where she lived in Korea? 

No, I don’t. 

 

 

If there is one country you must fight, Korea or Uzbekistan, which country will you fight against?

I would fight for Korea.

 

 

What is your dream in the future?

I want to be a musical actor.

 

 

Are you good at singing?

I am planning to enroll at an academy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________________________________

​

Interview with teenagers from Ukraine who escaped from the war

At Youth Culture Center

​

​

​

 

 

Female, 16 years old

 

Where are you from?

I am from Mykolaiv, Ukraine.

 

 

How old are you?

I am 16 years old.

 

 

When did you come to Korea?

I came here on 3rd, October, 2022.

 

 

How is the place where you lived in Ukraine before?

My mom and little brother is still there. My mom can’t leave him alone because he has intellectual disabilities. And he could have been drafted because of his moderate disability.

 

 

Did you come here to Korea alone?

Yes. Originally, I couldn't leave the country alone, but I came to Korea because of the war. And I could have changed C38 visa to H2 (Visitor and Work visa), but it is little difficult because I am under age. My older half-brother is in Gwangju now.

 

 

What is your hobby?

I don’t have any hobbies. I am a sophomore majoring in hotel management.

 

 

What do you do after school?

Nothing special.

 

 

Do you know the history of Goryo people?

No. I am the youngest and I couldn’t meet my grandparents. Everyone didn’t tell me about it. Nor did my mother. 

 

 

Do you dream when you sleep?

Recently, I am having a dream about the war because of the war.

 

 

Do you sleep well?

No.

 

 

Did it get worse after you came here?

Yes I sometimes sleep too late or have trouble sleeping.

 

 

What do you want Koreans to know about Ukraine?

I just want the war to end soon. I think they already know enough about Ukraine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________________________________

 

Female, 18 years old

 

How old are you?

I am 18 years old. 

 

 

When did you come to Korea?

I came here 6-7 months ago, after the war broke out.

 

 

Where are you from? How is Ukraine?

I am from really small town, Mykolaiv.

 

 

Did you come here with your family?

No, my mom is a soldier. It’s okay.

 

 

Do you call with your mom?

Yes.

 

 

Do you call with your mom e Every day?

Yes. She is fine. 

 

 

Do you have sibling?

No, I am the only child. 

 

 

How is your dad?

My dad is already here for 2-3 years.

 

 

How is your life in Korea? 

I really like it.

 

 

Do you sleep well?

It depends on the day.

 

 

Do you dream about Ukraine when you sleep?

Yes, I usually have a dream about Ukraine.

 

 

When do you feel sad the most?

I feel sad when I call with my mom and grandmother because my grandmother is especially sensitive.

 

 

Do you know the history of Goryeo people?

Yes. A little. My mom is Ukrainian and my dad is half Korean. I am not good at Korean. My grandmother is Russian. It is really difficult because my grandmother worked for her homeland.

 

 

What do you want to be in the future?

Maybe a lawyer? Or a designer?

 

 

Do you want to go to a museum too?

Yes, sure. 

 

​

What do you like to do?

I like to watch movies, draw pictures, and hang out with friends.

 

 

What kind of movie do you like?

I like many genres and I watch Hollywood horror movies only with my friends.

 

​

Do you dream about zombies when you sleep?

No, I don’t like zombie movies. 

 

 

How is learning Korean? 

It is interesting and little bit difficult but I am trying hard by watching dramas.

 

 

Do you want to stay here  go back to Ukraine after the war?

Yes, I want to go back to meet my parents again. 

 

 

Is there anything you want people to know about Ukraine?

No, Ukraine is still doing well now.

 

 

 

 

 

___________________________________

 

Male, 17 years old

 

How old are you?

I am 17 years old. 

 

 

When did you come to Korea?
I came here 3 months ago.

 

 

Where were you in Ukraine?

I was at Kremenchuk, Poltava. It is right to Kyiv.

 

 

Are you with your siblings and family?

Yes. I came here with my little sister and my mom.

 

 

How about your dad?

He is in Ukraine. They got divorced.

 

 

How did your life change after the war broke out?

Everything was terrifying outside and I couldn’t go anywhere.

 

 

Do you sleep well?

I sleep well now but I couldn’t sleep well before.

 

 

Do you dream about the war when you sleep?

Yes I used to dream about bombs dropping on my house often. Once I was going outside of my home, some bombs exploded in front of me.

 

 

Can’t all the children go to school?

No. All the classes were changed to on-line classes, and sometimes there are no online classes if the situation goes too bad. Some of Ukrainian students in Korea here are taking Ukrainian on-line classes in Korea.

 

 

What is your hobby?

I started to learn how to play the drums in Korea. There is a center I can learn drums in Goryeo people town.

I didn’t learn how to play the drums in Ukraine and I started to learn it here.

 

 

What is your favorite song?

I like punk. 

 

 

What is the most important in your life?

The peace and calm are the most important in my life.

 

 

Have you heard of Goryeo people from your grandparents?

I have heard that parents of my grandfather had forced to move in 1937 from my mom. I know my family were deported in1937.

 

​

What do you want to be in the future?

I want to be a programmer who changes the Korean Wons to U.S dollars.

 

 

Who do you respect and think the best the most?

I respect my uncles the most. My mother’s brothers are always a big help to my mom since she was young.

 

 

When do you feel happy?

I feel happy when something goes well.

 

 

When do you feel happy?

I hardly feel sad.

 

 

When do you feel angry?

I feel angry when someone talk to me when I am too busy. (laugh)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

___________________________________

 

Male, age - 

 

When did you come to Korea?

I came here 6 months ago, it was May 29th, 2022.

 

 

Where were you in Ukraine?

I was in Mariupol (Mariupol is the closest city to Russian border and bombs were dropped here)

 

 

Did you come here with your parents?

Yes. I came here with my parents.

 

 

Wasn’t it scared?

I was scared.

 

 

Do you sleep well?

Yes.

 

 

Do you dream about the war when you sleep these days?

I haven’t had a dream about the war.

 

 

How is Korean food to you?

I love them and they are spicy.

 

 

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is just rice.

 

 

When do you feel happy?

I feel happy when I play with my friends.

 

 

When do you feel sad?

I feel sad when I am alone, and no one is there.

 

 

How is your life in Korea? What do you like the most?

Korea is the safe country and it has many colors. (it seems she is talking about the buildings)

 

 

What do you dislike about Korea?

I don’t like learning Korean.

 

 

Is it difficult for you?

Yes memorizing the grammar is hard to me.

 

 

Do you dream when you sleep?

Sometimes.

 

​

What kind of dream do you have?

I don’t remember it now.

 

 

What do you want to be in the future?

I want to be an interpreter.

 

 

Who do you think is the coolest? Do you have a hero?

My dad is my hero.

 

 

Do you want to go back to Ukraine?

Not now. I want to go back if the war ends.