Welcome to AustCham Korea’s new series of business profile interviews, ‘Corridor Conversations’. This series is designed to highlight the diverse and dynamic experiences of our members, offer valuable insights for expats living in Korea, and promote businesses within the Australia-Korea community.
Each interview will delve into our members’ unique stories and initiatives, showcasing their contributions and the innovative work being done across various sectors. Through these conversations, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the Australia-Korea business landscape and provide a platform for our members to share their knowledge and expertise.
Corridor Conversations – Shelly Lee
Title: Project Manager – AustCham Korea
Quote: “It’s really interesting being a part of Team Australia – we have room to work broadly and we can do so much to help our members!”
What is your role at AustCham Korea?
As a Project Manager my key role is to make sure everything runs smoothly – Our members need to feel like they are a part of AustCham and feel that it’s beneficial for them. Usually, my role is to assist with Chamber-led events and initiatives, and work on social media, posting relevant news about Australia and Korea – whether that be about business or new achievements or promotions for our members. I’m always reaching out and keeping in contact with our members! Also, I will brainstorm with the team about upcoming events and work out all the details about how to run them and make them a success.
How did you come across AustCham Korea? What made you want to be involved?
I had a different career path before I was at AustCham. I had quit my job as a marketer at a start-up and wanted to do something different. At the time, I came across Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ). They needed an extra person to help in Seoul, so I joined them – it was really fun! I received a lot of positive feedback from both the QLD and Seoul office, and then Ryan Freer, who was the commissioner at the time and was also on the Board at AustCham, thought I’d be a good fit at AustCham. So I went for the position of Project Manager at AustCham.
What have been your impressions of AustCham since joining them?
I’m happy. It’s really interesting to be part of Team Australia—bridging Korea and Australia is a very fulfilling job!
What is your advice for first time expats who are looking at living or working in Korea?
Wherever you go, knowing the language is a very basic thing you can prepare or be ready for. I know that Korean and English is linguistically far away from each other and that makes it very difficult to learn the other language. But if I can speak English, than you can learn Korean! Anyone can do basic Korean – it’s doable. Knowing simple things and how to read Hangul will make it easier while travelling or doing anything in Korea. I believe when you study the language you get to learn the way people think, or how a person from a specific culture thinks.
Within the Australia-Korea relationship, what trends have you noticed? Do you feel optimistic about our future?
I have seen some difference between young people visiting Korea, versus young people visiting Australia. Young Aussies in Korea are NCP (New Colombo Plan) students who are highly educated and have lots of opportunities. Koreans of a similar age usually go to Australia on a working holiday and not all of them are highly educated. They’re either working on a farm or in hospitality – something that is physically challenging. That difference stood out for me – I did a working holiday myself in Australia. It’s sad to see that Koreans don’t get a chance like NCP students who come from Australia. Hopefully this can change moving into the future! I’m very optimistic because there aren’t any Koreans who don’t like Australia, and there are no Australians who don’t like Korea! This makes me feel very optimistic about the future.
Looking at successful expats who have moved to Korea, what common themes can you see? What makes them successful?
I would say being adaptable to differences. Food is very important – if you don’t like the food then you won’t make it! Generally, if people are easy going with things like food and being more understanding to differences then they won’t be too stressed by adjusting to a new country. They will actually make a living out of being in Korea! Also, dating or getting married to someone from Korea is always an effective way to learn about a culture!
Do you have any hobbies in Seoul?
Back in my university days, I would take my phone and wallet and go to any bus stop and take the first bus that came. I’d just sit there for a while and get off at any stop and then look for what to do – restaurants or cafes or sightseeing or exhibitions nearby. I like to explore random neighbourhood – it’s quite safe in Seoul and easy to do!
In the AustCham office, we like to eat lunch together as a team. Since I’ve joined, “Shelly’s Recommendations” has become quite famous – we usually like to take your recommendations. With that in mind, are there any favourite restaurants that you like to to eat at?
If you like budae jjigae (부대찌개 – a kind of spicy stew) there’s a place near the rear entrance of Seoul National University (SNU). It’s the best budae jjigae! There’s also a place called “Grains” in Yeonhuidong (연희동) – it used to be in Yeonnam (연남) but it recently moved. It’s a very Aussie style brunch spot – that’s another good place to go! Also, I like going to a coin karaoke room (노래방). At these places, you can go and sing by yourself – whenever I’m meeting a friend and if they’re running late I never get angry because I’ll just go to a karaoke room and sing!
Is there an Australian mannerism or slang that you’d like to introduce to Koreans?
I like all the quite slang that Australia has like brekkies (breakfast), arvo (afternoon), avo (avocado), or mossie (mosquito). I think they’re all so cute!
How about Korean slang, do you have any favourites?
Well Korean slang changes so fast – I can’t keep up! Something old school could work. Maybe something like “세상이 좋다” – it means that you know everyone and is kind of similar to saying “it’s a small world.”
That’s great! Shelly, thanks for your time!
Stay tuned for our upcoming interviews and join us as we explore the rich tapestry of experiences that make up our vibrant community. If you are interested in participating in this series, please email Rowan Petz at membership@austchamkorea.org
Interview credit: Michael Badrock.
