서울살이는 시야가 넓어진 행운의 경험
외국살이 서울살이 l 미쇼노-브리예 마테오(프랑스)
등록 : 2025-02-27 14:12 수정 : 2025-03-04 10:09
[‘외국살이 서울살이’는 서울살이를 하는 외국인들이 겪는 여러 가지 이야기를 진솔하게 터놓는 열린 발언대입니다. seoul01@hani.co.kr로 투고 환영합니다. 편집자주]
2024년 9월16일 저는 한국에 도착했습니다. 저는 이 거대한 도시에 압도됐습니다. 12살 때부터 꿈꿔왔던 도시가 제 앞에 펼쳐져 설렘으로 가득 찼고, 앞으로 새로운 사람들을 만나고, 이곳에서 많은 것을 배우게 되리라는 기대에 부풀었습니다. 기대와는 달리 첫 몇 주는 쉽지 않았습니다.
가장 큰 어려움은 역시 언어 장벽이었습니다. 휴대전화 번역 앱을 사용했지만 일상적인 소통은 여전히 힘들었습니다. 생애 처음으로 혼자 국외에 온 터라 적응이 쉽지 않았고 가끔 무력감에 빠지기도 했지만 필요할 때면 언제든 지역 주민, 호스트 패밀리, 그리고 다른 외국인 학생들에게 도움을 받으며 적응했습니다. 언어가 달라도 마음은 통했습니다.
영어는 특히 유용했는데, 대부분의 사람이 어느 정도 이해하기 때문입니다. 이곳에서 한국어뿐 아니라 영어 실력도 많이 늘었습니다.
서울은 매우 현대적인 도시라 적응하는 데 어렵지 않았습니다. 교통이 편리해 어디든 쉽게 갈 수 있었고 낯선 도시지만 길을 찾는 것도 어렵지 않았습니다. 서울에는 볼거리와 배울 것이 넘쳐났고, 만난 사람들과 들었던 수업, 그리고 도시 곳곳의 느낌이 저를 성장하게 했습니다. 이 거대한 도시 속에서 제가 얼마나 작은 존재인지도 깨달았습니다.
무엇보다도 한국 사람들의 따뜻함에 깊이 감동했습니다. 등산할 때면 처음 보는 사람들이 길을 안내해주거나, 미소를 지으며 인사를 건네는 모습이 인상적이었습니다. 한번은 도봉산 등산 중에 만난 나이 든 여성들과 함께 걷게 됐는데 서로의 삶과 미래에 대한 이야기를 나눴고, 그분들이 김밥과 막걸리를 나줘주신 덕분에 단순하지만 훈훈한 점심을 함께 하는 환대와 친절을 경험하기도 했습니다. 도봉산 정상인 신선대에서 내려다본 서울의 전경과 그 너머로 끝없이 펼쳐진 지평선은 숨이 멎을 듯 아름다웠습니다.
서울을 사랑하게 된 이유 중 하나는 바로 산과 자연입니다. 도시 곳곳에 산이 있고, 도심과 자연이 깊이 연결돼 있다는 점이 매력적입니다. 저는 이것이 한국 문화에 큰 영향을 미쳤다고 생각합니다. 산 곳곳에 자리한 불교 사찰들을 보며 이 나라의 깊은 전통을 더 알고 싶어졌습니다.
친구들과 함께 서울의 밤도 경험할 수 있었습니다. 특히 홍대와 이태원의 클럽 문화는 인상적이었습니다. 음악과 사람들 사이에 활기찬 에너지가 넘쳤고, 한국인과 외국인들이 함께 어울리는 모습은 정말 즐거웠습니다. 밤늦게까지 이어지는 파티와 네온사인 아래의 산책은 긴 하루를 마무리하며 좋은 추억을 만들기에 완벽했습니다. 서울은 낮과 밤이 모두 살아 있는 도시입니다. 낮에는 수많은 카페와 상점, 고궁과 사찰이 기다리고 있고, 밤에는 클럽과 화려한 불빛이 도시를 가득 채웁니다. 이곳은 역사와 현대가 공존하는 곳이며, 누구에게나 매력적인 도시라고 생각합니다. 다양한 사람들과의 만남을 통해 시야가 넓어지는 행운을 경험했습니다. 이 특별한 경험을 누구에게나 꼭 추천하고 싶습니다. 글·사진 미쇼노-브리예 마테오(프랑스) 번역 지은진(홈스테이 매니저) [원문 보기] My experience in Seoul. On September 16, 2024, I arrived in South Korea. A mix of excitement and anxiety took over me. Between the sadness of saying goodbye to my family and the long stay ahead in this new country, I felt a lot of apprehension. Without knowing it, on this first day of travel, I met someone who would bring a lot into my life. I was warmly welcomed into this new host family and discovered my new environment. I immediately felt heard and protected. I think many of us felt very small during those first days. This immense city, the one I had been dreaming about since I was 12, was now at my feet. From the start, I was filled with excitement: I was about to meet new people and learn so much about the world around me. But despite all this excitement, those early days—and even the first few weeks—came with big challenges. The language barrier was an obstacle. Fortunately, I had my phone to help me with translations, but it was still a real difficulty while traveling. Since it was my first time traveling alone abroad, I felt useless for not being able to adapt quickly. That’s when I discovered (after getting lost because of this barrier) that I was never really alone: in times of need, I could ask for help from locals, my host family, or other foreign students. Even though communication can be difficult at times, we always manage to understand each other. English helped me a lot, as it is a language that most people know at least a little. It allowed me to challenge myself and push my limits—one of the reasons I chose to go abroad. Learning foreign languages became my goal. Being alone in another country, I could only improve my Korean and English skills. What helped me adapt a lot was the fact that Seoul is a very modern city, where it’s easy to get around and find one’s place. In five months, I have experienced so much. I discovered a passion for foreign languages and for the world. There are so many things to do and learn in Seoul. Between the classes I attended, the people I met, and the realization that in such a huge city, humans are so small, I grew both personally and culturally. People are so warm in South Korea. For example, during my many mountain hikes, there was always someone willing to help or smile at me. It makes me happy to see how supportive people are here. One day in autumn, I met a group of elderly ladies during a hike. We shared many stories about our experiences and future plans. I’ve always enjoyed talking with older people—they always have so much to teach. They even invited us to share their lunch. It was such a pleasant moment: the kimbaps and makgeolli were delicious. It was a simple and comforting time. After the meal, my friends and I had to say goodbye and decline their invitation to dinner at one of their homes—another example of this people's hospitality and kindness. We then continued our hike on Dobongsan, which is, by the way, the most beautiful mountain I have ever seen. When we reached its peak (Sinseon-dae Jeong-sang), we felt so proud. The view was incredible: we could see Seoul, but also far beyond, stretching endlessly into the horizon. That’s what I love so much about Seoul—there are so many mountains, and you can feel how deeply connected this city is to nature. Itruly believe that this has strongly influenced the country’s culture. Buddhist temples are also very present in the mountains, which makes me want to learn more about this culture. I also discovered another side of Seoul thanks to a new encounter. With the organization that helped me come here, my friends and I met a former student during an event. Thanks to him, we discovered Seoul at night and realized how lively this city remains even after sunset. That’s how I discovered the clubs of Hongdae and Itaewon, where music and interactions between Koreans and foreigners set the atmosphere. I really enjoyed it because it’s a great way to unwind after a long day and create incredible memories while having fun. There is always something to do in Seoul—whether at night, with clubs and neon-lit walks, or during the day, with countless restaurants, shops, and cafés. Not to mention Korea’s rich history, which you can explore through its temples and palaces. I think this city can appeal to many people because of its cultural diversity. Thanks to Seoul and the people I met, my Korean skills have improved a lot. I was lucky to experience so much in such a short time. A big thank you for my host family who gave me a lot of love an beautiful memories. I have grown a lot as a person, and this is an experience I highly recommend. Michonneau—Brillet Mattéo 서울살이 길라잡이 서울앤(www.seouland.com) 취재팀 편집
스웨덴, 덴마크, 캐나다에서 온 친구들과 함께 북한산, 종로 카페에서 즐거운 시간을 보내고 있다.
친구들과 함께 서울의 밤도 경험할 수 있었습니다. 특히 홍대와 이태원의 클럽 문화는 인상적이었습니다. 음악과 사람들 사이에 활기찬 에너지가 넘쳤고, 한국인과 외국인들이 함께 어울리는 모습은 정말 즐거웠습니다. 밤늦게까지 이어지는 파티와 네온사인 아래의 산책은 긴 하루를 마무리하며 좋은 추억을 만들기에 완벽했습니다. 서울은 낮과 밤이 모두 살아 있는 도시입니다. 낮에는 수많은 카페와 상점, 고궁과 사찰이 기다리고 있고, 밤에는 클럽과 화려한 불빛이 도시를 가득 채웁니다. 이곳은 역사와 현대가 공존하는 곳이며, 누구에게나 매력적인 도시라고 생각합니다. 다양한 사람들과의 만남을 통해 시야가 넓어지는 행운을 경험했습니다. 이 특별한 경험을 누구에게나 꼭 추천하고 싶습니다. 글·사진 미쇼노-브리예 마테오(프랑스) 번역 지은진(홈스테이 매니저) [원문 보기] My experience in Seoul. On September 16, 2024, I arrived in South Korea. A mix of excitement and anxiety took over me. Between the sadness of saying goodbye to my family and the long stay ahead in this new country, I felt a lot of apprehension. Without knowing it, on this first day of travel, I met someone who would bring a lot into my life. I was warmly welcomed into this new host family and discovered my new environment. I immediately felt heard and protected. I think many of us felt very small during those first days. This immense city, the one I had been dreaming about since I was 12, was now at my feet. From the start, I was filled with excitement: I was about to meet new people and learn so much about the world around me. But despite all this excitement, those early days—and even the first few weeks—came with big challenges. The language barrier was an obstacle. Fortunately, I had my phone to help me with translations, but it was still a real difficulty while traveling. Since it was my first time traveling alone abroad, I felt useless for not being able to adapt quickly. That’s when I discovered (after getting lost because of this barrier) that I was never really alone: in times of need, I could ask for help from locals, my host family, or other foreign students. Even though communication can be difficult at times, we always manage to understand each other. English helped me a lot, as it is a language that most people know at least a little. It allowed me to challenge myself and push my limits—one of the reasons I chose to go abroad. Learning foreign languages became my goal. Being alone in another country, I could only improve my Korean and English skills. What helped me adapt a lot was the fact that Seoul is a very modern city, where it’s easy to get around and find one’s place. In five months, I have experienced so much. I discovered a passion for foreign languages and for the world. There are so many things to do and learn in Seoul. Between the classes I attended, the people I met, and the realization that in such a huge city, humans are so small, I grew both personally and culturally. People are so warm in South Korea. For example, during my many mountain hikes, there was always someone willing to help or smile at me. It makes me happy to see how supportive people are here. One day in autumn, I met a group of elderly ladies during a hike. We shared many stories about our experiences and future plans. I’ve always enjoyed talking with older people—they always have so much to teach. They even invited us to share their lunch. It was such a pleasant moment: the kimbaps and makgeolli were delicious. It was a simple and comforting time. After the meal, my friends and I had to say goodbye and decline their invitation to dinner at one of their homes—another example of this people's hospitality and kindness. We then continued our hike on Dobongsan, which is, by the way, the most beautiful mountain I have ever seen. When we reached its peak (Sinseon-dae Jeong-sang), we felt so proud. The view was incredible: we could see Seoul, but also far beyond, stretching endlessly into the horizon. That’s what I love so much about Seoul—there are so many mountains, and you can feel how deeply connected this city is to nature. Itruly believe that this has strongly influenced the country’s culture. Buddhist temples are also very present in the mountains, which makes me want to learn more about this culture. I also discovered another side of Seoul thanks to a new encounter. With the organization that helped me come here, my friends and I met a former student during an event. Thanks to him, we discovered Seoul at night and realized how lively this city remains even after sunset. That’s how I discovered the clubs of Hongdae and Itaewon, where music and interactions between Koreans and foreigners set the atmosphere. I really enjoyed it because it’s a great way to unwind after a long day and create incredible memories while having fun. There is always something to do in Seoul—whether at night, with clubs and neon-lit walks, or during the day, with countless restaurants, shops, and cafés. Not to mention Korea’s rich history, which you can explore through its temples and palaces. I think this city can appeal to many people because of its cultural diversity. Thanks to Seoul and the people I met, my Korean skills have improved a lot. I was lucky to experience so much in such a short time. A big thank you for my host family who gave me a lot of love an beautiful memories. I have grown a lot as a person, and this is an experience I highly recommend. Michonneau—Brillet Mattéo 서울살이 길라잡이 서울앤(www.seouland.com) 취재팀 편집