What do Koreans think about Malaysia and Malaysians?

Well, normally I am alone in my lab, or with Mr Kim. However, this week, the lab seems to be more happening. Maybe it’s because that most classes have already ended as next week is final exam week. I get to have a long chat with Hong Ji-Hyun. I only saw her a few times. She had been in ELS, Malaysia for 4 months before to study English. Her English is not very good, but much more than the others who cannot even speak in English. She showed me her photos that she took in Malaysia. The places that she usually hangs out in Malaysia are KLCC, Sungai Wang and Megamall. In the eyes of Koreans, they feel that Malaysia is a poor country. However, she feels that it was different. She seems to enjoy her stay in KL, Malaysia. She’s surprise that Malaysians can actually speak good English. She’s very happy whenever she mentioned about the cheap stuff in Malaysia, such as imitation bag in Petaling Street. She even told me her experience as she bargained with the hawkers there. She likes to go shopping whenever there’s sale, especially those branded goods. As for food, she like the food at the Mamak stalls a lot. She commented that it’s cheap and nice.

There are a few things which she find it strange and surprise in Malaysia. There are no toilet papers in the toilet (most of them) and toilets in shopping complex need to pay. In Korea, there’s no “cicak”. She actually got a shock when she saw them in Malaysia. But, she likes them as they eat up the bugs. The weather in Malaysia is super hot for her. She commented that even summer in Korea is not so hot. Another professor who had been to Malaysia before also commented the same thing.

Koreans feel that we are very good in English as they are (normally) only good in their own mother tongue, Korean language. They do not study so many languages as us in Malaysia. Those who can speak good English are consider as clever and have a good future. Their image of Malaysian girls are short T.T

p/s: the electronic items in Korea is expensive as well. Luckily, I get my headset in Malacca, with help from Jin at a good bargain ^^