How Chinese and South Koreans View One Another

Interactions between South Koreans and Chinese increased tremendously after the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.

According to South Korean ambassador to China Kim Ha-joong in his book 腾飞的龙 (The Soaring Dragon, World Knowledge Publishing Press, 2002), these interactions led to an initial sense of South Korean "superiority."

After visiting parts of China, especially the northeastern provinces and having discovered the standards of living and average salaries there, many Koreans were said to "unabashedly look down on and despise the Chinese, especially those of ethnic Korean origin."

As Kim wrote: "After merely a few days of observation, Koreans in China began to denigrate China for being poor and dirty. When they were in restaurants, they spoke loudly in Korean to waiters and waitresses, used disrespectful language, and behaved in an ill-mannered way."

Which was the reason why Kim made it a point to tell his staff that "during the 2,000 years of relations between China and Korea, Korea had often lagged behind China. But this is the first time in history that Korea is wealthier than China. Seen in that light, this is perhaps the best of times in Sino-Korean relations. But it should be remembered that China will continue its economic development, and in two to three decades, it will become an economic force to be reckoned with."

"By then, even though Korea's income levels might still exceed China's, China's GDP will certainly exceed ours. And when that day comes, we will revert to the old days of Sino-Korean relations. So right now, if we do not adopt a more humble and friendly approach, we would adversely affect our future generations."

Turning to how the Chinese viewed Koreans, Kim noted that the first feelings were always "a sense of warmth" (亲切感) and the "feeling of family" (都是一家人).

Kim noted that most Koreans, including their surnames, originated from China. For instance, a former Korean President (guess which?!) originated from Shantong province (山东省), while a former foreign minister was said to be a descendant of Confucius.

Chinese, Kim noted, were also amazed that many Koreans understood complex Chinese characters, since many younger Chinese had already become accustomed to the simplified version and could not understand the complex version.

Chinese were also "impressed" at how the Koreans had not only preserved the Chinese influence in Korean culture, but had also "elevated" such influence. For instance, given how Confucius temples - even the one in the Confucius hometown of Qufu (曲阜) - were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese were "embarrassed" that in comparison, the Koreans had preserved their Confucian shrines and temples. The Chinese were also said to be "amazed" that Koreans had preserved many aspects of the Confucian tradition.

Other aspects which impressed the Chinese - Korea's rapid economic development, Koreans' illustriousness, professionalism, and strong nationalistic spirit (especially in light of how strongly the Korean government and its people had criticised and protested about Japan's "intransigence", and how similar reactions by the Chinese government and its people paled in comparison).

The Chinese were also said to be "extremely amazed" that during the 1997 financial crisis, many Koreans donated their possessions to help their country tide over the crisis. This, according to Kim, "was something totally incomprehensible according to the Chinese mindset."

But on the flip side of the coin, the Chinese viewed Koreans as being impatient, emotional and opinionated. As compared to the subtle Chinese way of talking, the Korean way was seen as too direct and militant. Chinese also felt that Koreans were prone to exaggeration and boasting, had inflated egos, and were inclined to measure everything in monetary terms.

The Chinese were also said to be "amazed" by the drinking culture in Korea, as Chinese usually had dinner at 6.30 pm, and were usually in bed by 9 or 10 pm. But the Koreans would visit bars and karaokes after dinner, and usually drank till they were barely conscious or "uttering nonsense."

Lastly, Kim claimed that Chinese women were generally put off by the MCP nature of Korean men, as the latter never helped out with housework, and do not seem to respect the fairer sex.

"Hence, in recent years in China, if daughters do not obey their parents, their parents would frighten them by saying "when you grow up, I'd marry you off to a Korean man!""