Korean Student In Japan

By Kunteku YUKU

I came to Japan four years ago from Seoul, Korea. My family moved to Japan because of my father's job. I couldn't speak any Japanese when I came. I only spoke Korean.

Korea is different from Japan. Not just the language, food and architecture but also the people. Korean people are tough and easily irritated. I think Korean people fight more than Japanese people.

In Korea we have National Service which means that all 18-19 year old boys must join the army from two and a half to four years. If a student goes to univesrity, he will do his National Service anytime after he finishes. Korean women don't have to do this. There is no National Service in Japan. I don't think National Service is bad because it is for the country. I'll have to do this when I go back to Korea next year.

During my time in Japan I learnt Japanese and made many friends. The hardest part of my life here was the culture. I think Japanese people have a deliberate way of thinking. It is not always exciting. When I go back to Korea, I'll never forget Japan.