If there’s one country I really admire and love to learn from, na Korea. The way the people carry their self, their culture, their discipline and how they value respect, all these things dey always touch me deep. I no go lie, the first time I begin to know small small things about Korea, na through movies those K-dramas wey person go just sit watch and forget say time dey go.
I remember one drama I watch that year, the main guy no give up even when everything scatter for him life. He fail exam, lose job, and even his girlfriend dump am. But the guy still continue, still dey smile, still dey work on himself. I come pause the movie that day and just dey think, “Why this guy no just give up?” That thing teach me say Korean people really get this strong spirit of not giving up what they call “hwaiting!” or “fighting spirit.”
Since then, I begin observe how Koreans dey live, and I notice say their work ethic no be joke. Whether student or worker, everybody dey serious about what them dey do. I watch videos of Korean students reading late into night with cup of coffee beside them, and I just dey reason say if many of us fit get that same focus, life for sweet pass like this.
But e no be only hard work we fit learn from Korea. The way they respect people, especially elders, na something we Nigerians sabi too but sometimes we dey forget. When I see Koreans bow to greet, it dey remind me of Yoruba way of kneeling or prostrating. That one dey show say even if we far apart for distance, our hearts still dey close in value.
Another thing wey I like be how them dey promote their culture proudly. From K-pop to food like kimchi, bibimbap, and tteokbokki they no shy to show the world who they be. That kind confidence dey inspire me because it remind me say our Nigerian culture too deserve to be seen and celebrated.
To me, learning from Korea no be about copying them, but picking inspiration from the good side of their ways. Their unity, their respect, their consistency all na things I wish many of us go learn and practice. Korea just dey show say with hardwork, respect, and small hope, you fit turn even small country into world example.
