Introduction
I have to be honest that I didn't know much about Australia other than kangaroos, quokkas, koalas and the ton of wild animals that could kill you and bugs that are bigger than your hands. Pleasantly surprised, I didn't have to encounter any of the wild scary animals in the city itself.
My first impression of Australia was one of sharp contrasts. After an 11-hour flight from Seoul, I found myself only 2 hours ahead in timezone. Usually when I fly back to Germany it’s a 7 hour time difference while flying for 11 hours. I had left behind the harsh Korean winter and stepped into the warm embrace of an Australian of the end of the summer, trading my padded jacket for shorts and t-shirts almost immediately.
A Strange Yet Familiar Blend
Sydney feels like a fascinating hybrid - part European in its architecture and pace, yet distinctly Asian in its multicultural diversity. As someone who grew up in Germany with Vietnamese parents and now lives in Korea, I found myself picking up on cultural nuances that made Sydney both familiar and foreign.
First Impressions: The Good and the Surprising
- Incredible Safety: Perhaps most striking is how safe Sydney feels. Like Korea and unlike much of Europe nowadays, you can leave your belongings unattended without constant fear of theft. This sense of security was refreshing and reminded me of what I love about Seoul.
- Multicultural Paradise: The diversity here feels different from Europe. While both are multicultural, Sydney's international community seems more integrated and harmonious, contributing to that feeling of safety.
- Beach Culture: The proximity to gorgeous beaches like Coogee is something you simply don't get in Seoul. People here truly embrace outdoor living.
- Friendly Locals: Australians are surprisingly warm and welcoming, approaching interactions with a refreshing casualness.
- Public Space Enjoyment: Parks filled with people picnicking and relaxing reminded me of Korea's communal outdoor culture.
The Adjustment Challenges
- Cashless but Complicated: While Sydney is largely cashless with "Tap and Go" payments everywhere, I was surprised when my Korean bank cards weren't accepted, especially business cards without NFC capabilities.
- Card Ownership Issues: Many places wouldn't accept cards not under my name - something I hadn't encountered in Korea.
- Early Closing Times: Coming from Seoul's 24/7 culture, I was shocked to find most stores closing by 6:00 PM.
- Internet Speeds: After Korea's lightning-fast internet, Australia's slower connections were immediately noticeable.
- Card Payment Surcharges: Many places add extra fees for card payments - a practice virtually unheard of in Korea.
Cultural Observations
- School Uniforms: Seeing students in formal uniforms reminded me of Korea's educational culture.
- Shopping Independence: Unlike Korean stores where staff often follow you around, Australian store workers generally leave you alone to explore - similar to Germany.
- Clean Public Toilets: Like Korea, public restrooms are generally free and clean - a pleasant surprise.
- Optional Tipping: Similar to Korea and unlike America, tipping isn't expected but appreciated.
Culinary Adventures
- Authentic Asian Food: Sydney offers genuinely authentic Asian cuisine that far surpasses the adaptations found in Korea. The Vietnamese Pho in Vietnam Town, Cabramatta, rivals what I've eaten at my parents' home.
- Multicultural Dining: I've enjoyed incredible Chinese, Hong Kong, Taiwanese, Thai, and Italian cuisines - all remarkably authentic and delicious.
- Missing Australian Identity: Interestingly, I've struggled to find distinctly "Australian" food. With all the multicultural blending, something uniquely Australian seems missing from Sydney's culinary landscape.
Fitness Culture
- MMA Gym Community: Joining a local MMA gym has been a fantastic way to meet people and integrate into the local community.
- Early Risers: I'm impressed by the early fitness culture - my classes start at 7 AM with everyone getting their workout in before heading to work.
- Active Lifestyle: The dedication to fitness aligns with the overall outdoor and active culture I've observed throughout Sydney.
The Laid-Back Australian Lifestyle
- Refreshingly Relaxed: The laid-back attitude of Australians is striking, especially coming from Seoul's high-intensity environment. People here seem to have mastered the art of taking it easy.
- Weekday Leisure: It's common to see locals enjoying parks, having barbecues, or heading to the beach even during weekdays – a stark contrast to Seoul's work-focused culture.
- Casual Interactions: Every Australian I've met so far approaches conversations with a refreshing casualness that makes interactions feel genuine and stress-free.
- Work-Life Balance: There seems to be a genuine commitment to enjoying life outside of work hours, something that feels rare in Seoul's competitive atmosphere.
- Park Culture: Public spaces are constantly being utilized for relaxation – people reading books, having picnics, or simply lounging in the sun without the constant need to be productive.
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Korean Influences
Sydney's Korean influence is unmistakable, reflecting the growing soft power of Korean culture globally. During my two-week stay, I encountered numerous manifestations of Korean presence throughout the city:
- K-Pop Culture: Young enthusiasts gather near the Harbour Bridge for impromptu K-pop dance sessions, teaching and learning choreographies together.
- Korean Cuisine: The city boasts a thriving Korean restaurant scene, offering authentic Korean dishes to both locals and tourists.
- Working Holiday Popularity: Many Koreans choose Sydney for their working holiday experience, attracted by the high hourly minimum wages (24.10 AUD) and the opportunity to escape Korea's intense work culture. Compared to (10,030 KRW) twice as much to Korea.
- Cultural Retail: Korean-style cute stores and K-beauty shops are becoming increasingly common in shopping districts.
Interestingly, while many Koreans enjoy their time in Sydney, particularly appreciating the relaxed lifestyle and freedom from social pressures, some eventually return to Korea, citing Australians "slower" (boring) atmosphere compared to Korea's vibrant, fast-paced lifestyle.
Conclusion
Having grown up in Germany with Vietnamese heritage and now living in Korea, I find myself in a unique position to observe Sydney's cultural landscape. It feels like a strange blend of European spaciousness and organization combined with Asian diversity and entrepreneurial energy, yet with its own distinct Australian identity.
What struck me most was the feeling of safety despite the diversity - a stark contrast to some European cities where increasing multiculturalism has unfortunately coincided with safety concerns. Here, the different cultural groups seem to coexist more harmoniously, creating a vibrant yet secure environment reminiscent of what I appreciate about Korea.
This trip down under has been a fascinating glimpse into yet another cultural perspective, adding to my already complex multicultural identity. As I continue my journey here, I look forward to discovering more about this unique blend of influences that makes Sydney both familiar and refreshingly different.
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About the Author
Kim Ninja (Huy-Kim Nguyen)
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