I have friends who’ve received rejection letters for teaching jobs they weren't very qualified for due to their complexion. Since COVID-19, an acquaintance of mine stated that a Korean guy told her to go back to Africa and stop destroying America. I can’t speak for every black girl in South Korea. But I recognize that we laugh, cry and get frustrated at the similar realities of being black women in South Korea. Korea isn’t flawless yet no country is. This is my personal experience and opinion of being a Black American living in South Korea.
Inspired by one of my favorite film directors, Bong Joon-ho, I left the spacious state of Texas with an exciting job and a dream of becoming a foreign filmmaker. It took me not being enclosed by my own folk to be able to appreciate what sets me apart. My 3 years of living here have done nothing but confirmed my God-given gifts and cultivated my appreciation for my rich brown skin.
Asian societies favor lighter skin over tan skin. Historically in their social circles, lighter skin signified a comfortable indoor lifestyle and darker skin was correlated with laborious fieldwork…poverty. Korea is no exception to the white skin standard of beauty. It’s not uncommon for me to walk past a Korean advertisement with European models promoting Korean brands on my way to work. It’s not uncommon for me to see a white and Korean interracial couple far more often than a black and Korean interracial couple.
Even though darker skin may not fit the typical Asian beauty standard, Koreans are slowly becoming more accepting of people of color. I see this through the recent growth in black Korean entertainers, the annual Seoul African festival, and model agencies representing Blasian children. All that to say, I don’t feel as much racial pressure or fear of being black inAmerica. I don’t have to be concerned with being someone’s target practice.
Here, I'm an American who happens to be black. When I first moved here it took some time for me to adjust to certain societal differences such as the abnormal level of safety I feel, the rat race of finding a seat on polished subways, air pollution, and being categorized as a foreigner from America. I was so used to being labeled black first and Americansecond. When my Korean friends referred to me as just a foreigner, I would wait for them to mention that I was black as well. It feels good to be able to walk into a store and not have to feel unwelcomed because of the color of my skin. South Koreans love Marvel films and when Black Panther hit the screen Koreans were hyped.
The movie not only altered the perception of black people but also acknowledged Korean society by having scenes shot in their very own city of Busan. It boosted South Korea’s exposure around the world and aided my students to see me in a different light. I’m greeted with warm ann-yong-ha-se-yo (hello in Korean) Yolissma Teacher and excitement when they see me in or out of the classroom. I can’t put a price on those moments, but I know it’s their way of showing acceptance. Yes, at times I get curious stares or hair touches from little ones and a-ju-mma’s (middle-aged Korean women).
For the most part, I’ve developed a tolerance for it. I know it’s not done out of maliciousness but out of curiosity. I once had a Korean friend ask if he could rub my skin. At first, I was a bit taken aback by it. No one had ever asked me such a question. He was amazed at how soft my brown skin was. Later, he told me he had never met a foreigner, let alone a black person. He only heard through word of mouth what black people were like.
Unquestionably, I take it as a duty to shatter the preconceived notions that have been taught through the media about darker skin. I am bridging the gap between my black American culture and Korean culture. And if at times I ever feel hindered, it’s not because of the color of my skin but the language barrier mainly. Learning the language will present you with more opportunities and local experiences. Personally, I think speaking Korean and having a darker complexion are advantages here. You’re able to bring divergent creativity, divergent points of view to the table and you just look cool.
Overall my experience living in Korea has been humbling and rewarding. I have gained memorable opportunities to showcase my photography and acting skills that I probably wouldn’t have gained in America. I’ve been able to find gigs as a movie extra and be a fashion photographer. Living in South Korea helped me to unpack my American westernized perspective and learning to love how I am fearfully, wonderfully, made in His image. I feel more confident now about my long-term goals and I’m glad I took the leap and moved overseas.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Love for travel, fascination of diasporas, and Asian motion pictures inspired Yolissma to move aboard. Her visuals serve as vehicles of activism to encourage, educated, and inspire. She is also a member of the Nate Parker Film Institute class of 2018.
