Many Korean people boast about the fact that Korea is one of the few homogeneous countries left on earth. We think the world of ourselves for the cultural unity we have maintained throughout our turbulent history. We invest great pride in our unique linguistic characteristics and racial integrity. Yet, as many international examples attest, a culture can be greatly enriched by diversity and still remain a cohesive society. If you think this is out of the question, I highly recommend that you meet Myrna Barredo.
   I first came to know this dedicated cross-cultural consultant for the Filipino community six years ago when I was a social worker at the Marine Center. I ran into her again at Chung-Ang Cathedral in Nampodong. For years this Catholic church has, with Myrna’s help, been providing health and legal aid for foreign workers in Pusan and nearby areas. I was quite surprised to see her still living here, as most expatriates, especially those from South East Asian countries, tend to leave this country after only a year or two. She credited her stability to her dedication to nursing and her commitment to the Filipino community here.
   Myrna is widely admired for making Pusan a more diverse and colorful place to live and work. She is also the most reliable person to go to for advice along the difficult road traveled by foreign Asian workers in Pusan. Gracious as always, Myrna consented to answer a few questions about her role in our expatriate community.
 
Z: What brought you to Pusan? 
M: I came here to get a job so that I can support my family. They live in the Phillippines. Working as a nurse, I think I’m lucky to be able to help them because it’s more stable and reliable than any other work for foreigners.  

Z: So, you help other international workers at Chung-Ang Cathedral. How did you get involved? 
M: Well, as you may know, most Filipinos are Catholic — like one big family. We get together once a week, only on Sundays, because we are usually tied up with heavy work. But, it doesn’t mean that you must be Catholic to get information or help from the church. I’m doing this work because I’ve been here for a long time and know some short cuts to a much more safe and comfortable life in Korea. So, everyone’s welcome to make inquiries.

Z: Do you get together to celebrate Filipino holidays? 
M: Uh... the chances are slim, actually, because most of them live in the dormitories in different factories — in Shinpyong, Changrim, and Koopyong — and they have curfews. How can you go downtown after work if you should be home by 10 o’clock or so? More strict rules apply to women. Some of them are not allowed to take days off, even on Christmas holidays. However, we have a strong bond established, like a family, and whenever we are together, we have a good time sharing foods and singing and dancing.

Z: Tell me more about the workers. 
M: They are from other Asian countries, about 700 from the Philippines and some from Burma and Pakistan. There are some Russian seamen or tradesmen who visit the church sometimes as well. Most of them are labor workers. Their contracts usually include housing—dormitories, mostly—food allowances, basic health care services and, of course, wages. (There are) no fringe benefits and some nasty Korean bosses treat them badly. If the working conditions are not that good, it causes workers to break their contracts and run away to get other temporary work. Eventually it only makes the matter worse because illegal workers can’t get any medical benefits at all. 

Z: What do you think of Korean people and culture in general?
M: I like them lots. I think education here is quite tough on the students and, in some aspects, it’s thought quite important and necessary as it’s the main resource that develops young people and the country. We need that in my home country. Korean girls are remarkably fashionable. As for cultural encounters, you name it. What I’ve learned from my stay here is to never argue with the Korean elderly. Don’t even talk back. What they want is every possible respect (accorded) to them, but they don’t seem to do the same to others. For me, I always tell my friends not to even try to answer back. Saying “yes, please” is good enough. As far as I’m concerned, being aware of the culture is very important and there’s no reason to get into trouble by saying “What the hell?” to them, even if you know what’s right and what’s wrong.

Z: How do you like your workplace?
M: It’s quite nice. People are friendly. I have a good boss. But, there’s something a bit strange. I’ve seen those Korean nurses slam the door at times. It seems that they don’t care what patients would think of it. I don’t get it. What do they do that for? 

   Myrna is alluding to the legendary aloofness of the Korean bedside manner. Regarding this behavior, and the notorious inflexibility of Korean elders, I don’t really have an answer to give her. It seems that misunderstandings like these stem from poor communication of language and culture equally. As long as Korea remains as undiluted as it is, they will no doubt continue to happen. 
   Finishing her coffee, Myrna added that visiting the public bath is one of her favorite pastimes. On this we  enthusiastically agree and I hope that our next discussions take place in the comforting surroundings of the bath house.
   If you have some questions or would like to meet this remarkable woman, give her a call at 011-885-0497. You can also contact Mr. Kim Bong Hee at the Chung-Ang Cathedral (051) 245-0521.