Olivia’s Family Story Spans France and South Korea Across Four Decades

Olivia’s family story began in France in the early 1980s, when her mother, then a professor and author in France, met her father, a tennis player in South Korea. Their relationship crossed a language barrier and was recounted in one of her mother’s books, Jam-sugyo-ga Geurida. The book became a bestseller at Kyobo Book Centre and other outlets.

Born and raised in France, Olivia grew up learning Korean from her father, who spoke both French and Korean. At home, the family spoke Korean in a form mixed with dialect. At a time when families with Korean and French parents were uncommon in France, her family connected the two cultures and eventually settled in South Korea. Olivia’s older brother was also born and raised there, having been born in 1983.

Olivia’s move to South Korea followed her decision to pursue a doctorate after completing a master’s degree in China. When she learned that Sookmyung Women's University was hiring a French conversation instructor, she applied immediately. After being hired, she moved to South Korea in time for the September semester, without time to sort out her belongings in China.

Teaching French while raising three children

She has also taught French in a training department for diplomatic candidates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. Now a working mother of three, she sends her children to French schools to maintain both cultural identities. The children are 10, 8 and 6. The older children attended French schools until last year, and the youngest is also starting at a French school this year.

Olivia retains French citizenship and lives in South Korea on a marriage immigrant visa. She speaks French, Korean, English, Spanish and Chinese. She describes the expanded way of thinking gained from experiencing both countries and cultures as a major advantage.

Finding appeal in the pace of both countries

Olivia says she is struck by South Korea’s convenience and rapid development, while finding a different appeal in France’s analog traditions. In contrast to South Korea’s digitally connected services, cash payments and handwritten records remain in use in rural France. She said it can feel striking to see people still keeping records by hand there.

She says France’s efforts to preserve tradition can sometimes appear inefficient, but also help maintain each country’s distinctive character. She finds charm, for example, in a grandmother running a shop according to old ways. Olivia’s daily life includes explaining the differences between the two countries to her children, as her family moves between the cultures.

Source: original video (YouTube)