Many Malaysians are familiar with Korean standard of ‘beauty’, catchy K-pop hit songs, handsome dancing group idols, sizzling Korean BBQ and crispy Korean Fried Chicken et cetera. But do you know that in terms of ‘national relationships’, both countries Republic of Korea and Malaysia have been close friends since 50 years ago?
The Diplomatic Ties
Diplomatic relations between two countries began since 23rd February 1960 with official, social and economic visits between both nations. The first trade agreement was made as earlier on the year 1962 between the Ministry of Agriculture in Malaysia and the Foreign Minister of South Korea.
The latest State visit of the South Korea current president Moon Jae In in Kuala Lumpur was happening 2 years ago on the year 2019. During the three-day visit starting 12 of March, the president have met with the Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir and the current Yang di-Pertuan Agong His Majesty Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah. The visit was made to strengthen the ties of two countries and lay a new groundwork to enhance bilateral relationship. While after few months, Tun Dr. Mahathir officially visited South Korea on 28th November in the same year.
The landmark of relations
Most Malaysians (and even Koreans) do not know how South Korea has contributed in a big part of the Malaysian infrastructure and technology. Two of the most popular landmarks in Malaysia were actually being built by Korean partners in the 1980s and 1990s. Can you have a guess?
Once the tallest building in the world, and still the tallest twin tower, the Petronas Twin Tower, one of it (Tower 2) was actually being built by a South Korean construction company! The contractor involved to the great architecture were the titan Samsung Engineering & Construction (and Kukdong Engineering & Construction).
Fun Fact! Each tower was being constructed by a Japan company and the South Korea company. In fact, Samsung E&C actually completed the tower earlier than the Japanese company.
Another great landmark that was done with the partnership of South Korean company is the once national longest bridge, the (first) Penang Bridge at the south of Malaysia. Connecting the mainland of Seberang Perai to the great Penang Island city, the Penang Bridge was constructed since 1982 by Hyundai Construction and Engineering Company from South Korea (and the United Engineers Malaysia Behad). As one of the mega project in Malaysia during the time, both companies of Korea and Malaysia worked together to complete the project despite of the challenging geography on the seabed.
Tragic Fact: During the construction, 20 workers were being killed by accidents, including 2 South Koreans together with other 8 victims after the collapsing of a crossbeam on Oct 20, 1984.
The Power of Love
Do you agree with me that ‘love doesn’t come with boundaries’? In the olden days, we can seldom heard stories of couples each from different origins. Recently, social media is popular with Korean-Malaysian couples and newly weds. For most Malaysians, it is something very new as we are always curious on how foreigners will look into our country’s culture. Although Malaysia and Korea are both considered to be conservative like most Asian societies, but indeed both cultures still have huge differences in terms of mindset, background, religion, food and lifestyle.
Mixed couples are gaining huge attention in social media like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok by sharing their experiences in the way of understanding each cultures and practicing it in real life. Relationship is all about tolerating and accepting the differences of one’s partner, and it’s more challenging, yet interesting for these couples!
P.S. Malaysian boys do have some charm to attract Korean girls ya….
Malaysia and Korea have gone far beyond than just on the surface of politics and economics, but somehow deeper exchanges of culture are happening naturally between the two societies.
With the fast internet world we are having now, it is glad to see everyone trying to understand and embrace the culture despite of the differences. We hope that the Koreans and Malaysians can always stay together as close friends, together understanding and embracing the beauty of both cultures.
Watch more about culture difference between Malaysians and Koreans through Blimey’s videos!
Written by
Melvin Tan
Online Supporter for Mission of Korea to ASEAN 2021
Bio-science student in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Korean Enthusiasts
Korean learner for 10 years, but still amateur
Instagram: @tanmawen
YouTube: Jom with Mawen
References
- Malaysia–South Korea relations
- South Korea’s interest in the Malaysian socio-economic development. The history of the “Look-To-The-East Idea”
- Dr M: Malaysia welcomes South Korea’s proposal to elevate ties to strategic partnership
- Moon attends state dinner in Malaysia
- South Korean President Moon Jae-in to make state visit to Malaysia to boost ties
- The history and construction of the Petronas Twin Towers
MyDaehan 🍂 