“I want to be a bridge that introduces Korean culture to foreigners. I’m happy now to live out what I truly love,” says Sarah Shalaby, once a dedicated biologist in France, who is now living her dream immersed in Korean culture. Sarah, who visits the palaces two to three times a week, is mired in volunteering at the K-Royal Culture Festival, reflecting her deep passion for Korea’s historical and cultural heritage.
During an interview on a gloomy March 22 with ChosunBiz, near the National Palace Museum of Korea and Gyeongbokgung Palace in central Seoul, Sarah shared her journey. While on her way to Gyeongbokgung Palace for a photo shoot for the article, dressed in traditional hanbok, she expressed her love for the palace. Throughout the interview, Sarah provided valuable insights as a “cultural ambassador,” offering advice to foreigners in Korea and exploring the royal palaces. She accompanied her husband, Kim Han-wool, who supported her narrative and expressed pride in Sarah’s efforts and significant cultural exchange contributions.
Please introduce yourself.
“My name is Sarah, and I’m from France. My interest in Korean culture and history was sparked in 2019 after watching dramas, leading to a deep love for Korean culture. Since then, I’ve developed a passion for the Korean language and have continued to study it since arriving in Korea. I’ve taken courses in calligraphy, folk painting, and the gayageum, and I’m currently learning about onggi. I was a scientist who studied biology for seven years in Paris. Now, I use social media to share Korean culture by introducing historical sites and heritage. I hope to serve as a bridge connecting French and Korean cultures.”
After watching dramas, what aspect sparked your interest in Korea?
“Living in France, I only knew Korea’s location. Then, I got hooked on Korean historical dramas on Netflix. The unique expressions and onomatopoeia in Korean fascinated me. It amazed me how the Korean language could express so much, sparking my curiosity about the language. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know about Korea’s history, kings, and culture, driving me to explore more about Korea in every way possible.”
What has your life been like since moving from France to Korea?
“Living in Korea has been a series of overcoming challenges, made possible through the unwavering support of my husband. I had many concerns about leaving my job at a pharmaceutical company in France, a position I had dedicated myself to through years of study and work. Despite my outstanding experience in France, it was not easily accepted in Korea. But my husband encouraged me to continue following my passion for learning Korean and Korean cultural history. Although my career and plans seemed to have come to a halt, I am thankful and happy that I can live the life I truly want.”
Could you share your experience working as a hanbok model?
“I occasionally work as a model for Hanok or guesthouse advertisement shoots. I get contacted when places like Eunpyeong Hanok Village need a foreign model. I learned about traditional hanbok thanks to an elder who, upon seeing me, said, ‘Miss, this type of hanbok is not traditional Korean hanbok.’ I think traditional hanbok reflects Korea’s identity, and I hope more people will recognize the true beauty of hanbok”
Sarah’s passion for Korean royal palaces and dedication to sharing Korean culture led her to volunteer at the K-Royal Culture Festival, taking on the role of “Goong-ee Doong-ee.”
What activities did you participate in as a Goong-ee Doong-ee last year?
“I participated in the traditional games section as a Goong-ee Doong-ee. There was also a drawing activity that many young tourists participated in, designed specifically for children. The traditional games allowed visitors of all ages to have a great time together. During the vacation season, we saw groups of students on school trips getting enthusiastically involved in games like Korean flipping game ttakji-chigi and traditional Korean throwing game tuho, which is my favorite.”
How long does the Goong-ee Doong-ee activity take place?
“The Goong-ee Doong-ee activities usually start around 10 a.m. and wrap up by 5 p.m., but various performances and events go on into the evening. On the last day of the Goong-ee Doong-ee activities, I had an unforgettable experience. Watching a pansori performance at Gyeongbokgung Palace with other Goong-ee Doong-ees, we held lanterns and danced together during the show. It felt like we were all connected. Those are such happy memories for me.”
Sarah humorously remarked, “If I fail to pass this year, I’ll protest like a true French person,” reflecting her deep commitment and love for the festival. Fortunately, she was once again selected as a Goong-ee Doong-ee this year, allowing her to continue her involvement in promoting Korean culture through this unique role.
What advice would you give foreigners who want to apply to Goong-ee Doong-ee?
“Even if you’re a foreigner and can’t speak Korean fluently, that’s okay. Your tone, posture, and facial expressions are important. Even if you only know a little Korean, showing that you’re trying is important. The Korean Goong-ee Doong-ees I met were kind, and thanks to them, I could make friends quickly. Once you put on a hanbok, all differences disappear, and everyone becomes one. A friend I made through Goong-ee Doong-ee activities even attended our wedding.”
You had a traditional wedding ceremony at Unhyeongung Palace. Could you share more about that experience?
“The day after the last Goong-ee Doong-ee activity, we held a traditional Korean wedding ceremony at Unhyeongung Palace. It was an exceptional choice for me, as someone who adores Korean culture and hanbok. Unhyeongung is a place where history and culture come to life. It was here that Emperor Gojong and Empress Myeongseong were married, and where the emperor’s father, Heungseon Daewongun, resided. The moment we got married in traditional wedding attire was filled with joy. The weather on our wedding day was perfect, and the autumn leaves were beautifully colored. We’ve decided to visit Unhyeongung on every wedding anniversary.”
What palace tour or experience program do you recommend?
“Everyone should try the ‘Saenggwabang’ experience. Located in the Sojubang annex of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Saenggwabang was where desserts and special dishes for the king and queen were prepared. You can sit on the floor inside Sojubang, drink tea, and enjoy desserts. All the staff wear hanbok and serve court tea and traditional Korean sweets on a ‘gaedari’ serving tray. But it’s so popular that getting tickets is very difficult. They were sold out in 15 seconds. Night-time tours at Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung are good too.”
Sarah explained how active searching led her to unique palace events. She discovered a royal guard changing ceremony on Instagram, which led to a hands-on experience in the changing of the guard ceremony. She emphasized that searching diligently, including on sites like the Cultural Heritage Administration, can reveal hidden opportunities.
What was your favorite event?
“My favorite and the most memorable event in Korea was the first event I ever attended, the ‘Royal Palace Walk’ at Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was my first time seeing a palace at night, and all I could do was marvel at its beauty. Seeing the king and queen taking a walk at night, accompanied by guards and escorts, was like watching history come alive. I did not need to say a word; I just appreciated the moment, which made it even more special because of my understanding of history. It strengthened my desire to continue learning and act as a bridge connecting French and Korean cultures.”
Do you have any advice for enjoying the palace visit better?
“Visiting royal palaces in hanbok for photos is delightful, but understanding the history and significance of these sites enhances the experience. For example, understanding and explaining Gyeongbokgung Palace’s historical context will make those memories stick with you more profoundly than any photo. Recognizing variations among palaces can ignite curiosity, leading to discoveries of similarities, differences, and an escalating desire to learn more. Often, a spark of interest evolves into passion. Curiosity is where passion begins.”
What are your future plans in Korea?
“With a deep passion for Korean culture, I aim to delve further into it. Whenever foreigners visit Korea, I often introduce them to traditional activities. Through active participation in these activities, I’ve surrounded myself with individuals deeply knowledgeable about traditional culture, expanding my network. With my connections within the cultural community continuing to grow, I am eager to keep working in areas related to Korean culture. I aspire to serve as a bridge introducing Korean culture to foreigners.”
In response to Sarah’s efforts and achievements, Kim said, “It’s truly gratifying to see Sarah’s genuine and sincere love for Korean culture being recognized. “It’s not merely for showing off but deeply heartfelt. I’m delighted that her authentic passion can naturally express itself through the media.”
The K-Royal Culture Festival, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, is Korea’s largest cultural heritage festival. It takes place every spring and autumn at Seoul’s five royal palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. This year’s spring festival runs from April 27 to May 5. To enhance visitors’ experience, the “K-Royal Palaces PASS” is introduced, allowing unlimited access to the palaces during the festival for 10,000 won. For additional details or to purchase the pass, visit the websites of the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation (www.chf.or.kr) and the K-Royal Culture Festival (www.chf.or.kr/fest).
