Our factory employs a number of top engineers, but what you may not know is that the Hungarian team is also supported by a number of Korean professionals. We spoke to one of EU DST’s senior engineers, Hogyeom Kim, about his year here, what he likes about our country and what he has been able to embrace about Hungarian culture.
“Hungarians are nice, the country is beautiful, the food is delicious”
How and why did you end up in Rácalmás?
I had an opportunity to try myself outside Korea. I have never been to Europe before, so I was really excited to come here. I also wanted to see how tires are built and tested in the Hungarian factory. It is true that I will be in Hungary for a year only, returning at the beginning of 2023, but even during this short span of time, I will have gained a lot of experience in Rácalmás.
I assume Hankook is your first job. What do you like about it?
Yes, I started working for Hankook three years ago after completing my Master’s and I am currently a senior engineer in the EU Development Support Team. I love cars, so it was obvious that I wanted to work for an automotive company. I also wrote my thesis on internal combustion engines. I know that the focus for the automotive industry is increasingly on electro-mobility, but for me the sound of the engine and the petrol fumes are part of the driving experience. I believe that classic is always best.
What were your first experiences when you arrived here?
Hungarian people are very friendly. As I said, I have never been to Europe before and that I came alone from Korea. Although I knew some of my colleagues by name, as we had been in contact online for certain projects before, but I did not know them personally. Everyone here was welcoming, open to me and helped me to settle in quickly.
Korean and Hungarian are two very different cultures. What was that appeared natural for us, but unusual to you?
Hmm, maybe the fact that almost everyone in Hungary has a hobby. In Korea, most people, when they come home after a long day at work, just lie down on the couch and watch Netflix. This was a very important lesson for me, by the way, because I agree that people need to recharge or find something to satisfy their interests.
What do you do in your spare time?
I read. I like to go out to Margaret Island with one of my favorite books on philosophy and just listen to my inward voice. I read a few pages, reflect a bit and organize my thoughts. That’s what really fills me up. I need me-time, a bit of solitude, after being overwhelmed by all the impulses.
In general, what do you think about Hungary?
Beautiful country, friendly people, great weather. I like the lively, colorful nightlife of Budapest best, but I’ve also been to Tihany with my brother. Lake Balaton is beautiful, sparkles like a diamond! The food and drinks are delicious, I really like Hungarian cuisine. Besides the classic dishes, of course, there are also drinks like Pálinka and Unicum. And, I liked the goulash so much that I learned to make it myself. When my brother visited me here, he said he would definitely come back in the future. I can understand why he said that.