04/19/2026
Korean Born and Raised In Indonesia
Korean Born & Raised in Indonesia: Yejin's Experience
Yejin, a Korean by birth and upbringing, was born and raised in Indonesia. Reflecting on her experience, she notes that in the past, Korea was not widely recognized in Indonesia, leading some to mistake her nationality for Chinese or Japanese. However, this perception has shifted significantly as Korea has become increasingly famous globally.
Nowadays, upon hearing her name, 'Yejin,' many Indonesians immediately identify her as Korean. When recognized as Korean, Yejin shares that she is treated exceptionally well. She attributes this positive reception to the widespread popularity of Korean dramas and K-pop in Indonesia, which have fostered a very positive image of Korea. This appreciation means that when she reveals her Korean heritage, she is consistently met with kindness, for which she is very grateful.
What Yejin cherishes most about living in Indonesia as a Korean is the Indonesian people themselves. She describes them as very warm and believes their kindness isn't exclusive to her as a Korean but extends generally to everyone. She draws a parallel to the Korean concept of 'Chong,' suggesting a similar sense of deep connection and warmth among Indonesians. She feels the people in Indonesia also possess this 'Chong,' contributing to her positive experience.
