Music festivals and manaakitanga: Kiwi intern's four weeks in Seoul
From K-dramas to Korean BBQ, Korean culture is distinctive and popular on the global market. The opportunity to work at CJ Cultural Foundation combined Rīpeka Raihania’s interests in arts and culture with her international career aspirations. She spent four weeks interning remotely from New Zealand and another four weeks based in Seoul, South Korea, working in their office.
After landing in Seoul, it did not take long for the ball to get rolling. Working with the CJ Cultural Foundation meant there were no shortages of things to do. Among the numerous learning opportunities and activities, we experienced South Korea in a way no tourist package could offer. The CJ Cultural Foundation is part of CJ CheilJedang - an affluent food, logistics, and media company in South Korea. The company’s work contributes to the outreach of Korean culture through various mediums. Their multi-production studio facility, CJ ENM Studio Centre hosts massive sets that capture the magic of K-dramas.
Without a doubt, the work environment is different from Aotearoa. With a larger population, work expectations tend to be higher, and efficiency is highly valued. However, there was no compromise on manaakitanga (hospitality). Our colleagues were very welcoming and supportive. Having an office cafeteria was a bonus; it helped us practice the local language and get to know our work neighbors.
It was ideal that we were in the country at the same time as the NZ indie band “There’s a Tuesday” was completing a 10-day residency, also with CJ Cultural Foundation. We got to accompany them as they explored the Korean music scene. One highlight was watching some of the cultural foundation’s bands at the Pentaport Rock Festival in Inchon. What a way to spend a hot summer’s day by festival-going in Korea!
Rīpeka Raihania and fellow interns outside the CJ Cultural Foundation's ENM Studio Centre
With the band, we interns got a taste of the South Korean indie music market. I found there is a different approach to music arrangement. Artists are affiliated with one company that caters to all of their needs as opposed to being signed to numerous companies and their services. This approach reflects the efficiency embodied by Koreans! From the listener’s point of view, there are many logistical considerations behind successful artists. Without a doubt, cultural values underpin the expectations and execution consistent with their respective markets.
We visited CJ Cultural Foundation’s CJ Azit office and it did not disappoint. It hosts a recording studio, concert venue, and an office for Tune Up artists and support staff. Tune Up is another CJ Cultural Foundation initiative – it provides comprehensive support to young indie musicians. At the CJ Azit office, us interns gave summaries on each aspect of the cultural foundation to our kiwi peers. We got to see There’s a Tuesday perform at the Tune Up meets Fresh Finds concert alongside upcoming Tune Up bands.
Group shot at the Pentaport Rock Festival - a "highlight" of her experience.
If there is one thing that exceeded my expectations, it was the food. In the office, the cafeteria provided a rotation of delicious Korean kai. Outside of the office, the options were infinite. Fortunately, our Korean speaking colleagues ensured our taste-buds got the full cultural experience!
Seoul offers an infinite number of attractions and we made the most of our free time. From exploring the palace in Hanbok to sightseeing from the Namsan Tower, there is still so much of the city left to discover. The public transport allowed for efficient exploration of the high-rises, cool pop-ups, museums, and historic architecture.
Being Māori provides a deep appreciation of culture and tikanga (customs). Therefore, the culturally rich yet modern city of Seoul has a special place in my ngākau (heart). The connection between the CJ Cultural Foundation and the Asia New Zealand Foundation has allowed me to aspire towards a career in Asia. Nā reira (with that), my advice is to have no expectations, just an open mind and a good work ethic!
The Foundation's Business Programme supports New Zealand companies to better understand Asia so they can make the most of opportunities in the region. It also supports to grow the next generation of Asia-savvy business leaders.
Our internship programme helps interns build a better understanding of the people, place and culture of their Asian host country, while developing industry-specific skills that will benefit them as they progress in their careers.
