1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson explores the experiences of Cambodian tourists and migrant workers in Korea, and the growing issue of xenophobia and discrimination in Korean society.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 캄보디아인 | Kambodiaein | Cambodian | The Cambodian tourists were suddenly told to check out of their hotel. |
| 있다 | itda | to be, to exist | The taxi drivers were lined up, waiting. |
| 있는 | inneun | existing, present | The Cambodian migrant worker was meeting a friend. |
| 13일 | sipsam-il | 13th (day) | On the 13th, the Cambodian tourists were asked to check out of their hotel. |
| 있다는 | itdaneun | to be, to exist (in reference) | The hotel told the Cambodian tourists that extended stay was not possible. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
지난 13일 경기 수원으로 여행을 온 캄보디아 관광객 2명은 투숙하고 있던 호텔로부터 난데없이 예약 취소 통보를 받았다. 2박 3일 숙박을 예약했고 이미 하룻밤을 묵은 상황이었지만, 사장에게서 “연박은 불가능합니다”는 답변이 돌아왔다.
On the 13th, two Cambodian tourists traveling to Suwon, Gyeonggi Province were suddenly told to check out of their hotel. They had booked a 2-night, 3-day stay and had already spent one night, but the hotel owner told them that extended stay was not possible.
캄보디아 국적의 40대 이주 노동자 코이도 13일 지인을 만나기 위해 택시에 탔다가 “혹시 캄보디아인이세요?”라는 질문을 받았다. 그는 “이동하다가 국적을 물어보는 경우는 있었지만, 이렇게 승차하면서부터 물은 건 처음”이라며 “결국 버스를 이용해 가다가 약속 시간에 늦었다”고 말했다.
A 40-year-old Cambodian migrant worker named Koi also took a taxi on the 13th to meet a friend, and was asked “Are you by chance Cambodian?” He said, “There have been times when people asked about my nationality while I was traveling, but this is the first time someone asked as soon as I got in the taxi.” He ended up taking the bus and being late for his appointment.
이처럼 최근 한국에서는 외국인, 특히 아시아 국가 출신 이주민에 대한 차별과 혐오가 심각한 수준에 이르렀다. ‘캄보디아 국가 자체가 범죄 집단’이라거나 ‘이래서 후진국 놈들은 안 된다’는 등의 혐오 발언이 나오고 있다. 한 호텔은 자신들의 잘못을 인정하고 사과했지만, 오히려 ‘너희 나라로 돌아가라’거나 ‘바퀴벌레 한 마리 더 생겼네’라는 등의 반응이 이어졌다.
Recently, discrimination and xenophobia towards foreigners, especially Asian migrants, have reached serious levels in Korea. Hate speech such as “Cambodians are a criminal group” or “This is why people from backward countries are no good” is being expressed. One hotel acknowledged their mistake and apologized, but instead received responses like “Go back to your country” or “Another cockroach has appeared.”
이러한 상황은 한국 사회에 만연한 외국인 혐오 문화를 보여준다. 특히 피부색이나 국적이 다른 이주민들에 대한 배타적 태도가 심각한 수준이다. 이는 단순히 개인의 문제가 아니라 한국 사회 전반에 깊이 뿌리박힌 문제라고 할 수 있다.
These incidents reveal the widespread culture of xenophobia in Korean society. The exclusionary attitudes towards migrants of different skin color or nationality are at a serious level. This is not just an individual problem, but an issue deeply rooted in Korean society as a whole.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- Why were the Cambodian tourists asked to check out of their hotel?
- What happened when the Cambodian migrant worker took a taxi?
- What kinds of hate speech are being expressed towards foreigners in Korea?
- How did people respond when the hotel tried to apologize for their mistake?
- What does this situation reveal about the state of xenophobia in Korean society?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The experiences of the Cambodian tourists and migrant worker reflect the growing problem of xenophobia and discrimination against foreigners, especially Asian migrants, in Korean society. This issue is deeply rooted in historical and cultural factors, and goes beyond just individual prejudices. Addressing this problem will require systemic changes to promote greater acceptance and inclusion of diverse communities in Korea.