Since my recent arrival, I have been often asked of my first impressions of Korea by my Korean colleagues, customers and other people. Well, I have not seen much as I have worked most of the time, as one often does upon taking a new job in a new country. But because I am persuaded that a fresh perception does not last long, let me try to complete this with candor.

First of all, I would like to say that I love the idea of being in Korea. It is the fifth country I have lived in after France, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and the U.K., and the first in Asia. I love the idea of being far away in an unknown place without having a past. Arriving in a new country is like a new birth. Everything seems possible ― the future seems full of new promises.

After spending five years in a weary Europe faced with an economic crisis, I was intrigued by Korea for its success and extraordinary growth over the past five decades. One day, I asked a CEO of a large Korean company of his thoughts on the secrets to the Korean success, and he responded, “We Koreans are a people of intelligence and diligence,” to which I wanted to add, “And very modest.” But beyond that, I believe he is quite right.

Of course, when arriving in a country, one must be careful of generalization. I have been told that Korea was “different,” that human relations would be difficult; that one must be wary of the hierarchical structure; that the people did not freely express themselves; did not like to differentiate themselves; and were inhibited by the concern of being isolated from the group. I have not felt that, especially with my colleagues who are not the last to tell me when they disagree. No acts, no pretense ― when they have something to say, they say it. At times, it takes a while, but as it turns out, it is clear. Koreans seem genuine ― they say what they like as well as what they don’t. It is clear when they are happy and when they are sad. I like this direct and simple way about them.

Sometimes, Korea reminds me of France, my native country. The pride in a culture and a unique language leads to a strong national identity, a bubbling creativity, a sense of destiny and a difference in the shapeless globalization. It is the refusal to be diluted and absorbed in a world governed by the external rules to be merely subjected to.

Naturally, as a foreigner, there is a language barrier, and nowadays, I am putting efforts into learning basic Korean. King Sejong said that Hangeul (the Korean alphabet) was so well designed that an intelligent man could learn it in a half day, and an idiot in 10 or so days. I had my first Korean class in October and I still hope to be able to claim that I belong to the former category.

I nearly forgot ― yet am often asked this ― I love Korean food. Yes, I do indeed, and I do not say that simply to please. When having Korean dishes, I feel I am eating “healthy food.” In the elegant villa where I recently moved in with my family, there is a kimchi refrigerator which I initially took for a clothes dryer ― I am learning how it works. What a smart invention for me as well as for Koreans! 

By Martin Tricaud 

The writer is president and CEO of HSBC Korea. The opinions reflected in the article are his own. ― Ed.