A Taste of Home and a Love for Words: Kim Min Jung’s Cross-Cultural Journey at Tianjin University

The aroma of sizzling Mapo Tofu wafted through the small family restaurant in Seoul, filling the air with spices and memories. For Kim Min Jung, a 21-year-old South Korean student at Tianjin University, this was more than just a dish—it was a connection to her childhood and to China, a country she had long dreamed of returning to.

“I was seven when my family lived in Guangdong for a few months,” Kim recalls with a smile. “I don’t remember much about the time, but the flavors of Cantonese food have stayed with me ever since. I used to ask my mom, ‘Can we move back to China?’”

Now, as a student of Chinese Language and Literature, Kim is pursuing not only the taste of her childhood but also her passion for Chinese culture, literature, and history.

A Culinary Connection That Began at Home

Growing up in Seoul, Kim was surrounded by the flavors of China. Her father, who trained as a chef in China, runs a popular Chinese restaurant that has been a local favorite for over a decade. The restaurant’s signature dishes—Mapo Tofu and a Korean twist on Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles)—are staples of her childhood memories.

“Dad’s dishes aren’t exactly like authentic Chinese food, but they’re the flavors I grew up with,” Kim explains. “He even hired Chinese chefs to bring a touch of authenticity to the menu.”

Her fascination with Chinese cuisine didn’t stop at the family restaurant. During her time in China, Kim embarked on a “food exploration journey,” visiting cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen to try local delicacies. “Every time I visit a new city, the first thing I do is check REDnote (a popular Chinese social media app) for the best local restaurants,” she says.

One dish that left a lasting impression was a meal at a Yunnan-style restaurant in Beijing. “The flavors were so unique—I’ll never forget it,” she says, smiling as she scrolls through photos of dishes she’s shared on her social media.

Literature: A Bridge Across Cultures

While food fed her curiosity about China, literature fueled her passion for its culture. In high school, Kim discovered the works of Lu Xun, one of China’s most celebrated writers. Reading his short stories in her Chinese literature class inspired her to intensify her language studies and set her sights on studying in China.

“I loved answering questions in class and diving deeper into the stories,” Kim says. “I knew I could learn so much more if I studied in China.”

However, the transition to studying Chinese literature at Tianjin University wasn’t easy. “When I arrived, I was shocked by how fluent some of my classmates from countries like Malaysia and Indonesia were,” she says. “It was intimidating at first.”

Despite the challenges, Kim found inspiration in her courses on classical and modern Chinese literature. “I cried the first time I read Yu Hua’s work. The way he captures human emotions through words is so powerful,” she says.

Even studying classical Chinese, which she admits was daunting at first, has become a rewarding experience. “It’s difficult, but I’ve come to appreciate the beauty and depth hidden in the characters,” she explains. “Each word carries centuries of history.”

Finding Warmth in Tianjin

Tianjin has become a second home for Kim, offering her a sense of community and comfort. “It’s close to Korea, the weather suits me, and it’s not as crowded as Beijing,” she says.

She fondly recalls an experience shortly after moving into her new apartment. Struggling to carry packages from the delivery station, she was approached by a kind neighbor who offered to help. “She didn’t even know I was a foreigner,” Kim says. “Her kindness really touched me.”

In her free time, Kim enjoys working out at the gym, particularly strength training. “I think it’s cool for girls to have muscles,” she says proudly, flexing her arm with a laugh.

Building Bridges Through Food and Words

For Kim, literature and cuisine are the perfect bridges for cross-cultural exchange. “Through literature, you can understand someone’s emotions and thoughts. Through food, you can experience their traditions and way of life,” she explains.

She’s also noticed how Chinese and Korean youth are increasingly connected through pop culture. “Chinese students love K-pop, and Korean students are fascinated by Chinese food and TikTok trends. It makes it so easy to make friends,” she says.

Looking to the future, Kim dreams of writing her own stories, inspired by her experiences in China. “I want to use words to share my emotions, just like Yu Hua and Lu Xun,” she says. “Coming to Tianjin University has helped me rediscover my dreams and find what I truly love.”

A Journey of Discovery

Kim Min Jung’s story is one of rediscovery and connection—linking her childhood memories to her present passions. Whether through the taste of Mapo Tofu or the pages of Lu Xun’s works, she is building bridges between South Korea and China, one dish and one story at a time.

By Eva Yin