North and South Korea, which by historical standards were relatively recently one country, have become antipodes in more than 70 years: one has been under Soviet control since its inception, the other has been in the US influence zone, and today these are states with completely different political systems, life styles. lifestyle and economy. Officially, they are still at war – in 1953, only an armistice agreement was signed between them. Did internal disagreements affect the attitude of the inhabitants of both Koreas towards Russia and Russians? In North Korea, love for Russia is practically a component of the national ideology: no matter how the political relations between the two countries change, the positive image of a Russian person, beautiful inside and out, remains unchanged in the culture of North Korea. All Russians from Korean books and films are blue-eyed fair-haired handsome men, kind and smart, have a fine mental organization, are prone to reflection, they certainly sing and play musical instruments. They even drink beautifully, melancholy and within reason.
North Korea
All Russians from Korean books and films are blue-eyed fair-haired handsome men, kind and smart, have a fine mental organization.
Such a positive perception developed at the end of World War II, and today Koreans remember the role played by the Soviet Union in the liberation of the Korean Peninsula from the Japanese in 1945. In general, residents of the DPRK are wary of foreigners, but when they learn that a person came from Russia, they accept its much warmer. Some of them studied or worked in the USSR, many studied Russian and still cook our national dishes. Those who have worked in modern Russia are surprised by the developed infrastructure: the roads, which only the lazy do not scold in our country, delight the inhabitants of the DPRK, and uninterrupted power supply seems to them just a miracle. In North Korea, only 3% of the roads are paved, and blackouts of electricity and water are an everyday reality.
Koreans are also struck by the degree of our freedoms – not so much political as domestic: for example, the ability to travel abroad or at least travel around the country without bribes and travel permits.
South Korea
On at least one point, the people of the Republic of Korea completely agree with their northern neighbors – they consider Russians to be beautiful, especially women. “When the typical Korean thinks of a Russian girl, he imagines a tall, slender young woman with pale white skin and blond or brown hair. It's very attractive!” writes a Quora forum user from Seoul. Russian men in the view of Koreans are also good – tall, broad-shouldered and athletic: “Russians are hardy, strong people, and Koreans respect this.” Probably, this image has developed thanks to Russian models and athletes – for example, Anna Sharapova and Fedor Emelianenko are very fond of South Korea. ://fs.tonkosti.ru/sized/f550x700/8e/nw/8enwjjzoxgg0cg0g0k4kks844.jpg” media=”(max-width: 549px)”> As for the mysterious Russian soul, Koreans note that Russians are always gloomy, but at the same time good-natured and generous. Some believe that Russia and Korea have an Asian atmosphere in common: “When we Koreans meet Russians, it seems that we meet old friends.” Compared to Korean women, Russian girls are very independent and frank, they openly express their point of view – this is the opinion of locals married to our compatriots. Koreans who moved to Moscow also call Russians open and humane: they do not hide their feelings, they know how to empathize with another and are always ready to help. Many admit that they quickly adapted to Russia precisely thanks to the support and friendliness of those around them. As for the mysterious Russian soul, Koreans note that Russians are always gloomy, but at the same time they are good-natured and generous. In the Land of Morning Calm, Russian culture is also given its due: here they are well acquainted with our ballet, theater, and classical music and literature. “The anthem of Russia is amazing! When the military sings it, I feel proud,” Koreans share on the Internet. But most of all, the inhabitants of South Korea are impressed by the vast expanses of Russia. In local advertising, one often sees the image of an express train rushing through a huge snow-covered country. “Russia is a big country, and before many countries were part of it. It is always winter there, there are many beautiful women and all men are courageous machos, ”Koreans admire on the forums. 
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