South Korean businessman publishes book about Saigon

The book, published in Vietnamese, depicts the experience of Park, general director of a design and construction consulting firm, after 14 years of living and working in Vietnam's southern metropolis.

He started the book when "entering a strange city", learning how to recognize things when walking among the lines of people to see Saigon as "a similar but different world."

"Park Tien Sinh Song Giua Sai Gon" (Mr. Park Lives In Saigon). Photo courtesy of Tre Publishing House

The South Korean writer describes streets full of car horns, the beauty of Vietnamese women in their ao dai, the working ethic and attitude of Saigonese when collaborating with people from different cultures.

Park also expresses his views on living with South Koreans in Saigon. According to him, in an environment with different communication styles, people need to ignore their prejudice to integrate.

"I hope my little stories will help foreigners understand Saigonese more," Park said, adding he believes that when reading the book, young Vietnamese - especially those who are working - will see how to cooperate with foreigners in a multicultural city. His book includes additional illustrations of daily life.

Park is currently in charge of a section in "Xin Chao Vietnam", a magazine for South Korean expats. He is also the author of "Mong Seonsaengui Seogong Japgi" (Saigon Stories of Mr. Mong), published in South Korea.