KORCHI
“KORCHI” is the combination of KOR(EA) and CHI(NA), two booming stars in modern Asia. It is an illustrated book about the differences and similarities between Korean and Chinese cultures observed by a German expatriate – Martina Berg, who worked and lived in both of these countries and got to know and connect with the local culture.
Since our first meeting in 2019, we have seen Korea and China gradually evolving themselves into the powerhouse of Asia and are constantly amazing the west with their developing technology, economy, the entertainment industry, and many other fields. By looking into their lifestyles on a daily basis, we expect to perceive the driving cause of their rapid growth and how they deal with the changes that allow even greater expansion. As both of these two Asian countries do share a certain level of likeness, the focus in KORCHI is placed on interesting differences that might be less-known to the western audience. We seek a neutral description for both sides as seen from a german’s glasses view.
Martina provided her notes, ideas, and scribbles that inspired this book, though I also brought in my perspective and background knowledge as a Taiwanese in Shanghai. The content addressed in KORCHI has been collected first-hand, it refers to current state time and is aimed to entertain the reader while learning on these cultures.
More than 200 grayscale illustrations in KORCHI are originally hand-drawn to express the beauty of human touch, which resonates with our exposure to these cultures.
The book consists of seven chapters that cover different aspects of these two cultures: first impressions, people’s habits, food & drink, traffic scene, workplace, similarities and wraps up with a special chapter on swimming.
For people who already have experience in either of these countries, KORCHI can be a box of joy with a humorous touch, and for those who are curious about them, KORCHI is here to deliver a refreshing insight through lively illustrations.
