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A legacy-driven media platform documenting Korean excellence in culture, economy, and identity
By Editorial Team
Photo credit: Provided by Jang Yujin
A long time ago, Wall Street journalist Pamela Druckerman published a book titled "Bringing Up Bébé," recounting her experiences of raising a child in France. The book became a bestseller overnight, sparking a global interest in French parenting methods. According to her accounts, France has obstetricians who recommend formula over breastfeeding, and mothers pushing strollers in high heels with elegance. This mindset may feel unfamiliar to Korean mothers, whose lives often revolve solely around their children. To mark May's Family Month, 'Mom & I' engaged in a long-distance interview with Jang Yujin, a working mom balancing a career as a florist and parenting in France. Although a novice mother, she shares her experiences with French parenting and a life that seems a touch more sweet and romantic.
Greetings, Ms. Jang Yujin. Could you please introduce yourself to the mothers in New York and New Jersey?
Hello from France. I am Jang Yujin, the mother of 21-month-old Anaïs. I came to Paris to study, met my French husband, and now live happily in Arcachon with my family as a first-time mom.
Could you share your background on how you came to study in France and eventually settled there?
In Korea, I majored in furniture design and started my career as an interior design magazine journalist. Although I found it interesting, after a few years, I yearned to return to my primary field of design and worked for a company managing department stores. Despite starting a bit later in life, I decided to move to France, becoming a student again. After language courses in Paris and attending florist school, I have now been working as a florist for around seven years and living in France for about ten. I met my husband, Sebastien, at a fellow student’s birthday party during my florist school days in Angers. After graduating, I began my first job in Paris as a florist. Sebastien and I had been living apart, but after more than two years of long-distance, he proposed on Valentine’s Day, and we got married in Korea before relocating here for his engineering job in a yacht design and manufacturing company.
Arcachon seems to be a city less known among Koreans.
Arcachon may be unfamiliar to Koreans but is a well-known vacation city among the French. Located about a 40-minute drive from Bordeaux, it is a popular destination for those living nearby all year round. There are many vacation homes, and during the summer, people from across France and even Spain visit. Home to Europe’s largest sand dune, Dune du Pyla, Arcachon is famous for its oyster farming and small beachside restaurants, offering a delightful experience for vacationers.
How does the French family culture differ from that in Korea or the United States?
French people generally respect diversity and individual choices, and this extends to family life. Unlike in Korea, French parents do not impose much on their children but rather guide them to make good choices independently. Unlike in Korea, where children spend many hours with tutors, French children spend more time with their parents as schools end early, encouraging family time.
How do Korean communities function in France?
Outside of Paris, there are few cities with large Korean communities. Parisians mix with the French, unlike the distinctive Korean towns seen in the U.S. Though there is no Korean town, there are active Korean associations in big cities, facilitating events and interactions, especially during Korean festive seasons.
Could you tell us about raising your daughter, Anaïs, and your experiences with French parenting?
French parenting approaches are talked about worldwide for their distinctiveness, focusing on treating even the youngest children as individuals. I also heard that French parents are strict with discipline, instilling good manners from early on. However, like many mothers, I tend to follow my instincts, especially since Anaïs is still young. Both my husband and I work, so Anaïs spends three days a week with her nanny.
How does the educational approach in France differ from that in Korea?
French parents are also happy when their children perform well academically, yet they do not push for additional tutoring or extracurricular classes. Instead, they encourage children to explore other areas of interest, recognizing that education is not the be-all and end-all.
Could you introduce us briefly to the social environment, food culture, and lifestyle in France?
France is currently experiencing a shift toward diverse consumption patterns, focusing on sustainability. Locally sourced and pesticide-free products are increasingly popular. There’s a growing trend of purchasing second-hand goods, and many platforms for sharing equipment and appliances are emerging.
Living in France, what do you find most rewarding?
The best part of living in France is not having to worry about how others perceive me. People are not judged based on their appearance or profession, which liberates me.
Lastly, please share a word with the readers of Mom & I in the U.S.
Living outside one's home country is similar for both you in the U.S. and me in France. It’s about embracing the choices we make and living without regrets. Thank you for allowing me to share part of my life through Mom & I, and I look forward to future exchanges. Thank you.
