에펠탑 상인 파코, 생애 첫 한국 방문
남산 타워서 "꿈이 이뤄진 날" 감격
한국 높은 시민 의식에 뿌듯
남산 타워서 "꿈이 이뤄진 날" 감격
한국 높은 시민 의식에 뿌듯
Paco, the 'Eiffel Tower Celebrity' at 33, embarked on his first-ever trip to Korea and was deeply moved by the romantic night view of Namsan.
The MBC Every1 show 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' returned on March 19th after a revamp. The episode featured Paco, a beloved figure among Korean tourists at the Eiffel Tower, and his friends Max and Jamil, who share his love for Korea. In the studio, hosts Kim Jun-hyun, DinDin, and French experts Jeong Il-young, Fabien, and Robin watched their journey unfold.
What's New in 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?'
The revamped 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' expanded its format to allow anyone who loves Korea from anywhere in the world to be the star of the show. The first protagonist under this new format was Paco, a social media star known for his interactions with Korean tourists at the Eiffel Tower.
Paco, who sells keyrings at the Eiffel Tower, is famous online for his perfect Korean communication skills and photography talents. He often gives away keyrings to Korean tourists, expressing his affection, and humorously claims, "I am Korean." Paco shared, "Koreans have given me something bigger than money. When people call me 'Paco,' I feel loved. I'm just a vendor helping my family, but Koreans have embraced me."
Who Are Paco's Friends?
Joining Paco were two friends equally passionate about Korea. Max, a marketing professor in France, is deeply immersed in K-culture, even memorizing the lyrics to Cho Baek-ho's 'Gidaroyaji.' His enthusiasm for Korean cuisine caught the attention of host Kim Jun-hyun, earning him the nickname 'Food Professor.' Jamil, the 24-year-old youngest member, has experience working in a Korean restaurant and is a true K-drama master, citing 'Penthouse' as his favorite.
Their arrival in Korea was met with a warm welcome reminiscent of a fan meeting. Paco expressed his joy, saying, "I came here because I missed Koreans," while exchanging high-fives with fans. Initially shy, Max soon adapted and began engaging with fans, providing comedic moments. Paco's love for everything Korean was evident as he confidently read Korean signs, guiding his friends.
Cultural Surprises in Korea
Experiencing Korean culture firsthand was a highlight for Paco and his friends. While heading to the airport train, Paco left his luggage unattended at a café, trusting in Korea's high civic consciousness. No one touched their belongings, and Paco was delighted by this display of integrity.
The trio was amazed when their train departed on time, a stark contrast to France, where public transport delays are common. Studio commentators Fabien and Robin humorously noted the cultural differences, highlighting the rarity of punctuality in France.
As Paco explained Korea's 'sharing culture,' a staff member distributed free water on the train, further impressing him with Korean hospitality.
Their first major destination was Namsan Tower. After a challenging uphill journey and a cable car ride, Paco was overwhelmed by the panoramic night view of Seoul, saying, "I've always dreamed of coming here, and today that dream came true."
The surprises continued as Paco secretly distributed Eiffel Tower keyrings he brought from France to Koreans at Namsan, reciprocating the love and affection he received.
The episode's preview teased Paco's ambitious plans to conquer Korean cuisine, language, and history at the National Museum of Korea. 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' airs every Thursday at 8:30 PM.
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr