Ms. Jeon Jung Rye, 45
Pharmacist from Kunsan
Why did you study to be a pharmacist?
My high school teacher recommended it. Actually I wanted to become a doctor but my father didn’t have enough money to send me to medical school for six years. My father is a vet (animal doctor). I have five brothers. My elder sister is a doctor and my brother is a pharmacist.What qualifications are needed to become a pharmacist?
I had to study for four years at a local university to earn a bachelor’s degree, and then pass the national exam after graduating from the proper program at graduate school.What are the good points about being a pharmacist?
(laughter) Money. I can earn lots of money which lets me enjoy life and leisure time. Also it’s a high status job.Speaking of money, how much do you make in a month?
10,000,000 won in extraordinary months. Average was 500,000 in my case. Some pharmacists make more. No bonus. I used to work 8 or 9 hours a day, average. Now I have to take care of my children. My husband thinks the most important thing is my children’s education. In the future I really want to start a nursing home. They are very posh in Korea. The population in Korea is aging. Many young couples choose to not have children. So we need facilities to care for the elderly.Did you ever make a mistake?
Mistake? I’m not sure…So nobody died?
(laughter) No no!Any problems with customers?
Some customers asked me strange questions. At that time I wasn’t married so I got embarrassed easily. Even though I was a virgin, men asked, “How can I improve my stamina?”That’s ok!
At that time, because I wasn’t married…Now that you’re married you understand the importance of stamina!
(laughter) Oh my god!
the end