Never heard of this trick before? The must-win secrets to acing a Korean flight attendant interview — “Knock, Smile, Makeup”?

Reported by You Ru / Taipei, Photos by

It’s not just about looking good to become a flight attendant. In Korea’s flight attendant industry, there are actually rumored “three secrets” to acing the interview. A Korean flight attendant at China Airlines revealed that, according to industry gossip in Korea, you must perform three actions before the interview — “Knock, Smile, Makeup” — to have a chance at flying high and landing that stewardess job.


▲ Five Korean flight attendants and one Japanese flight attendant appeared at Songshan Airport today (12th).

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China Airlines is increasing its Taiwan–Korea flight frequency from 21 to 28 weekly flights. To meet the demand in Northeast Asia, the airline has recently recruited 20 Korean flight attendants for the first time. After nine weeks of cabin crew training, they will officially start service at the end of July. In the future, passengers may have the chance to see Korean flight attendants on board.

Previously, when China Airlines recruited flight attendants in Korea, 4,000 people competed for the positions. Among those accepted, Shin So-ling shared that in Korea, it’s rumored that you must do three things before the interview: “Knock, Smile, Makeup.” “Knock” means loosening your shoulder joints so your arms can reach suitcase height; “Smile” reminds you not to forget to smile; and the most crucial part, “Makeup,” involves going to a professional salon to get an interview-appropriate look.

 
▲ Korean flight attendant Lee Anna (left); Shin, who is said to resemble Korean star Park Min-young (right).

Shin So-ling also said that she wanted to apply to China Airlines because while studying in the U.S., she met many friendly Taiwanese friends and hoped to work alongside them. Another Korean flight attendant, Kim Soo-bin, said that China Airlines gives off an impression of greater opportunities to engage internationally, and she looks forward to flying to more destinations. Cabin crew trainer Sun Yu-juan mentioned that Korean flight attendants can live in Korea but must be on duty according to their flight schedules. Current training includes not only basic deportment, but also simple Chinese menu introductions and conversational responses that Korean flight attendants must learn.


▲ Korean flight attendants will officially begin onboard service at the end of July.