Ukraine to Korea

Over 800 ethnic-Korean refugees fled Ukraine for Koryo Village in South Korea’s Gwangju province following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They are descendants of Koreans who fled to the Soviet Union during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Some have secured legal status and jobs, while others await document processing.

Journalist So Jeong Lee visits the village, observing new arrivals and a school where children learn Korean. Jo-Ya Shin, a bilingual volunteer, takes charge and assists others with job hunting and paperwork. Many Koryoin are women and children who escaped Ukraine when male family members were drafted. Some left professional careers behind in Ukraine and now work in factories in Korea. They and their children face a choice between building a new life in Korea or waiting to return to Ukraine. Most do not speak Korean.

The South Korean government views the Koryoin as an opportunity to introduce South Koreans to cultural and ethnic diversity, offering support through cultural events, language programmes, and start-up grants. But recent elections have led to new government policies which impact the Koryoin.

Presenter: So Jeong Lee
Producer: Amanda Hargreaves
A Bespoken Media production for BBC World Service