Korean-Russian Community

[Anchor Lead]

A community of Korean-Russians who were forced to go to Russia during Japanese colonization, and then came back to their homeland, is preparing to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Here’s a story on how this community keeps traditions alive.

[Pkg]

This community in Gwangju, home to some three thousand residents, is the first community of Korean-Russians in Korea.

[Soundbite] Andrea Kim(Korean-Russian Radio Show Host) : "A sharing event will begin shortly at 6 p.m. We invite everyone to participate."

Young fourth-generation Korean-Russians have gathered here to prepare food for the lunar New Year holiday while their parents are at work. They make the Russian cabbage dumplings known as "golubtsy" and bake cookies that they used to make with their families back in Russia for the New Year.

[Soundbite] Korean-Russian : "The New Year holiday is celebrated differently here. The food is delicious, and the games are fun to play."

They also learn how to bow to their elders as Koreans do on the lunar New Year holiday. About 90 percent of Korean-Russians work as day laborers in Korea because of their poor Korean skills. This winter, they are having a hard time finding work even at construction sites due to the economic downturn. Thanks to donations of daily necessities received from across the nation, they can enjoy the upcoming holiday.

[Soundbite] Ethnic Korean from Kyrgyzstan : "The children love it. We're thankful to everyone for their help."

Korean-Russians have had to overcome many obstacles to return to their ancestors' home country, But the warm hearts of the Korean people will keep them warm during the holiday.