ETHNI CITY//South Koreans

A house divided
Koreans living in Malaysia are mainly from the powerhouse of South Korea, but that doesn't mean they don't have strong feelings on the unification of their country back home

Words Laura Webb


There is a large South Korean expatriate population living in Malaysia. Speaking to some members of this community provided a fascinating insight into a beautiful country so at odds with its own other half.

Sitting in Park Inshik's office surrounded by posters of autumnal trees surrounding Buddhist temples, of snow-capped mountains and the bustling modern metropolis that is Seoul, it was clear that he is immensely proud of his stunning country. He explained its traditional Buddhist roots though increasing Christian presence, its inspirational mountains and the three Korean gems we should all experience; "food, culture and people ... I would like to introduce you to our very distinct culture", he smiled, "people don't realise how different it is from our neighbouring countries, Japan and China."

"I like living in Malaysia very much" Park, Marketing Director of the Korea Tourism Organisation in Korea Plaza, told me. "At first I didn't like the weather but since I have become accustomed to it I like it very much. Sometimes I forget what season it is in Korea, because here all year it is the same" he grinned. With his wife and children here with him, they have found it easy to make friends. "Most of my friends are Malaysian" Park explained; friends made through his work—an organisation here to act as Malaysia's gateway to Korea. "We live in Mont Kiara where there are many Koreans and Japanese so my wife has many Korean friends too".

South Korea has developed into one of Asia's most affluent countries since partition in 1948. The Communist North Korea has slipped into poverty. The Korean War effectively ended in 1953 (the armistice was not signed by the South but open conflict ceased following a two year stalemate) however relations have never been easy and have become especially strained recently, particularly over North Korea's fragile economy, its nuclear ambitions and more recently the alleged torpedo attack on a southern Korean naval ship, Cheonan.

"One day I hope Korea will be unified again. I hope in the next two or three years", Park said with earnest optimism. He explained that as Kim Jong-il (North Korea's infamous leader) is currently unwell, there is hope that the future will bring change. It will not be an easy transition though. "It will be difficult as there are now a lot of differences between North and South Koreans. North Koreans have a very different way of thinking—because of their Government. Even their height is different; the average height of a North Korean is five or six centimetres shorter than a South Korean because of malnutrition. I saw this myself when I visited the DMZ". The DMZ or De-Militarised Zone running along the North/South border is one of the world's most heavily fortified frontiers. Park spoke of families split by the divide; families that have been split for generations, but he said determinedly that, "Koreans are optimistic; they have overcome many difficulties in previous centuries".

Abd. Hafiz Lee Kwang Sun, Chairman of the Korean Society in Malaysia, has experienced the divisive nature of a once unified country first hand. "My Father was from North Korea, but he came to the South when he could. But he came alone, without his family. He missed his home town so much. He never saw or spoke to his family again, you cannot even call. I never knew my father's family."

"I came to Malaysia in 1984, almost 27 years ago. I was offered to study in the International Islamic University". He has since made Malaysia his home (though heads back to Korea at least three times a year), "I like Malaysia very much. In the whole of Malaysia there are about 20,000 Koreans, out of that a quarter are students. There are trends, in the 80's we came for construction, in the 90's, manufacturing and from 2000 many people come for education and to learn English". He explained the incredible transformation that he has seen take place in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia in the 27 years he has lived here.

He explained the purpose of the Korean Society, "We have new people coming to Malaysia and they don't have much information, especially on schools or accommodation—and they want to know about MM2H. Many don't know how to speak English so we're here to help. The Korean Society is the window to Malaysian society. Sometimes Malaysians come here to find out about Korea. We're in the middle between Malaysia and Korea".

He also yearns for the Korean seasons; "the seasons I miss. Here we cannot ski or skate in winter, we do not get the light over the mountains and the change of colour in autumn from green to yellow".

Sun talks of Korea's history, namely the split following the Second World War as Russia took control of the North and the US the South. "Then North Korea became communist. In 1950 the Korean War started and until today we are separate. We want reunification, but democratically—we don't want to be communist. We cannot compromise. So, very unfortunately, it is the only country in the world where we are one people with one culture and one language, everything the same, but still we are divided in two." He too shares Park's optimism but there was just a hint of sadness when he said, "We are always patient".

Pull Quotes

"One day I hope Korea will be unified again" Park Inshik, Marketing Director of the Korea Tourism Organisation

"So, very unfortunately, it is the only country in the world where we are one people with one culture and one language ... but still we are divided in two" Abd. Hafiz Lee Kwang Sun, Chairman of the Korean Society in Malaysia

FAST FACTS

Capital: Seoul
Area: 99,200 sq kilometres
Population: 50 million
Language: Korean
Religion: Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism

FOOD

Bibimbap - combines the spiciness of Korean chilli paste with steamed rice and vegetables.

Bulgogi - slices of marinated barbecued beef (sometimes pork) seasoned with soy sauce and sugar. Literally meaning fire meat.

Japchae - clear noodles stir-fried with vegetables, a dish traditionally served during Korean festivals.

Kimchi - a fermented cabbage condiment served with every Korean meal

Samgyetang - chicken ginseng soup eaten during Korea's hottest months to re-energise you after a hot