As the semester is winding down and many people are isolated to study for their finals, there aren’t many activities or celebrations happening. I wanted to find something to write about for this week, so I decided to dive into the Korean community in my town by interviewing a few of my friends who have roots in South Korea. 

I started with my friends Ian and Kayla, who have family in South Korea. Their favorite part about the Korean community is its welcoming nature. Ian, in particular, told me he never has to worry about feeling like an outsider with their family and friends, even though he grew up separately in America. “There’s an unspoken bond that will always connect us wherever we end up,” he shared. Kayla echoed these words, adding that even though she doesn’t visit Korea as often as she would like, her family’s traditions and values kept her connected despite any physical distance. 

Kayla’s favorite part of her community is the delicious food that brings them together. She loves spicy kimchi and bibimbap, which her mom makes at home. She also told me that her non-Korean friends love coming over and tasting the fresh dishes her family makes, which connects her culture to her larger community. As Kayla described, food is the heart of the Korean community and a way to share history and love.

Another of my friends from Korea, Hannah, told me a little about her local church and how it’s influenced her life. “It’s always been a constant in my life,” she shared. “Even when other things aren’t going how I want them to, I know the community at my church will be there every week.” She told me it’s not only about the Sunday services but also about the support and sense of purpose the people there provide her. Growing up, the church offered programs that introduced her to Korean culture through language classes, dance lessons, and even specific celebrations like Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year). These experiences have helped her stay in touch with her culture while growing up in the US.  

Listening to all of my friends’ experiences has helped me realize that many people like me in my community may have felt separated from their culture by physical distance but have found alternative ways to connect. I loved learning more about the Korean community and hope to have more conversations with my friends in the future.