A Russian Update

Below is an excerpt from an entry I wrote in October called, "Strolling."

On our way to work everyday, we pass through the breezeway of what is commonly referred to as, "the RUSSIAN apartments."  One would never know Russians inhabit the area of Ansan, but apparently an agreement of some sort has been made between South Korea and Russia, and the blue apartment complex has been donated to our Northern neighbors.  Really, that's all I know.  This is only significant because the Russian women have a reputation that falls along the same lines as the women in a red-light district.  Unluckily for me, being blonde doesn't automatically peg you as an American.  One day, someone is going to ask me if I'm Russian and I will know exactly what they mean.  I will simply respond with a "no."  Because, I'm not.

Since writing that blog, I've done some research on the former relations between the Soviet Union and South Korea, and discovered the reason for our Russian neighbors down the street. Beginning in the 1920's when Japan gained control over Korea, 150,000 Koreans were forced from their homeland to the southern portion of Sakhalin Island off the coast of Sibera; which was also controlled by Japan (the northern half was under Soviet control).  Under harsh conditions and in the presence of brown bears, the Korean people were forced into coal mining, logging, and construction.  Many lost their lives during the arctic winters; and by the end of World War II, only approximately 23,500 remained.  

Over time, many Sakhalin Koreans took on Russian names and attempted to integrate into the Soviet society; but discrimination was fierce.  Korean language schools were banned until the 1980's and many younger generations were unable to learn about their ancestral culture. Today, nearly 30,000 Koreans live on Sakhalin Island (now owned by Russia); mostly concentrated in the island's capital city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.  

A repatriation agreement was made between South Korea and Japan allowing only those who were born before the end of World War II in August, 1945 to return to Korea.  In 2000, a group of 816 people was relocated to a settlement built for them in Ansan.  Hence, the Russian apartments.  

Unfortunately, this migration back to South Korea is bittersweet for the families who are being, once again, torn apart.  Due to the lack of Korean language schooling for a period before the 1980s, many Sakhalin Koreans are unfamiliar with their own language making job hunting an intimidating challenge.  For the younger generations, Korea is not their home.  Having never lived in the country, some feel moving here is a change they are unable to embrace; leaving their family members alone to make the trip back.  

Understanding the truth behind my neighbors and the circumstances they have lived through puts things into perspective for my own life.  Having the freedom to travel and live around the globe is an opportunity and blessing not shared by many.  I am grateful for this chance to experience the world and get to know the people that make it so unique.

PS—In case you are wondering... yes, I have been asked if I am Russian.  In fact, it happened just the other night to Andrea and I as we were admiring a restaurant's outdoor tank full of pre-historic looking fish.  A man wandered up to us, inquired whether or not we're Russian, and then offered to treat us to some beer and chicken at the Russian bar.  We respectfully declined, complimented him on his English skills, and headed in the opposite direction.  It almost felt like our belated initiation into the city.  Been asked if I'm Russian.... check.