Our Family Is Now a South Korean Family
Chilgok County in North Gyeongsang Province is implementing a wide range of policies that encompass employment and learning opportunities for marriage immigrants, education and growth for their children, as well as family care and cultural exchange. Through these efforts, the county supports multicultural families so they can establish stable roots in the community and live with confidence.
The family of Kao Maryeong (44) is living as an ordinary multicultural household in Chilgok County. Born in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, she first set foot in Chilgok at the age of 22 in 2003. She met her husband Sohail (44), who is from Pakistan, at work, and the couple has three daughters.
She introduces herself by saying, "Our family is patriotic-we have three children." There is a sense of pride in having bought a home and raising three children.
Her day begins as a postal parcel worker. While moving heavy packages, sweat pours down like rain, but she laughs, saying, "It's proof that I can endure the weight of life." Her husband exports used cars to Pakistan and Dubai. Although it is not a large sum, the couple is content with the fact that they have put down roots here.
The dreams of their three daughters are no different from those of their peers in South Korea. The eldest wants to become a doctor, the second a teacher, and the youngest a lawyer. At home, Korean, Chinese, and Pakistani languages are all spoken, but what the children love most is chicken and tteokbokki. Kao smiles and says, "Our youngest loves chicken the most."
The process of adapting was not easy. At first, she had to use gestures to communicate while shopping, and it took time to get used to unfamiliar Korean food. However, neighbors reached out to her first, and friends treated her like family. "Now, people treat me like a Korean. There is no prejudice. There are more people who help me."
She emphasizes the strengths of multicultural families.
"Our children naturally learn multiple languages. Korean is a given, and they can also speak Chinese and English. At home, we enjoy Korean, Chinese, and Pakistani food together. Experiencing diversity is our strength."
"Our family is now a South Korean family. I want to spend the rest of my life here," she concluded.
Kim Jaeuk, the mayor of Chilgok County, stated, "The Kao family is an example of how a multicultural society has naturally become part of everyday life in the region," and added, "Chilgok County will be a strong support so that multicultural families can live without discrimination."
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