Korea in the World: Poland

Though Poland is not as popular among Koreans as other Western European countries, Korean culture is becoming more accepted there. For example, K-pop is gaining popularity among teenagers and university students in Warsaw.

Though Poland is not as popular among Koreans as other Western European countries, Korean culture is becoming more accepted there. For example, K-pop is gaining popularity among teenagers and university students in Warsaw.

Both Poland’s growing economy and love of Korean culture helped me to choose this country for my first experience abroad.

Korea Cultural Center

The Korean Cultural Center in Warsaw was a great place to get in touch with the Korean community. When I visited, I found it quite impressive. The center was well-equipped; there were Korean language, K-pop dance classes and taekwondo classes. K-Pop fans could take photos next to celebrity cutouts of groups like Shiny, 2ne1, and Super Junior. Furthermore, there were a variety of books to educate people about Korean culture, and every year the center hosts a big event.

Korea Community

Koreans in Poland have an active business and social community. I saw Korean companies such as Samsung, LG Electronics, Hyundai and the Korean Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). Many Koreans connect through churches or community activities. The Polish-Korean community often sponsors events and works to unite Koreans living in Poland. They also provide Korean language schools for children. Interestingly, the Korean embassy in Poland, KOTRA and the Korean Cultural Center collaborate for events and projects. In June, they helped to organize the Korea Festival.

I was able to attend an annual dinner hosted by the Korean Embassy for Koreans studying in Warsaw. It was not only a good opportunity to visit the ambassador’s residence and listen to a speech, but a great way to meet students from different universities in the city. Whenever I went to the Korean Cultural Center or was with the Korean community, I felt as welcome as if I were home.

Meeting the CEO of a Korean company in Poland

It has been 25 years since Korea and Poland began a diplomatic relationship. I am so grateful that because of this relationship, many Korean companies exist in Poland. I met one Korean man who worked for LG and now has his own business in Poland. I listened to his story about how he started his company and his difficulty managing Polish workers because of cultural differences. He gave us good advice about managerial roles and was a mentor with a lot of valuable experiences living in Poland. He also took us out to a great dinner at a Korean restaurant called Shilla.

Even though I am living in a new environment, I feel comfortable because of kind people from my country and the communities that I am involved with. I can always find a Korean restaurant whenever I am homesick.