65 Sakhalin Koreans aged 2 to 3 visit their home country for family reunion

The second and third generations of Sakhalin Koreans entered Korea today (22nd) to meet their parents or grandparents who have returned to Korea permanently.

It is the first time in five years that the second and third generations of private discount Koreans, organized by the Overseas Koreans' Office, have resumed their visit to their home countries since 2019 when the pandemic occurred.

Of the 65 Sakhalin Koreans living in various parts of Russia, 44 people living in Sakhalin entered the country in a group entry format, while the remaining 21 people living in other parts of Russia will enter the country sequentially in an individual entry format.

The second and third generations of Sakhalin Koreans who participate in this visit to their home country will stay in Korea for up to 30 days and meet their first-generation parents or grandparents who have returned home permanently.

The delay in the involvement of Sakhalin Koreans in visiting their home countries was reportedly affected by the pandemic as well as the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Overseas Korean Administration explained that it has entrusted the visiting project of Sakhalin Koreans to the Korean Red Cross and is providing transportation expenses such as round-trip airfare for the visit.

Lee Sang-deok, head of the Overseas Koreans Agency, said he is happy to resume the Sakhalin Koreans' visit to their home country, and said he will expand the scope of support so that more Koreans can return to Korea permanently.