What is an island?” Immigrant children who asked... First trip to Jeju gathering warmth from the village
A group of 15 immigrant children from a small village in South Korea experiences their first trip to Jeju Island, highlighting their unfamiliarity with the ocean and islands.
Fifteen immigrant children from a village in Anseong, South Korea, embarked on their first trip to Jeju Island, revealing their excitement and naiveté regarding the concept of an island. Most of these children are of Korean descent and had lived in Russia or Central Asia before moving to Korea, where many are unfamiliar with not just the term 'island,' but also the sea itself. Their joyful utterances filled the airplane as they explored what the trip meant, constantly asking about the very nature of an island while being thrilled at the adventure ahead.
The village where these children live has seen a demographic shift as students who once populated it moved away, leaving behind an aging community and affordable housing that immigrants have begun to occupy. Facilities for children are scarce, often consisting of basic living spaces and a lack of transportation options, which leaves the students with limited recreational choices. In addition to physical isolation, these children face significant social isolation, evidenced by a staggering 91.5% immigration background student ratio at their local school, which severely restricts their interactions with Korean peers.
Local community members recognized the lack of opportunities for these children and decided to give back by organizing the trip to Jeju Island, often referred to as a 'real island.' This initiative, driven by local centers and clubs, aims to provide these children with a chance to break away from their routines and gain new experiences in a culturally rich environment. As such, this trip not only serves as a form of enjoyment but also a step towards fostering better social inclusion and understanding for the children, who are often seen as outsiders in their own communities.