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在线翻译:
szdaily -> In depth -> 
South Koreans find new home in Donghai
    2014-07-01  08:53    Shenzhen Daily

    songsongluo@126.com

    This is the second report of a weekly series published by Shenzhen Daily on local expat communities. This series aims to reflect expats’ lives in Shenzhen, the difficulties they encounter and the community services in place and on the way to assist them.

Luo Songsong

    The origin of ‘South Korean Town’

    STEVE KIM, deputy director of The Korean (Shenzhen) Chamber of Commerce & Industry, has lived in the city for 27 years and still remembers when there were only three Korean families living in the Donghai community back in 1998, when few Korean business, cultural and leisure facilities were around.

    Today, the thousands of Koreans settling into the area no longer need to compromise their traditional eating habits since they can easily enjoy authentic Korean fare at the various Korean restaurants nearby.

    The first wave of Korean settlers followed the decisions made by South Korean companies to explore the huge Chinese market after the country decided to open its doors to the outside world in the 1980s, and the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.

    Thanks to the geographical advantage of neighboring Hong Kong and the mild climate, Shenzhen became the top choice for many migrants at that time. Like Chinese people, Koreans attach great importance to family and are accustomed to living in groups.

    Located in central Futian District, Donghai Community was the only national 3-A residence in 1998, one that boasted convenient access to transportation, modern management and a comfortable environment, thus becoming a popular choice for social elites to settle down. Now, there are more than 200 Korean families in the community.

    “When Koreans plan to move abroad, they will consider many aspects, including safety, education options, quality of living conditions, etc.,” said Yu Younct-chul, director of the chamber. “Koreans are used to high-quality living,” he said. He has lived in the city for 21 years.

    A security guard told a Shenzhen Daily reporter that no major theft or other crimes have happened in the community in the past three years, and most security officers know the residents by face. “The Koreans are polite, friendly and humble,” said the guard, who has worked in Donghai for three years.

    The rapid economic development of Shenzhen and its ever-closer trading ties with South Korea have created many business opportunities for both Koreans and Chinese. These opportunities have led to an increase in the number of South Korean companies in the city and prosperity for businesses targeting the increasing population of Korean settlers.

    “Large, overseas companies used to take advantage of cheap labor and preferential policies here, but now the growing partnership between China and South Korea has provided many opportunities for small and private enterprises,” said Kim, who also serves as the managing director of HD-Global (HK) Engineering Services Ltd.

    South Korea is the third-biggest trading partner with China, and the trade volume with Guangdong Province makes up about a quarter of the total. According to the chamber, there are about 3,000 South Korean companies in the city, and about 30,000 Koreans live in the city, mainly in the Donghai, OCT and Shekou areas.

    Building a community

    Kim Dae-soon, who has lived with her Chinese husband and their daughters in Donghai for about seven years, said they get along well with their neighbors from the United States, Hong Kong and Shenzhen. “The families on the same floor will share their food during festivals, and this has become an unwritten custom between us all,” she said.

    “But years ago, residents from different countries had little interaction because of language barriers and a lack of opportunities to socialize,” said Xie Hong, head of the Xiangmihu Subdistrict Office whose business card is printed in three languages — Chinese, English and Korean.

    To facilitate interaction, a series of initiatives have been carried out. A team of international volunteers was set up last year and has over 100 members. In June, a Korea-China Youth Concert was held, and Chinese and expats are able to take Chinese and Korean language classes for free.

    The Chinese teachers are from schools in Futian District, and the textbooks are provided by the subdistrict office. “We hope through these activities, the Koreans can become active members of the community and learn another skill to help them be successful here,” said Xie.

    In October, the community will launch Korean Week to sell products provided by South Korean companies in the Pearl River Delta Region and to display traditional Chinese and Korean cultures. “We hope more international friends will join us in building Donghai’s harmonious community,” said Xie.

    “We are actively building a bridge between international residents to help them all get involved in community affairs, get along well with others and help them realize that government employees and Chinese residents are ready to offer help,” said Xie.

    At present, the Xiangmihu Subdistrict Office has set up an activity center in the community for expats, set up a special police office in the center to deal with visa affairs and has established a team to offer suggestions on real estate issues for new settlers.

    Unique challenges

    Due to a limited number of openings, Koreans still find it hard for their children to be admitted to public schools. They often have no choice other than to send them to expensive private schools. “School tuition fees are often the biggest expenditures for families,” said Kim Dae-soon.

    Zhang Wen, Party chief of Futian District, promised to address this problem by proposing international classes in public schools during a field visit to the community in June.

    Limited expats-serving hospitals and other non-governmental organizations are also a major concern for expats of all nationalities. “Without approval from the government, there is little we can do to make life easier for Korean immigrants and improve exchanges between our two countries,” said Yu.

    Although some South Korean companies have been under pressure because of certain business practices, which are labor-intensive and less competitive in technology, Shenzhen is still a promising land for them.

    “Shenzhen is a magical land full of possibilities and is friendly to expats,” said Steve Kim, “South Korea and China are not only close geographically but also mentally.”

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