Thousands of Koreans on the island have spouses from other countries, and it’s not always easy for these couples and their children to visit those nations. That’s why KCTV and the provincial government help fund family reunions for non-Koreans who moved here for marriage. Here’s Joseph Kim with the story of one of these families.

A one hour flight from Jeju to (김포) Gimpo, another hour-long bus ride to (인천) Incheon,

And a five hour flight to Vietnam.

It’s a long journey.

But it is not the end. After another 6 hour long bus-ride and half an hour boat ride, they finally arrive at the destination.

In the small village, there is the house of the parents of Ms. (고홍인) Ko Hong In, who moved to Jeju for marriage 13 years ago.

She came back home with three kids.

The elderly parents are preparing a special feast for the hungry visitors.

They speak different languages, but understand each other with body language.

This is the most precious moment to the family.

Tears stream down their faces, but not from sadness, they are tears of joy.

INTERVIEW
Ungen Tien Hong
I was worried about their long journey from Korea, but I’m relieved now. I’m really pleased to see how happy my daughter and son-in-law are together.
<인터뷰 : 응엔 티 홍 / 친정 부모님>
"딸이랑 사위가 너무 오랜만에 집에 오니까 걱정했는데, 잘 와서 다행이에요. 특히, 부부가 행복하게 살고있는 것 같아서 기뻐요."

INTERVIEW
Go Seong-jong
My mother-in-law briefly visited my home in Jeju to take care of our kids. When my mother passed away, she came again to console me.
<인터뷰 : 고성종 / 다문화 가정 남편>
"장모님께서 저희 집(한국)에도 잠깐 오셔서 아이들도 봐주시고, 또 제 어머니가 돌아가신 후에 바로 오셔서 저도 위로를 많이 받았습니다."

Their busy life, a good distance and the financial burden made them give up visiting her hometown.

Even though they can’t meet often, a different nationality and different languages don’t hurt their family bond.

INTERVIEW
Tsunti Mihan / Vietnamese wife living in Jeju
My daughter, Minseo, misses her Vietnamese cousins. She will miss them so much when we go back to Korea.
<인터뷰 : 쩐티미한 / 다문화 가정>
"민서도 베트남 사촌동생 많이 보고 싶어했어요. 많이 섭섭할 거 같아요. 이제 한국 돌아가면."

KCTV’s family reunion project funded by the province has given the family new hope here in their second hometown of Jeju.

[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Camera] Park Byeong-joon

Eight people from two multicultural families, selected by local multicultural centers, were beneficiaries of the project this year.

Joseph Kim, KCTV