With Chuseok nearly upon us, families all over the country are getting together with their loved ones. For some immigrants, though, this time of year can bring on a bout of homesickness, and that’s why a group of locals put on a program to help them. Joseph Kim reports. Report
[slug] Ildo 2-dong Welfare Center, Jeju City
Women from countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Uzbekistan, and China are in colorful Korean traditional dress. Having married Korean men, these women moved to Korea to start their new lives.
They pinch off a little bit of rice dough and try to make (송편) Songpyeon, half-moon-shaped rice cakes.
They carefully follow the directions but their shape doesn’t seem to match the shape of their instructor’s.
While the rice cake is steamed, the air of anticipation is palpable.
However, the holiday food reminds these women of their families and friends back in their home countries.
INTERVIEW Butimia Mainae / Immigrant I am happy to make rice cakes with friends here, but I miss my mom and home. <인터뷰 : 부티미아 마이내/결혼이주여성> "떡도 만드는 법도 배우고 친구들 만나서 좋았어요. 엄마도 생각나고 고향도 생각나고...
[slug] Immigrant women taught Chuseok traditions
The Jeju City Women Society organized the event ahead of the Chuseok holiday to give immigrant wives a opportunity to learn Korean traditional etiquette and how to make (송편) songpyeon.
Members of the Society gave advice to the participants and took care of them like their moms.
INTERVIEW Kim Jeong-im / Jeju City Women’s Society We organized this event for immigrant women to enjoy the Chuseok holidays with their families. They learned traditional food recipes and how to perform a traditional bow. <인터뷰 : 김정임/제주시새마을부녀회장> "행복한 추석이 될 수 있도록 딸들에게 송편 빚는 법과 엄마의 마음으로 딸들이 가정에서 예의를 갖춰 절이라도 바른 자세로 할 수 있도록 이런 자리를 마련했습니다."
They fold their hands over their belly and lower their heads.
This is their first time.
They may have felt a bit awkward, but they gave it their best effort.
INTERVIEW Julie / Immigrant I enjoyed the event. I learned the rice cake recipe and how to bow properly for Chuseok. I'll make the rice cakes for my husband. <인터뷰 : 줄리/결혼이주여성> "즐거웠어요. 떡도 만들고 절하는 법도 배우고 재미있고 즐거웠어요. 집에 가서 남편한테 해줘야겠어요."
[reporter] Joseph Kim [camera] Moon Ho-seong
Whenever Korean families gather together, immigrant wives dearly miss their friends and families back home.
However, the warm rice cakes and the Jeju City Women’s organization’s love and kindness toward them makes them feel welcome in their new home.