OKA Resumes Visit Program After 5 Years: 65 Descendants of Sakhalin Koreans Visit Korea for Family Reunions with Their Permanently Resettled Relatives

오재경OhJaeGyung
25 Nov 2024


Sixty-five descendants of Sakhalin Koreans residing in Sakhalin and other regions of Russia will begin arriving in South Korea starting November 22 for family reunions with their parents or grandparents who have permanently resettled in Korea.

As part of the "Sakhalin Koreans 2nd and 3rd Generation Homeland Visit Program" organized by the Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA) under the leadership of Director Lee Sang-deok, a group of 44 descendants from Sakhalin will arrive at Incheon International Airport on this day. An additional 21 descendants from other parts of Russia will visit Korea individually.

During their stay in Korea, ranging from one week to 30 days, these descendants will have the opportunity to reunite with their family members who have permanently resettled. This visit marks the program’s resumption after being suspended for five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The program, entrusted to the Korean Red Cross by the OKA, provides benefits such as round-trip airfare between the participants' residence and Korea, as well as transportation costs from the airport to the homes of their reunited family members.

Director Lee Sang-deok stated, "We are delighted to resume the homeland visit program after a five-year hiatus, offering Sakhalin Koreans the opportunity to reunite with their beloved families. This program is a crucial responsibility of the OKA, aimed at comforting Sakhalin Koreans who have endured hardships due to our painful history."

He further added, "The OKA will continue to expand its support programs for Sakhalin Koreans, enabling more individuals who wish to resettle permanently in Korea to fulfill their aspirations."


https://newsk.net/korea/?idx=128435172&bmode=view


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