korean

Grit and Grace: Celebrating Korean Resilience and Achievement in Britain Since the Industrial Revolution

Long before Korean culture became a global phenomenon—from K-pop to K-drama—Korean migrants and their descendants were quietly forging a legacy of resilience in Britain. Since the Industrial Revolution’s dawn, when Britain’s factories and ports hummed with the energy of progress, Koreans have journeyed to these shores, driven by a mix of necessity, ambition, and hope. They arrived as strangers in a land of unfamiliar languages and customs, facing discrimination, political upheaval (rooted in Korea’s complex modern history), and the challenge of preserving their identity while adapting to a new home. Yet through every obstacle, they have emerged as contributors, innovators, and bridge-builders—leaving an indelible mark on Britain’s multicultural fabric. Their story is one of quiet determination, unwavering pride, and the power of community to turn struggle into success.

1. The Early Pioneers: Navigating Invisibility in Industrial Britain (19th–Early 20th Centuries)

The first Korean presence in Britain during the Industrial Revolution was small, scattered, and often overshadowed by larger migrant communities—but their journeys laid the groundwork for future generations:

• Students and Diplomats: The First Bridges: In the late 19th century, as Korea began to open up to the world (following centuries of isolation), a handful of Korean students arrived in Britain to study Western science, engineering, and politics. Sent by the Korean government to learn skills that could modernize their homeland, these young men enrolled in universities like University College London and the University of Edinburgh. Among them was Yi Jun, a prominent reformer who studied at University College London in the 1890s. Though they were few in number, these students became early cultural ambassadors: they shared stories of Korea’s history and culture with British peers, challenging stereotypes of Korea as a “backward” nation. Diplomats followed: Korea established a legation in London in 1906 (shortly before Japan’s annexation of Korea in 1910), creating a formal link between the two countries.

• Seafarers and Laborers: Seeking Survival: Alongside students and diplomats, a small number of Korean seafarers found work on British merchant ships during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Like Chinese and Indian sailors (“lascars”), they faced harsh conditions—long hours, low pay, and discrimination—but they played a vital role in keeping Britain’s global trade routes running during the Industrial Revolution’s peak. Some settled in port cities like Liverpool and London, forming tiny, tight-knit communities. They often faced invisibility: census records from the era rarely distinguished Koreans from other East Asian groups, making their exact numbers hard to trace. Yet their presence mattered: they were the first Koreans to build lives in Britain, proving that even in small numbers, they could adapt and survive.

2. Surviving Displacement: Korean Communities in Mid-20th Century Britain

The mid-20th century brought profound challenges for Koreans worldwide—including those in Britain. The division of Korea (1945), the Korean War (1950–1953), and political instability forced many Koreans to flee their homeland. For those in Britain, this era was defined by displacement, community-building, and quiet resistance:

• War Refugees and Military Families: After the Korean War, a small number of Korean refugees arrived in Britain, often sponsored by British churches or aid organizations. Many were women who had married British servicemen stationed in Korea during or after the war; they faced the double challenge of adapting to British life and navigating the stigma of being “foreign” spouses. These families settled in towns and cities across Britain, from London to Glasgow, and began to form informal support networks—sharing home-cooked meals (like kimchi and bulgogi), celebrating Korean holidays (like Chuseok, the harvest festival), and helping one another navigate language and cultural barriers.

• The Rise of Small Businesses: To support their families and create a sense of stability, many Korean migrants turned to small businesses. In London’s Soho district, the first Korean restaurants began to appear in the 1960s—simple, family-run spots serving traditional dishes to a mix of Koreans and curious Britons. These restaurants were more than places to eat: they were community hubs, where Koreans could speak their native language, share news from home, and find comfort in familiar flavors. By the 1970s, Korean grocery stores (selling ingredients like gochujang and doenjang) had also opened, making it easier for Koreans to preserve their culinary traditions. These businesses were acts of resilience: they allowed Koreans to earn a living while staying connected to their culture.

• Fighting for Recognition: Despite their efforts to integrate, Koreans in Britain often faced ignorance and prejudice. Many Britons knew little about Korea’s history or culture, and some confused Koreans with other East Asian groups. In response, Korean community leaders began to organize: in 1968, the Korean Association in the United Kingdom (KAUK) was founded to advocate for the community’s needs, from language support for children to cultural events that introduced British audiences to Korean traditions. These efforts helped raise awareness of Korea’s presence in Britain and laid the groundwork for greater acceptance.

3. Flourishing in the 21st Century: Korean Excellence Across British Life

The 21st century has been a period of remarkable growth for Britain’s Korean community. Today, there are over 100,000 Koreans living in Britain (according to the 2021 census), and they have emerged as leaders in sports, arts, academia, and business—breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be “Korean British.”

• Sports: From the Pitch to the Podium: No Korean has made a bigger impact on British sports than Son Heung-min, the South Korean football star who played for Tottenham Hotspur from 2015 to 2025. Son arrived in Britain with much anticipation—and he delivered: he scored 173 goals for Spurs, won the 2022 Premier League Golden Boot (the first Asian player ever to do so), and was named team captain. Beyond his on-field success, Son became a cultural icon: he inspired millions of British children (and adults) to take up football, and he used his platform to speak out against racism and promote diversity. He was not alone: other Korean athletes have excelled in Britain, including Park Ji-sung (who played for Manchester United in the 2000s) and Kim Min-jae (a defender who joined Newcastle United in 2023). Together, they have changed the face of British football, proving that Korean players can thrive at the highest level.

• Arts and Culture: Sharing Korean Stories with Britain: Britain’s Korean community has also enriched the nation’s cultural landscape. In London, the Korean Cultural Institute (KCI)—founded in 1981—hosts exhibitions, concerts, and film screenings that showcase Korean art, music, and cinema. Korean filmmakers like Hong Sang-soo have screened their work at the London Film Festival, while Korean artists like Lee Bul have exhibited at the Tate Modern. In literature, Han Kang—the South Korean author of The Vegetarian—has gained a large following in Britain, with her books translated into English and taught in British universities. These cultural contributions have helped British audiences see Korea not just as a distant country, but as a source of vibrant, thought-provoking art.

• Academia and Science: Driving Innovation: Korean British scholars have made significant contributions to British universities and research institutions. Professor Kim Sung-joo, a leading expert in artificial intelligence, teaches at Imperial College London and has led groundbreaking projects on machine learning. Dr. Park Mi-kyung, a historian at the University of Oxford, specializes in Korean-British relations and has written influential books on the history of Korean migration to Britain. These scholars are not just advancing their fields—they are also inspiring young Korean Britons to pursue careers in academia and science.

• Business and Technology: Building Bridges Between Britain and Korea: Korean businesses have become an important part of Britain’s economy. Companies like Samsung and Hyundai have opened offices and factories in Britain, creating thousands of jobs. Korean British entrepreneurs have also founded successful startups: Sarah Kim, for example, launched a tech company in London that connects British and Korean startups, fostering innovation and collaboration. These business leaders are strengthening the economic ties between Britain and Korea, while also creating opportunities for other Korean Britons.

4. The Heart of the Korean British Legacy: Community and Identity

What makes the Korean British story so powerful is its focus on community and identity. Unlike some migrant groups, Koreans in Britain have always prioritized staying connected to their roots—whether through language, food, or tradition—while also embracing British culture. This balance has allowed them to thrive:

• Preserving Tradition: Every year, Korean communities across Britain celebrate Chuseok (the harvest festival) with feasts of songpyeon (rice cakes) and family gatherings. They also celebrate Seollal (Korean New Year) with traditional games and clothes (hanbok). These traditions are not just for Koreans: many British neighbors are invited to join, fostering cross-cultural understanding.

• Supporting the Next Generation: Korean community organizations offer language classes for children, helping them learn Korean and stay connected to their heritage. They also provide scholarships for Korean British students to attend university, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to succeed.

• Standing Together: When faced with challenges—like anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic—Korean Britons have stood in solidarity with other East Asian communities. They have organized protests, raised awareness, and supported one another, showing that unity is strength.

5. Celebrating a Future of Unity

As we look to the future, the story of Korean Britons is more important than ever. Britain is a nation of migrants, and its strength lies in its diversity. The Korean community has contributed to Britain’s past, shapes its present, and will help define its future—whether through football, art, science, or business.

We celebrate their struggle not just to honor the past, but to inspire the future. To the young Korean Britons dreaming of becoming athletes, artists, or scientists: your ancestors’ resilience is your legacy. To all Britons: let us recognize and honor the contributions of the Korean community, and work together to build a Britain that is truly inclusive—where everyone, regardless of their heritage, can thrive.

The story of Korean resilience in Britain is a story of hope. It is a story of how, even in the face of displacement, discrimination, and uncertainty, people can build lives, communities, and legacies that last. And it is a story that is still being written—by every Korean Briton who dares to dream, work hard, and make a difference.