It took time, benevolence and a minor miracle to finally arrive in Canada and begin a new life
In the summer of 1947, members of the Communist party knocked on our door without notice and ordered us out of our home and off our property, taking with us only the clothes we wore. The sole reason for our eviction was that my parents owned a very large (and coveted) farmland property in Seoncheon, North Korea.
Our family was devastated, but we quickly decided to escape to South Korea with the hope of finding a new life. We made a long trip to the border area and waited unobtrusively until dark to avoid the eyes of the many border guards. After crossing successfully, we made our way to the nearest seaport. To our disappointment, there was only one small boat available to take us to South Korea. Our family of nine members had to split up! Six got on the boat, while my grandfather and my mother decided to make it to South Korea via a dangerous route through the mountains. Grandfather carried me, two years old at the time, all the way on his back. Only by God’s mercy did we all arrive safely in South Korea. We were then taken to a refugee camp in Seoul, where our family settled in and struggled to eke out a living.
Three years later, in June 1950, the North Korean military forces suddenly invaded South Korea. My father and my grandfather were killed by a bomb explosion and my uncle was kidnapped.
On January 4, 1951, Seoul citizens were informed of an evacuation order by the government. Once again, the remaining members of our family separated for safety reasons.
Denne historien er fra August/September 2017-utgaven av Our Canada.
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Denne historien er fra August/September 2017-utgaven av Our Canada.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Day & Night
Clive Branson of Ottawa explains the fascinating psychological effect of seeing the same scene in daylight and then at night
BACK-ROAD ADVENTURES
Capturing the history and beauty of Quebec’s Eastern Townships in winter
A Very Merry Christmas
Waiting for the turkey to roast has never been so much fun!
BEAUTIFUL BERMUDA
This lovely island nation boasts friendly locals and incredible views
Room with a View
This window on the natural world brings a sense of peace and joy
Sled dog Salvation
Tracing the incredible journey of a musher from Edmonton who fled her abusive spouse with her dog team and made it all the way into Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Christmas on Display!
Unpacking and showcasing the family collection of Santas, snowfolk and village scenes is an annual labour of love
SOLITARY PURSUITS
Enjoying brisk winter days in the great outdoors
WILLIAM POPE: An Artist for the Ages
A tribute to Norfolk County’s Naturalist
The Intrepid OJIBWAY
The story of a man, and a community, who fostered a sense of pride and dignity for those to come