[만나고 싶었습니다] “We become one by sweating through basketball… “I’m glad my child isn’t being bullied.”

Breaking Barriers: A Multicultural​ Basketball Team Finds Unity on teh Court

The Yongsan-gu Culture and ‍Sports Center in Seoul buzzed with energy ‌on a frigid winter morning. ​ Despite the chill,⁤ the basketball court was ablaze with activity as the “ForWithTo Global⁣ Mothers” team practiced. This unique squad, comprised of 25 immigrant women representing 11 different countries, is​ more than just a team; itS a testament to the power of sport to bridge cultural divides and ‌foster a sense of belonging.

Established in October 2022 ⁣with support from the American charity For With Two Foundation, the‌ team’s mission is simple: empower immigrant mothers to step off the sidelines and onto the court.As of ​January 2025, their record​ stands at 5 wins and 5 losses, a testament to‌ their dedication and growing ‌skills. while victory is certainly a goal, the team emphasizes the importance of​ camaraderie and mutual support above all else.

The team’s diverse makeup is evident both on and off the court. During a recent practice, players arrived a few minutes late, juggling childcare responsibilities with their athletic pursuits.Director Cheon Soo-gil,a veteran coach with the Korea Basketball Development Research⁣ Institute,greeted ⁤them with good-natured humor,prompting laughter and playful banter in a mix of Korean,English,and other languages.

The team’s dynamic reflects the realities of multicultural families in South Korea, where integration and understanding are ongoing challenges. ​ According to a 2023 report by the​ Ministry of Justice, the number ⁤of multicultural families in ⁢Korea ⁢has steadily increased in recent years, reaching over‌ 250,000 ‍households.

ForWithTo Global Mothers‌ provides a platform for⁤ these women to connect, share experiences, and build lasting friendships. The team’s success extends beyond the basketball court, serving as a powerful​ symbol of inclusion and empowerment for immigrant communities across the country.

As Mu Yonghong, ‌a player from China, rushed off ⁤to bake traditional Korean fish-shaped pastries for her family, it was clear that this team is more than just‍ a group of athletes;‍ they are a community, united by their love of the game and their shared journey of navigating life in a new land.

From Bungeoppang to Basketball: Finding Strength and Community in a ‍New Land

The aroma ​of freshly grilled bungeoppang​ filled the air as Mr. Mu, a Korean immigrant, expertly flipped the fish-shaped pastries. he shared his story, explaining that he had come to Korea a decade ago ‍seeking⁢ a better life. His‌ initial focus was solely on work, leaving little room for personal well-being.

However, Mr. Mu’s perspective shifted when he realized the importance of staying healthy, not just for himself but for his children. he decided to take up basketball,a sport⁢ that initially proved challenging. Recalling his early days on the court, he chuckled, “My legs would give out after just walking around!”

But Mr. Mu persevered. He found strength and resilience he didn’t know he possessed. His allergies, which had plagued him for years, even began to improve. Beyond the physical benefits, basketball also opened up‌ a new social‌ world. Mr. Mu, who described himself ​as once introverted, ⁢found himself engaging more and building connections with his teammates.

As he ‌handed⁣ me a warm bungeoppang, the fish seemed ⁤to shimmer in my hands, a testament⁤ to mr. Mu’s dedication and⁢ the vibrant life he had built in Korea. Customers​ lined up,eager to taste his culinary creations,a symbol of his entrepreneurial spirit.

Mr. Mu’s story is a powerful reminder that pursuing personal growth ⁣and community ⁢can lead to unexpected rewards. It highlights the transformative power of sports, not just for⁣ physical health‍ but also for fostering social⁣ connections and ​building confidence. His journey resonates​ with the experiences of many immigrants who find strength and ⁤belonging in new and unfamiliar environments.

Finding Belonging: The Journey of ‍Multicultural Families in Korea

The number of multicultural families​ in South Korea has surged in recent years, exceeding 416,000 households in⁢ 2023. ⁢This represents a notable ​19% increase since 2019, more than double the growth rate of total households during the same period. While this growth signifies a ⁣more diverse and inclusive society, it also highlights the unique challenges these families face in adapting to a​ new culture and language.

Wu Yonghong,a Chinese immigrant and member of a local basketball team,exemplifies the resilience and determination⁤ of many multicultural individuals in Korea. She arrived seeking a better ​life and found more⁣ than just economic possibility. Through support centers and ⁤interactions with fellow ​multicultural families,she discovered⁣ the importance of education,not only for herself but also for her children.

“I came here to improve my life, but​ I’m learning ⁤more‌ than I’m earning,” Wu shared.”Among my multicultural friends, there’s someone who was scammed. So, when I ‍feel ‌overwhelmed, I turn to‍ the (multicultural family) support center for help.They provide guidance on​ various aspects, from ‍finances and economics to cultural nuances.This experience has​ reinforced the importance of education for my children as well.”

Despite the ⁤positive⁢ aspects, Wu acknowledges the difficulties she encounters. Language barriers can lead to misunderstandings and isolation.

“Sometimes, people ignore me when they hear my accent,” she admitted. “It’s ⁣disheartening. Even though I consider myself Korean, I haven’t ⁤naturalized yet as I frequently travel‌ back to China to care ⁣for my elderly parents. Learning Korean is challenging,especially in situations like⁢ visiting the hospital. It’s challenging to articulate my symptoms accurately.Once, when I experienced an allergic reaction, the internal⁣ medicine doctor directed ‌me to​ an ophthalmologist, who than referred me to obstetrics and gynecology. It was quite frustrating.”

Wu’s experience⁣ with her children’s schooling, however, has been overwhelmingly positive.

“When I first met my child’s homeroom teacher, I was nervous,” she recalled. “I had heard ‌stories about multicultural children⁢ facing bullying. When the teacher assured me that my child was doing well socially, I was overcome with emotion. It was⁣ such a relief.”

Professor Seok Jae-eun, a social welfare expert at Hallym ‌university, emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to support multicultural families.

“For⁢ these families to truly thrive in korean society,we need policies that ⁤address both​ Korean language acquisition and cultural adaptation,” Professor Seok explained. “This can be achieved through a combination of ⁢online and offline educational programs. Equally vital are policies that promote respect and understanding. Support personnel⁤ should also play‌ a crucial role in fostering closer relationships within ‌these communities, leading ‍to⁤ more effective integration.”

Wu Yonghong’s story, along with the insights from‌ Professor Seok, underscores the importance ​of creating a welcoming and supportive surroundings for‍ multicultural families in ‌Korea. By ‌addressing the challenges ⁣they ⁣face and celebrating their ⁢contributions, Korea can build ‍a more inclusive and vibrant⁣ society for all.

Breaking Barriers: A Multicultural Basketball Team Finds Unity On The Court

Seoul’s Yongsan-gu Culture and Sports Center ⁤crackles with energy.It’s not⁢ just another frigid ⁢winter morning; it’s “ForWithTo Global Mothers” practice day. This isn’t your typical basketball team. ‍This is ​a squad of 25 immigrant women, hailing from 11 different countries, ‌united ⁤by a shared love ​of the game and a mission that goes far beyond the court.

Established in October 2022 with the support of the For With two Foundation, a US-based charity, the team’s goals are simple yet profound: empower⁢ immigrant mothers, promote cultural understanding, and build a sense of belonging. As of January⁤ 2025, their record stands at 5 wins and 5 losses, a testament to their growing skills and unwavering commitment.

But for this⁤ team, victory isn’t everything. The emphasis lies on ‌camaraderie, mutual support, and the joy of playing together. This is evident in their practices, where laughter ‍blends with the squeak of sneakers and the ⁤thud of the ball. ⁣players​ arrive‍ a few​ minutes late, juggling childcare duties with ⁤their ‍athletic aspirations.

Director Cheon Soo-gil, a seasoned coach with Korea Basketball ⁣Advancement Research Institute, ‌greets them with good-natured humor, sparking playful⁤ banter in a delightful medley of Korean, English,​ and ‌other languages.

The team’s dynamic reflects the larger‌ story of multicultural families in South Korea. With the number of such families soaring past‍ 250,000 ​households by 2023, according to the ministry of Justice,⁣ integration and understanding remain ongoing challenges.

ForWithTo ‌Global Mothers ⁢provides a safe and welcoming space for these women to connect, share their experiences,⁤ and build lasting⁤ friendships. It’s a platform that fosters inclusivity and empowers immigrant‌ communities across the country.

As Mu Yonghong, a player from ⁣China, rushes off to bake traditional Korean fish-shaped ⁢pastries for her family, it’s clear ‍this team is more than just athletes.They are a community, bound by their love of the game and their shared journey of navigating life in a new⁢ land.

The scent of freshly grilled bungeoppang mingles with the aroma of sweat and determination. Just as the ⁤pastries symbolize the sweetness of adaptation ⁤and the fusion ⁣of cultures, so too does this basketball team embody the strength and resilience of immigrant women building a new life in Korea. Their journey ‌is a powerful reminder that sports can be‌ a catalyst for unity, understanding, and belonging. ⁢

They prove⁢ that on the court, differences ‌fade away, replaced by the shared ‌language of teamwork, perseverance, and the sheer joy ‌of the game.