Francis Kim
Francis Kim: Being a Korean Canadian
What does being a Korean Canadian mean to you?
Means Koreans are accepted here and we are part of a growing community where we can keep a lot of our culture.
What does Canada’s 150th birthday mean to you?
Means Canada is young and has so much potential and room to grow.
Your whole life story in Canada or that of someone else whom you wish to write about
Some highlights include being able to immigrate to Canada, being welcomed/accepted and have Korean and every other culture embraced, being able to partake in so many activities ex. sports, nature. Being safe and having the health and educational support, being able to go to great universities and have access to great jobs. Amazing place to raise your family. I’ve lived in the US, Australia, Asia, worked in Europe and Toronto is still #1 for me overall when all things considered.
How or why did you/your family decide to come to Canada?
Father had a promotion that required him to be here
What was your first memorable impression/experience in Canada?
I came in January in a snow storm- Never seen so much snow in my life coming from Korea. It was very quiet and slow, unlike Seoul but air was so refreshing and clean
What was the hardest/happiest discovery about living in Canada?
The Korean community expanding and shops/restaurants growing to make you not miss Korea
A story about a memorable event or period during your/your family’s life in Canada
Being able to see beautiful places- Niagara Falls, Banff, beautiful ski resorts and being able to enjoy all kinds of cuisines
A story about the best, most interesting, remote or challenging place you’ve lived, worked or traveled to in Canada
Nothing interesting in Canada specifically- It has been great working in Toronto, except the commute/public transit has been atrocious.
An interesting or favourite kimchi story or any element/aspect of Korean culture that you wish to write about
Interesting is aspect is the drinking soju & bbq- it’s amazing how many new places have opened up in Toronto over the years, and how so many other cultures are getting involved and trying combinations ie fusion
A story about a Korean Canadian you admire
My father- who left Korea to pursue a new career with a family- It takes a lot of courage and determination to pull this off. I can see for myself how tough it would be to do something like with a family of my own, but ultimately he brought his family to a better place overall.