Not long ago Korea was known to be a hermit kingdom. A homogeneous society has preserved this culture intact for thousands of years. Foreigners and other cultural influences were rarely welcome. Not anymore. According to media reports, more than 2.5 million were already living in Korea by the end of 2019. Multiculturalism is finally happening here.
Among the various ethnic groups settling in Korea are Sikhs. Though currently small in numbers they have set up their Gurdwara Sahib (place of worship) in the outskirts of Seoul where they gather for Sunday service every weekend and pray to their Waheguru (God) for the wellbeing of all mankind (ਸਰਬੱਤਦਾਭਲਾ)
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that beliefs in one God “Ik Onkar (ੴ,)”. Founded by Guru Nanak(1469–1539) in the Punjab region of the Indian sub-continent, Sikhism today has spread to the four corners of the world. Known as the youngest religion, Sikhism is the world's ninth-largest with about 40 million Sikhs in the world as of early 21st century estimates.
Based on the spiritual teachings of shri Guru Nanak Dev ji and the nine Sikh Gurus that succeeded him, Sikhism preaches universal brotherhood, believes in the equality of all humankind, and refuses to acknowledge any distinction between persons based on caste, creed, or gender. The tenth Guru, shri Guru Gobind Singh terminated the line of human Gurus and established the holy scripture ‘Guru Granth Sahib’ as the final and eternal spiritual guide for Sikhs. The core of these teachings beliefs that an active, creative, and practical life of "truthfulness, fidelity, self-discipline, and purity" is above the metaphysical truth and complete man is the one who establishes union with God, knows His Will, and lives his entire life under that Will.
Though it is very difficult to determine when the first Sikh visited Korea, available records show that Sikhs started migrating here immediately after Korea won independence from Japanese misrule. Originally, they came as traders and businessmen exporting Korean goods, especially textiles, to India and Middle Eastern countries. However due to serious visa restrictions placed by the government of the day they were not able to permanently establish themselves in Korea. As Korea became industrialized and felt the shortage of workers in farms, it started welcoming Punjabi Sikh farmers to work in the farming sector. Originally coming for the short term, Punjabi Sikh farmers found Koreans very welcoming and supportive of their religious faith. As such, they began staying for longer terms. Some Sikh families settled in Korea as far back as 50 years ago. However, due to serious cultural prejudice, they were not able to practice their religion openly and felt it necessary to keep a low profile.
Slowly but surely South Korea is becoming a multicultural society in which cultural differences and racial diversity are not only tolerated but actually encouraged. Today at the official and societal levels there is an acknowledgment that ethnic and racial minority groups have not had the right to become full members of Korean society, and they have the fundamental right to maintain their specific ethnocultural identities. New Multicultural Korea is being born as we speak. Multiculturalism being practiced in Korea today is providing a new ray of hope for Korean Sikhs.
As a result of this changed policy by the government of Korea, recently Mr. Daljnder Singh, a practicing Sikh, could keep his turban and other articles of faith when changing his nationality from Indian to Korean. EarlierSikh were not having their turbans, and long beards when taking an identity card and passport photo. With this change, he has become the first practicing Korean Sikh. This is a great transition for the Sikh community in Korea. His family is the first Korean Sikh family in Korea practicing its faith in the open. Further as a sign of a Korea having a liberal and open policy, five other Sikh children are able to keep their articles of faith while changing their nationality.
Today Mr. Sukhjeet Singh, Ms. Sukhmeet Kaur, Ms. Japneet Kaur, Arshot Singh, and Gurjot Singh are the proud first Korean Sikh children practicing their faith in the open and having big dreams for their future. Mr. Arshot Singh especially is looking forward to joining the Korean army in a few years' time as he comes from his age and be the first Korean Sikh to serve and rise to higher ranks. If and when it happens, it is bound to take the India-Korea defense and military cooperation to new heights with Sikhs serving in both Indian and Korean armies, defending democracy and our shared way of life. Sikh soldiers are known for their bravery and raw courage all over the world. Sikhs serving in the Korean military is going to be a game-changer for a closer and stronger partnership between our two great nations.
Sikhs are known for their hard-working nature. With their sheer hard work, they have earned great respect in their new adopted homes all over the world. In Europe and the Americas, they are already serving in high government positions including cabinet ministers. In Korea now they are starting a new journey and hope to earn their due place in Korean society in due time.
While their place of worship, called Gurdwara Sahib, was established in 2001 it has yet to be recognized by the government as a place of worship. Time has come for the Korean government to officially recognize the Sikh religion in Korea and provide the necessary tools to the community to reach their fullest potential in their new adopted home.
