President Achusim Chijioke Anthony calls on Nigerians in Korea to embrace integration — learning the language, respecting Korean culture and law, and remaining positive ambassadors of Nigeria while proudly keeping their identity.
By Achusim Chijioke Anthony, the President, NIDO South Korea
South Korea has become home to many Nigerians who are here for different reasons—work, business, education, family, faith and other legitimate pursuits. As our community continues to grow, we must also grow in our understanding of the society in which we live.
As Nigerians living in Korea, we have a responsibility not only to succeed individually, but also to build a positive image of Nigeria and contribute meaningfully to the Korean society that accommodates us.
Integration does not mean abandoning our Nigerian identity, culture or values. Rather, it means learning how to live respectfully and responsibly within a different society while preserving the best of who we are.
Learn the Korean Language
One of the most important steps towards successful integration is learning the Korean language.
Language is more than a means of communication. It is a bridge between people. When we make the effort to speak Korean, even at a basic level, we demonstrate respect for the country and its people. It also makes everyday life easier—from communicating at work and dealing with government offices to visiting hospitals, understanding contracts and building relationships with Korean neighbours.
The Korean government itself recognizes the importance of language and cultural understanding. Its Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) provides foreigners with education in Korean language, Korean culture and understanding Korean society.
As a community, we should encourage every Nigerian in Korea, especially our young people, to make learning Korean a priority.
Understand and Respect Korean Culture
Every society has its own way of doing things. Korea has a rich culture shaped by history, tradition, family values, respect for elders, community consciousness and social etiquette.
We may not agree with every cultural practice, and we do not have to abandon our own traditions. However, living in another country requires us to understand and respect the culture around us.
Simple things such as appropriate greetings, respect for elders, workplace etiquette, public behaviour, punctuality, cleanliness, noise control and consideration for neighbours can make a significant difference in how Nigerians are perceived.
When we understand Korean culture, we reduce unnecessary misunderstandings and create better relationships between Nigerians and Koreans.
Know and Obey the Law
Perhaps the most important responsibility of every Nigerian resident in Korea is to understand and obey Korean law.
Ignorance of the law is not a defence. Immigration regulations, employment laws, traffic regulations, tax obligations, housing rules and other laws can have serious consequences when violated.
We must therefore avoid the dangerous attitude of saying, “This is how we do it in Nigeria.” We are not living in Nigeria. We are living in the Republic of Korea, and while we retain our Nigerian identity, we must respect the laws and institutions of the country where we reside.
The Korean Immigration Service emphasizes both social integration and respect for legal order, and Korea provides programs designed to help foreign residents understand Korean society and basic laws.
Where we do not understand a law or regulation, we should seek proper information rather than rely on rumours, social media or hearsay. The Immigration Contact Center, for example, provides multilingual assistance, and Korea also operates a legal counseling program for foreign residents who face language or information barriers.
Integration Is a Two-Way Responsibility
Integration should not be misunderstood as Koreans asking Nigerians to stop being Nigerians. Our culture, language, food, music, values and traditions are part of what makes our community unique.
Rather, integration means bringing our identity into the Korean society with dignity, respect and responsibility.
We can celebrate Nigerian culture while respecting Korean culture. We can speak Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Efik, Ibibio or other Nigerian languages while learning Korean. We can maintain our Nigerian traditions while obeying Korean laws. We can support one another as Nigerians while building genuine friendships and partnerships with Koreans.
This balance is possible—and necessary.
Our Conduct Represents More Than Ourselves
Every Nigerian in Korea is, in some way, an ambassador of Nigeria.
When one Nigerian behaves responsibly, works honestly, respects Korean people and obeys the law, it contributes to a positive perception of our entire community.
Unfortunately, the opposite can also happen. The misconduct of one person can sometimes affect how an entire community is perceived.
This is why NIDO must continue to promote responsible citizenship, education, community discipline and positive engagement with Korean society.
We must raise a generation of Nigerians in Korea who are not known only for their ability to work hard, but also for their integrity, respect, knowledge and contribution to society.
A Call to the Nigerian Community
As President of NIDO South Korea, I encourage every Nigerian living in this country to take integration seriously.
Learn Korean.
Understand Korean culture.
Know the law.
Respect the people.
Build relationships.
Contribute positively.
And remain proudly Nigerian.
Let us move from merely living in Korea to becoming responsible members of Korean society.
Our goal should be to build a Nigerian community that Koreans can trust, respect and proudly work with—a community that creates opportunities, promotes friendship between Nigeria and Korea, protects the dignity of Nigerians and becomes a positive force wherever we are.
The strength of NIDO will not be measured only by the number of Nigerians we represent, but by the quality of Nigerians we help build.
Let us integrate without losing our identity, contribute without compromising our values, and succeed without forgetting the responsibility that comes with living in another man’s land.
Together, let us build a stronger Nigerian community in Korea and a stronger bridge between Nigeria and the Republic of Korea.
— Achusim Chijioke Anthony, President, NIDO South Korea