President

DAVID HAN

HELLO.

Dear Korean compatriots residing in Paraguay, as well as those in Korea and around the world, we warmly welcome you to the website of the Korean Association in Paraguay.

Paraguay, while geographically one of the farthest countries from our homeland, South Korea, shares a deep history of cooperation and friendship with our nation and people. Since the arrival of the first generation of agricultural immigrants aboard the Boiceván in 1965, over 200,000 Koreans have passed through Paraguay and settled across the Americas. Although it is estimated that between 5,000 and 6,000 Koreans currently reside in Paraguay, the fact that over 20,000 Koreans have obtained Paraguayan residency highlights Paraguay's pivotal role in Korean immigration history in the Americas. Even today, Paraguay evokes a sense of nostalgia as a second home for many Koreans settled in countries like the United States, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.

The pioneers of the first generation who arrived in Paraguay embarked on their arduous journey to carve out a new life in an unfamiliar land, overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers. Over the past 50 years, through perseverance and a pioneering spirit, they have firmly established themselves in Paraguay, building a proud Korean community. Starting with agriculture, Korean immigrants now excel in industries such as livestock, distribution, manufacturing, trade, and professional fields like law, medicine, accounting, and media.

Paraguay, though small with a population of 7 million, boasts a business-friendly environment with a stable currency, low tax rates, and competitive labor costs, making it an attractive hub for production and logistics. With an average economic growth rate of 5% in recent years, Paraguay holds great development potential. The second generation of Korean immigrants, fluent in Korean and Spanish, carries the limitless potential to advance further on the foundation laid by the first generation.

The Korean community in Paraguay also takes pride in tangible assets such as South America's first Korean school recognized by the Ministry of Education, the Korean Association building, the Korean cemetery, and the sports complex. Additionally, intangible assets like the younger generations' exceptional Korean language skills are a valuable legacy.

The 39th, 40th Korean Association in Paraguay, which took office in January 2024, is composed entirely of the 1.5 and second-generation Koreans, marking a complete generational transition. This is unique compared to neighboring American countries where the first generation still predominantly leads Korean associations. This reflects the success of the Paraguayan Korean community in passing down its traditions to the next generations. However, many challenges remain, such as improving the welfare of elderly community members, enhancing the involvement of younger generations in Paraguayan society, and raising the profile of Korean individuals and businesses.

Since its inception, the 39th Association has undertaken various initiatives to enhance the community's welfare, elevate its standing in the local society, and foster the development of the second and third generations. While there is much work ahead, we appreciate the support and interest of our compatriots and the efforts of our association members.

We hope this website will foster more active exchanges among Koreans in Paraguay and around the world. We look forward to your frequent visits and participation.