In 1996, eight Chinese laborers ran away from the sock factory where they were employed and sought refuge at nearby Cheong Am Church in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

Minister Choi Eui-pal was not very welcoming at first. But upon learning about the abuse and harsh conditions they had faced, he and his colleagues built deeper ties with their guests, and he found a mission to which to devote the rest of his life.

“At one point, we realized that we were not so different after all. We realized we were all human,” Choi, founder and director of the Seoul Migrant Workers Center, recalled in an interview with The Korea Herald.

Since its inception in August 1996, the organization has established Korean classes, computer classes and shelters for the marginalized workers. The center also hosts events for migrants such as soccer and cricket matches and K-pop singing contests.

“We do not need a particular reason to help migrant workers. But we are all equal human beings ― of course we should help each other,” the 66-year-old minister said.

Though the nation has one of the world’s most sophisticated systems for inviting foreign workers, Koreans are not ready yet to embrace them culturally.

“Korea still has a strong cultural barrier against migrant workers. This is deeply rooted in our culture and upbringing. We are subconsciously taught to discriminate against people with dark skin,” he said.

As Koreans are more exposed to foreigners, cultural prejudice is gradually fading. But Korea still needs to mature and become more hospitable and accepting toward newcomers to the society, he said.

“Islam, Buddhism, Christianity and most other religions emphasize mercy, love and acceptance. I hope religion will play a bigger role in the future, and help us overcome our selfishness and show kindness to marginalized expats instead of abusing them,” Choi emphasized.

Choi also runs cafe Tripti. Derived from the Sanskrit word for “yummy,” the fair trade shop donates 5 percent of its sales to help injured migrant workers rehabilitate.

By Lee Sang-ju (sjlee370@heraldcorp.com)