A growing Korean presence in India
As of 2026, approximately 17,000 South Koreans are estimated to be living in India. Over time, this community has helped shape small cultural hubs often referred to as “Little Koreas,” emerging in cities such as Chennai, Delhi, and Pune.
Among these cities, Chennai has one of the largest South Korean populations, with over 3,000 residents today. Many have settled into local life, building careers, families, and deep connections with Indian traditions.
Life in Chennai: A personal journey
One such individual is Jung Ae Um, a South Korean content creator and mother of two, who has embraced life in India while sharing her experiences with a global audience. Along with her sons, she runs a social media channel documenting their daily life in Chennai.
What initially began as a simple way to reassure her family about her safety abroad gradually evolved into a popular content platform. Her videos now showcase her family’s integration into Indian society, attracting widespread curiosity and appreciation.
Jung Ae often challenges common misconceptions about India. “Many people think India is a crowded, dangerous and dirty place. But when I came here there were as many beautiful and clean places as in South Korea. People said they weren't kind, but there were more kind and warm people than in South Korea,” she shared in an interview with CNA Insider.
Falling in love with Indian food and culture
Food became one of the strongest cultural connections for her family. Their first introduction to Indian cuisine came through dosa—a South Indian delicacy that quickly became a household favourite.
“The first restaurant I visited in India had dosa. I can't forget the crisp texture and soft taste,” she recalled.
With no direct equivalent in South Korea, dosa became a regular part of their weekly routine. The family now frequently visits Geetham Chennai, where they enjoy cone dosa together.
Cultural immersion went beyond food. At her children’s school events, Jung Ae experienced traditional Indian attire firsthand when she was asked to wear a saree. She was struck by its elegance and simplicity, describing it as “so beautiful that I want to buy it again.”
Learning language, festivals, and everyday life
Her integration into Indian life deepened further as she began engaging with local customs and festivals. She now celebrates Diwali and Pongal in traditional Indian attire, participating in community festivities.
Even everyday interactions became a learning experience. While trying to negotiate prices in local markets, she began picking up Tamil words—starting with the word for “discount.” This small interaction sparked her gradual journey into learning the language and connecting more closely with the local community.
A bridge between two cultures
Beyond individual experiences, the South Korean community in India is supported by cultural networks such as the Indo-Korean Cultural and Information Centre, established in 2006. This organisation helps strengthen ties between the two communities and provides a platform for cultural exchange.
Additionally, many South Korean families maintain strong social and religious connections, often gathering at churches and community spaces while balancing work in multinational companies.
A shared future
The growing presence of South Koreans in India reflects more than migration—it represents a cultural exchange shaped by curiosity, adaptation, and mutual appreciation. For individuals like Jung Ae Um, India is no longer just a foreign destination but a second home, built through shared meals, language, festivals, and friendships.
As both cultures continue to influence each other, the relationship between India and South Korea appears to be evolving into something more personal, connected, and enduring.
