The people of Ireland have made their own unique contribution to Korea. This relationship dates back to the late nineteenth century when Irish born members of the British civil service served in Korea.

 

Research continues but at the moment it seems to be the case that Colonel Hugh Mckee is the first record of any Irish person in Korea. In 1871 McKee on the USS Colorado led a group which included four other Irishmen US Marine Private John Coleman, born 9 October,1847,Ireland,US Marine Private James Dougherty born 16 November,1839 'of Langhash',Ireland, US Marine Patrick H.Grace born 1835, Ireland and Michael McNamara born 1841 'of Clure',Ireland. The USS Colorado attacked Choji Garrison on Gangwha island close to where Incheon International Airport is now located. Colonel McKee died in the raid and the Irish born US Marines later won medals of honour.

 

Irish born British civil servants to work in Korea include William George Aston, British Consul-General in Korea from 1884 to 1885 (As far as the IAK can establish, George was the first Irish person to reside in Korea. Aston Hall in the British embassy is named after him.), Sir Nicholas Roderick O’Conor, British Minister to the Empire of Korea in Seoul from 1892 to 1895,John Mc Leavy Brown, appointed by King (later Emperor) Kojong as Financial Adviser and Chief Commissioner of Customs on 15th October 1893 until 26th November 1905 and Sir John Newell Jordan, British Consul-General in Seoul from 1896,becoming Chargé d’Affaires at the British Embassy in 1898 and Minister-Resident from 1901 until November, 1905.

 

There is evidence of a Methodist Missionary from County Laois, the Reverend Charles David Morris who ministered with his wife as far north as Pyongyang from 1901 until his death in 1927.

 

Anglican nun Mother Mary Clare (Clare Emma Witty) was born on 30th May,1883 in Enniskerry, County Wicklow. Sister Mary Clare as far as is known, was the first Irish born woman to reside in Korea. She arrived in Korea in 1923 via Kilburn, London and died in the Korean war near Chungkanjin in present day North Korea on 6th November,1950 a victim of the nine day long 'Death March' which began on 30 th October,1950 and which was led by North Koreans retreating from the advancing UN forces. 

 

The 1930s saw the arrival of the Irish Catholic Columban Order mission who are still active in Korea today.When the Korean War started on 25 June, 1950 there were 28, mainly Irish-born, Columban Fathers working in Korea. From 27 June until 6 December, 1950 Monsignor Patrick Brennan, Fathers Anthony Collier, Francis Canavan, Thomas Cusack, James Maginn, John (Jack) O’Brien and Patrick O’Reilly were to perish. Father Canavan died in captivity in Hangjang-ni, in present day North Korea) on 6 December, 1950. Father. Canavan had also been on the nine day long 'Death March.' 

 

With the outbreak of war came the biggest arrival of Irish people and those of Irish descent in the service of the United Nations Command (UNC). 109 Irish men from all over Ireland would die serving with the Royal Ulster Rifles (RUR). Irish President Mary Mc Aleese, in receiving an honorary degree at EWHA University, Seoul on 24 March, 2005 said: 

"The Royal Ulster Rifles saw action in two battles, in January and April,1951 and it gave in sacrifice over 130 lives. Today I pay homage to my compatriots who made the supreme sacrifice in that war and to those, their colleagues and families who shared in that sacrifice through their loss and loneliness”. 

 

Another 28 Irish fell, serving with the US forces.

 

It is unknown exactly how many of Irish heritage served and died across all the armies of the nations who fought under the UN flag in the Korean war. Ireland was not a member of the UN at this time. However, it is clear from reading the list of dead at the War Memorial of Korea that many of those who fought had some Irish heritage. 

The Irish Korean war memorial in Yongsan, Seoul honours all those both military and civilian of Irish birth or heritage who died specifically during the Korean war. The IAK would like also to acknowledge all Irish people that have died in Korea before and since.

 

Irish people continue to contribute to Korea's welfare and building bonds between Ireland and Korea. The 2002 FIFA World Cup hosted by Korea and Japan saw the biggest number of Irish visitors to Korea at any one time (arguably on a friendlier mission than 1871!). The Republic of Ireland lost to Spain on penalties in a round of 16 match in Suwon just south of Seoul in front of approximately 3000 Irish supporters.

At any given time there are between 800 to 1000 Irish people residing in Korea. Irish nationals are involved in education, business, the arts, sports, religion, science and technology.

There have also been many Irish-Korean marriages.

 

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*If you feel you could add to ongoing research about Irish people In Korea or are related to anyone mentioned please contact the IAK.