Source: [Connecting Korea and Central Asia] Koryo-saram: Building Connections Through Alatau City and K-Park

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Koryo-saram emerge as a strategic link between Korea and Central Asia

Despite accounting for less than 1% of the population, they maintain significant political and economic influence

ALMATY, Kazakhstan (Yonhap) – Ahead of the first Korea-Central Asia Summit in Seoul on September 16–17 and the 90th anniversary of the forced relocation in 2027, Koryo-saram communities are emerging as a practical strategic asset connecting Korea with Eurasia.

According to 2025 overseas Korean population data, approximately 310,000 Koryo-saram live across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Although they represent less than 1% of the region’s population, they maintain considerable political and economic influence within mainstream society.

Alatau City and K-Park

Kazakhstan is home to approximately 120,000 Koryo-saram, representing 0.6% of the country’s population of around 20 million.

Up to eight Koryo-saram have appeared among the top 50 individuals in national wealth rankings compiled by Forbes and other business publications. Koryo-saram architects and engineers have also played key roles in developing national infrastructure, leading the design of major public buildings such as the Palace of the Republic and the Kazakhstan Hotel, both prominent landmarks in Almaty.

Yuriy Tskhay, president of the Association of Koreans of Kazakhstan and chairman of Caspian Group, has taken a leading role in the development of Alatau City, an innovative new city being pursued as a major national initiative by the Kazakh government.

The Association of Koreans of Kazakhstan is closely involved in major advanced-industry and small-scale commercial projects within Alatau City. It plans to establish and operate K-Park, bringing together global information technology developers and startups.

A strategic link between Korea and Central Asia

Over nearly 90 years, Koryo-saram communities have moved beyond the suffering of forced relocation and established themselves across Central Asia.

Their history of hardship and struggle is not merely a relic of the past, but a valuable asset connecting Korea and Central Asia today.

This special report was supported by the Press Promotion Fund, financed through government advertising fees.