STRANGE VISITORS


Strange Visitors is a research trip to study and explore the African culture in Bosan-dong. Currently, Africans have formed a community in Bosan-dong, with the Nigerian Igbo people at the center. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, about 1,000 Africans lived in the area, with diverse nationalities such as Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. However, many returned to their home countries during the pandemic, and now about 700 Africans reside in the Bosan-dong and Saengyeon-dong areas. While the nationalities are still diverse, the Igbo and Ghanaians are the majority, with over 80% of the African population being Igbo. Despite having been established in Bosan-dong for over ten years, the Igbo community remains largely unknown to both Korean society and local residents. Koreans have generally referred to them simply as the African community, regardless of their nationalities, showing little interest in their identities. This tour focuses on studying the culture and history of the Igbo people, who make up the majority of Africans in Bosan-dong. Chukwuma, the president of the Nigerian Anambra community and one of the longest residents in Bosan-dong, will explain the history of the Igbo people in Bosan-dong. Brenda, who has lived as a laborer in Bosan-dong and written novels, will discuss Igbo culture, and IPOB members will provide historical explanations and lead discussions.

The Igbo people have a long history and rich traditions, with various cultural elements such as traditional ceremonies, music, dance, and art being sources of their pride. Historically, the Igbo have maintained an independent spirit, striving to preserve their identity during and after the colonial period. The experience of fighting for independence during the Biafra War significantly contributed to their strong sense of pride. Additionally, the Igbo highly value education, with many achieving economic success through it. The Igbo are widely dispersed around the world, with many achieving international success. They take pride in their roots and promote Igbo culture and traditions through their global networks. These factors together form the basis of the Igbo's strong cultural pride.

Notable Igbo figures include:
-  Chinua Achebe: A Nigerian writer, poet, and critic, best known for his novel "Things Fall Apart." This work has made a significant impact globally, highlighting the importance of African literature and leaving a profound impression on readers worldwide.
- Philip Emeagwali: A computer scientist and inventor whose research has greatly contributed to the advancement of high-performance computing. He is often referred to as one of the "Fathers of the Internet," with his achievements holding a crucial place in the field of science and technology.
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: A Nigerian writer known for works such as "Half of a Yellow Sun," "Americanah," and "Purple Hibiscus." Her writing addresses the experiences of Africans and the diaspora, receiving international acclaim.
- Okwui Enwezor: A curator, art critic, and writer who significantly influenced the contemporary art world. He played a crucial role in raising international awareness of African contemporary art and served as a curator for major international art events like the Venice Biennale and Kassel documenta.

In addition to exploring these cultural dynamics, Strange Visitors delves deeply into the history of Dongducheon and the Igbo community, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these histories intertwine and shape the relationship with Bosan-dong. The program also plans to expand by collaborating with the Ghanaian community in the future.