BKWS was formed in 2011 by Sylvia Park MBE, after several requests for help were forwarded to Sylvia by the South Korean Embassy in London. A need was identified for a networking and support group for Korean women living in the UK. Worldwide women's groups are known to be a valuable resource for providing help and advice and sharing information like accommodation, administrative, legal and social advice.
The society aims to connect women in the UK who are either of Korean origin, or who have an interest in Korea and its culture through regular meetings and events. See our Member's News page for updates on our current members projects and activities.
Support, Share, Connect. BKWS currently offers an outreach helpline for women who need advice or support here in the U.K. Please contact us if you, or anyone you know could benefit from the Society's contact or support 07802 858 771
Meetings are held monthly (except for months when we have an event planned), to keep the group connected and up to date with the ongoing aims of the society and include the planning of cultural events, as well as a chance to see each other socially.
First tuesday of each month 6.30pm for 7pm start - Members networking meetings at the In and Out Club, 2 St James Square, London *meetings are currently paused for summer recess. Please contact the committee at events@bkws.org.uk to confirm details of the next meeting
December - Member's Annual Dinner at the In & Out Club.
Membership costs £30 per year and subscriptions run from January 1st to December 31st. Please fill in our form on the Contact Us page to send your enquiry about joining us.
We are also proud to be supporting Korean adoptees living in the UK by providing monthly language and culture seminars run by Han EJ Karmy (SOAS, MA Korean Literature). 3rd Saturday of each month from 3.30pm - 5.30pm at the In and Out club, 2 St James' Square
This little charmer celebrated his second birthday in September, but has already spent a third of his life at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where he has been treated for a rare condition called chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) since February. Ally urgently needs a blood stem cell donation from someone with a matching tissue-type. His family are appealing to members of the Korean community in the UK who are aged 17 to 55 to register as potential blood stem cell donors with the charity DKMS to help find a match for him, and all those seeking a matching donor.
Speaking about the appeal, Ally’s father, Andrew, said: “I think there is a barrier, a fear and hesitation for Asians to donate parts of their body.... but the need for more Asian donors is huge, and the reality is that this small act can have such a tremendous impact. It can save a life.
Bone marrow donation is a story of hope, YOU are that hope.”
For more information or to request your cheek swab kit and become a potential lifesaver, visit: https://www.dkms.org.uk/en/register-now
You can find more information on Alastair and his family on their website: www.allysfight.com *Text courtesy of Lisa Nugent
Cultural & Social Events are arranged throughout the year by the committee and are a chance to celebrate various aspects of Korean culture. Past events have included celebration dinners for Seollal and Chuseok , networking events, invites to galleries and exhibitions, and tours of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum as well as invited guest speakers. Some events are for members only, and others welcome friends and family members to join us. See our Meetings & Events page for details as well as photos from past events and future dates for your diaries
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