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A New Beginning: Bukuk Kim’s Story of Strength, Family, and Community

​When Bukuk Kim arrived in Canada in April 2022, she came with big hopes—and big challenges. Originally from South Korea, Bukuk moved to Canada with her husband and their two daughters, ready to begin a new chapter as a family.

Like many newcomers, Bukuk’s first days in Canada were not easy. She remembers feeling very tired and worried about how her family would settle into life in a new country. Everything felt unfamiliar, and building a sense of stability took time.

One of the hardest challenges was finding work. Bukuk wanted to support her family, but she didn’t have Canadian references. She applied for hundreds of jobs, often without hearing back. On top of that, it was difficult to find jobs close to home. Making connections in a new place also felt overwhelming at first.

Despite these struggles, Bukuk found comfort in the kindness around her. Her neighbours welcomed her warmly, and the local church community offered support and friendship. These small but meaningful acts made her feel less alone and gave her hope during a stressful time.

There were more hurdles along the way. Finding housing and a family doctor was very hard, and when her children became sick, long waits at the emergency room were stressful. Learning English was also more difficult than Bukuk expected. The rainy weather, along with driving in the rain and winter conditions, sometimes made her feel discouraged.

Still, Bukuk chose not to give up. She stayed positive, kept an open mind, and challenged herself to adapt. A turning point came when she started a part-time job. Through her coworkers, she began building friendships and learning more about Canadian culture. Slowly, Canada started to feel like home.

Bukuk also received important support from settlement services. A SWIS worker, the Korean Parents Group, and the LINC program all helped her family adjust. Her SWIS worker in SD43 played a key role by explaining the school system, sharing helpful programs, and connecting Bukuk with other parents. These connections gave her confidence and support, and she even became involved in volunteer work in the community.

Today, Bukuk feels proud of how far she has come. She has started a new career and is actively involved in community activities. Her daughters are happy in school, enjoying clubs, sports, and new friendships. As a family, they love spending time outdoors—hiking, playing sports like volleyball, jiu-jitsu, and pickleball, and enjoying Canada’s beautiful nature.

Bukuk sees clear differences between life in Korea and life in Canada. Korea is fast-paced and focused on efficiency, while Canada feels more relaxed and patient. In Canada, she feels encouraged to be herself and is grateful for the kindness and positivity she experiences every day.

Looking ahead, Bukuk hopes to achieve financial independence and one day start her own business. She also wants to give back to the community that supported her family during their journey.

Her advice to new families is simple but powerful: use settlement programs like SWIS, explore job opportunities, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Bukuk hopes her story reminds others that with patience, openness, and determination, it is possible to build a fulfilling life in a new country.

For Bukuk, happiness now comes from seeing her children thrive, spending time with her family, working hard toward her goals, and enjoying the beauty of nature. Her journey is a strong and inspiring example of newcomer success in Canada.