A ceremony in Frankfurt commemorated the 60th anniversary of Korean nurses who migrated to Germany in the 1960s [1].
The event honors the professional contributions of these women to Germany's post-war economic development and their enduring legacy within the local community.
17 former nurses attended the gathering [1]. These women were recognized as the "Eastern angels" by Frankfurt city officials, who said they honored the nurses' dedication [2].
The migrants' experiences were highlighted through personal accounts of their service. One participant recalled a Christmas shift where she worked alone in a delivery room and delivered a baby by herself [2]. She said that the child eventually grew up to become a prosecutor in Frankfurt, and that they still meet today [2].
In addition to the anniversary celebrations, the event honored Dr. Lee Soo-gil [2]. He was recognized as the "Korean of the Month" (이달의 재외동포) during the proceedings [2].
The gathering served as a reminder of the labor agreements between South Korea and West Germany during the mid-20th century. These agreements saw thousands of healthcare workers leave their homes to support the German medical system while sending remittances back to South Korea, which aided the young nation's economic growth.
“Frankfurt city officials remember them as the 'Eastern angels.'”
This commemoration highlights the historical intersection of South Korean labor migration and West Germany's post-war recovery. By honoring these nurses, both nations acknowledge how the 'guest worker' programs of the 1960s created lasting social and professional bonds that persist six decades later.
