From Korean farmers to Rohingya refugees: the precious gift of rice

From Korean Farmers to Rohingya Refugees: The Precious Gift of Rice

Once one of the poorest countries, the Republic of Korea has transformed into a booming success story and is now one of the top food aid donors to the World Food Programme (WFP).

The Life of Suwoong Han: A Rice Farmer’s Journey

Rice has shaped Suwoong Han’s life for 85 years. In March, when the soil remains hard, he soaks rice seeds to start germination. This is followed by planting and pest control, nurturing his paddy fields into a vibrant landscape of yellow and green. Harvest time arrives in October, and Han delivers his crop to a rice processing center, finally enjoying the rewards of his labor.

“That is when I feel happiest,” says Han, a son of rice farmers from Gyeonggi Province in northwestern Republic of Korea.

Han takes pride not only in his harvest but also in the role his country’s rice donations play. Each year, these donations contribute tens of thousands of metric tonnes of rice to WFP programs supporting hungry populations worldwide.

A Personal Connection to Hunger

Han deeply understands hunger, recalling the challenging times after the 1950-53 Korean War. As a young man, food aid from WFP was a vital lifeline for his community.

“I remember walking long distances to receive food assistance, including wheat flour, sorghum flour, milk, or powdered milk,” he recalls. “So, I truly understand what it means to be hungry.”

Thousands of kilometers away, Rohingya refugee Leila shares this painful understanding of hunger.

Author’s summary: The story highlights how Korea’s journey from hunger to aid donor reflects in Suwoong Han’s lifelong dedication to rice farming and supports global hunger relief efforts.

UN World Food Programme — 2025-11-07