The Seoul International Women's association (SIWA) was created in 1962 as a group of women from different nationalities including Koreans in order to enhance the expatriate life in Korea as well as to support those in need in this country. Very rapidly this initial small group of women grew in popularity and over the years membership rose continuously to a peak of 1 000 women from 80 different countries.

 

Different activities take place in order to serve the various interests of the members. The regular SIWA meeting is the monthly coffee morning where members get together to share friendship and enjoy presentations on different topics. The Newcomers' meetings allow new people to Korea to meet with long time residents and gain some knowledge about their new life and country. All SIWA activities are listed in the Discovery Magazine which is sent to members only. It includes travel tips, recipes, articles on heath, culture and events in the community.

 

As a way to enhance the expatriate life in Korea SIWA also feels committed to extend to its members the opportunity to experience new skills and activities and to discover Korea. The Enrichment classes offer a wide range of activities from handicrafts, cooking to cultural sessions about our host country. The SIWA Tours & Events committee also participates in the discovery of Korea by organizing tours to museums, art galleries, markets, festivals and other places of interest in and out of Seoul.