Koffer voller Hoffnung – koreanische Bergarbeiter und Krankenschwestern im Ruhrgebiet

At a time when migration is the subject of heated debate, “A Suitcase Full of Hope” tells a story that has long been absent from the collective memory: the story of thousands of South Korean miners and nurses who came to Germany beginning in the 1960s. Many of the Korean miners worked in the coal mines here, while nurses contributed to the healthcare system in hospitals. For many of them, Essen became their new home. The exhibition combines personal memories with historical documents, photographs, and multimedia perspectives. “Suitcases Full of Hope” is intended as an invitation to understand migration through people’s life stories. The exhibition is curated by Dr. Martin Hyun, Felix Park, and Ohyun Kwon—sons of South Korean guest workers.

The exhibition is on view at the Volkshochschule Essen through July 10, 2026, and is held under the patronage of the mayor. 

Free admission.

The exhibition can be visited during the VHS’s regular opening hours. More information can be found here.