During and after the Korean War, North Korea sent thousands of orphaned children to Europe in a rare cross-cultural exchange, and the more than 4,000 who ended up in Poland would have a major impact on non-political ties between the two countries.

These North Koreans were among the first to live abroad in the early years after the Korean War, and archival documents show that the orphans were clearly in communication with Polish citizens during their time in the country.