In the 1960’s the Korean government desperately needed money. After the Korean War the country was destitute and in ruins. During this period Germany need laborers and the country was already fully employed. West Germany started to receive workers from countries that needed employment, and in March 1961 West Germany and Korea signed a Technical assistance cooperation deal.
There are 3 reasons to why Korea had no choice but to send laborers to Germany.
Firstly, they needed dollars. To raise up national infrastructure they were is desperate need of dollars. Secondly, they would be able to lower the unemployment rate. Thirdly, Korea needed to maintain solid ties with not only West Germany but other Western nations as they were still in military confrontation with North Korea. Through the deal between Korea and West Germany the two nations were able to cooperate and work together.
From December 1963 to July 1966 the first set of 2,519 workers were dispatched and the second set of 4,219 workers were dispatched from 1970 to 1977. Till 1965, 870 nurses were also sent to Germany with the cooperation of the catholic church of both Korea and Germany. A total of 7,936 workers and approximately 7,033 nurses were dispatched to Germany during this period.