Polish lawyer rediscovers Korean heritage at Woori Bank's first Warsaw branch

Korea Herald

09-04-2025

Mateusz Ordyk connects Korean roots with Woori Bank's European expansion
Mateusz Ordyk brings more than just executive expertise to South Korean lender Woori Bank's new chapter in Poland — he carries a personal history that bridges two nations.
'I was born in Poland, but my roots trace back to Korea,' Ordyk said. 'I hope to serve as a bridge that brings the two countries closer together.'
Ordyk, a lawyer-turned-banking executive, joined Woori Bank's newly opened Warsaw branch as deputy branch manager, taking charge of compliance and overseeing the bank's internal controls, including anti-money laundering efforts.
The Korean lender launched the branch on March 31, becoming the first Korean bank to establish operations in Poland.
Ordyk's presence adds symbolic weight to Woori Bank's expansion into the country as a descendant of a Korean family with deep historical ties. His great-grandfather, Kim Byeong-jun, served as a police officer during the Korean Empire, the country's final monarchy era, which lasted from 1897 until 1910.
Historical records show that in December 1897, King Gojong appointed Kim to a "Senior Rank 3" at the police department — a commissioner-level position of considerable authority over national security and law enforcement.
Following Japan's annexation of Korea in 1910, Kim was among many Koreans who left the country, eventually settling in Russia. His descendants later spread across Europe, with his great-grandson, Ordyk, born in Poland in 1978.
Ordyk's connection to Woori is all the more meaningful, given the bank's origins. Woori traces its roots back to the Commercial Bank of Korea, the country's first-ever bank, founded in 1899 by King Gojong. The king personally financed the bank's launch as part of efforts to modernize Korea's economy and support local merchants. During the Korean Empire, the bank also served as the country's central bank.
Surviving Japan's colonial rule and Korea's turbulent post-war years in various forms, the Commercial Bank of Korea ultimately became the predecessor to Hanvit Bank, established in 1999. Hanvit was later rebranded as Woori Bank in 2002. Today, Woori officially marks January 30, 1899 — the founding date of the Commercial Bank of Korea — as its beginning.
"I grew up hearing stories about Korea. It means so much to now be able to work for a Korean bank that represents that heritage," Ordyk said.
Woori Bank's Warsaw branch is expected to serve as a key base for the Korean lender's European expansion, overseeing operations across Eastern Europe. The branch aims to support Korean companies operating in the region, as more firms turn to Poland amid its growing role as Europe's manufacturing hub and gateway to the East.
"It's especially meaningful to uncover this historical connection in a year that marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's independence, as Woori Bank steps up efforts to expand its presence across Europe," said Lee Jung-woo, manager of the Warsaw branch. "We look forward to Ordyk's role in deepening ties between Korea and Poland."