Wow in Uzebkistan?! I visited the Soviet far east (Nakhodka/Vladivostok) as a kid and was surprised to see so many Koreans. I just assumed it was due to our proximity to North Korea. Never knew Koreans were a fixture in other parts of the country too.
I remember we were addicted to the shredded carrot salad (morkovcha) they mention in the NY Times article. It came in these long, thin plastic bags that reminded me of Otter Pops lol. So good. Would love to find a place that does that carrot salad here.