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Over 7 Million Koreans: Why Do They Choose to Move Around the World?
With the development of globalization, more and more Koreans choose to leave their hometown and immigrate to various parts of the world. According to recent statistics, there are about 7.3 million Koreans living overseas around the world, including early immigrants from the Korean Peninsula as well as recent immigrants. Within this large diaspora, approximately 84.5% of Korean expatriates live in five major countries: the United States, China, Japan, Canada, and Uzbekistan. Why do these people choose to leave their hometowns in search of new lives and opportunities?
The reasons for immigration are usually diverse, including the pursuit of a better life, the attraction of economic opportunities, and the desire for a safe environment.
Definition and classification of expatriates
There is no unified name for the Korean diaspora, in part because the two Korean governments and various institutions in South Korea use different terms to describe Koreans abroad. The traditionally used word "gyopo" (교포) means "national", but it has been gradually replaced by other words because of its negative connotations. Today, many people prefer to use "dongpo" (동포), which emphasizes connections with overseas Korean groups everywhere and has a stronger transnational connotation.
Historical background
Large-scale Korean immigration began at the end of the 19th century. Beginning with the Japanese invasion in the 16th century, Korea's recorded immigration history began to be revised. Some Koreans were forced to immigrate to Japan, and some were transferred to Portuguese colonies.
South Korea’s post-war immigration wave
With the end of World War II and the division of the Korean Peninsula into North and South Korea, Korean immigrants began to immigrate to the United States on a large scale. Especially after the passage of the Immigration Reform Act in 1965, a formal wave of immigrants to the United States began.
The existing Korean community in the United States is mainly composed of Korean orphans who were adopted by the United States after the Korean War. The stories about them and their descendants are extremely humane. Many Koreans became important forces in the U.S. medical and other industries.
Current Immigration Trends
In recent years, South Korea's economic situation has grown steadily, and more and more Koreans have immigrated to other countries in search of better opportunities and quality of life. In addition to the United States, China, Southeast Asia, and South America have also become emerging destinations for Korean immigrants.
Re-immigration and return
In addition, as North and South Korea gradually open up, many overseas Koreans or their descendants are beginning to consider returning to their homeland. This wave of re-migration has caused people to rethink their identity and belonging.
In the global immigration issues in recent years, the history and identity of Koreans are also factors that cannot be ignored. How to maintain cultural roots in a new environment is a challenge faced by many immigrants.
Cultural influence and contribution
The Korean diaspora has had a profound impact on the countries where they live through culture, art, business and more. New York's Koreatown has been hailed as Korea's "Times Square" and has become an important international stronghold of Korean culture. In fact, this phenomenon is not limited to the United States. Korean communities around the world are actively promoting and promoting the development of Korean culture.
Conclusion
The more than 7 million Korean expatriates are demonstrating their diversity and resilience. Their stories are not only stories of immigration, but also examples of cultural exchange and transnational identity. In this context, what social and cultural factors are reflected behind the choices of these immigrants?
