Abstract
The Koryoins, a small diaspora group from the post-Soviet states, have been returning to their historic homeland of South Korea over the past few decades. Their immigration backgrounds are diverse and have been of interest to Korea due to labor shortages and a declining birth rate. The Koryoins have settled across various regions of Korea, including Hambak Village, the focal point of our research project. Despite a rapidly growing Koryoin and Russian-speaking population in this village, little research has been conducted on the community's repatriation experience. This study aims to explore the diverse needs and assets of the Koryoin community through a qualitative, community-participatory research approach using focus groups. Through the collaboration of the University of Utah Asia Campus and the local Koryoin community leaders, four semi-structured focus groups were conducted. Our findings revealed that while Koryoins share common interests and confront similar challenges as other migrant groups, their integration objectives may differ, as they aspire to be fully integrated and recognized as native Koreans. Challenges identified encompassed difficulties meeting basic needs, language proficiency, cultural assimilation, discrimination, social well-being, and mental health. Priorities also differed depending on the age of the community members. However, the community also demonstrated strong foundations for collective action and existing pathways for knowledge exchange. Future research should prioritize continued collaboration with the community members and stakeholders to find or create better integration resources and programs. In addition, studies on mental health support, especially among the younger generations, should also be pursued.
Author Information
Jaina Lee, University of Utah Asia Campus, South Korea
Yunah Cho, University of Utah Asia Campus, South Korea
Paper Information
Conference: KCAH2024
Stream: Immigration
This paper is part of the KCAH2024 Conference Proceedings (View)
Full Paper
View / Download the full paper in a new tab/window
To cite this article:
Lee J., & Cho Y. (2025) Exploring the Community Health Needs and Assets of the Koryoin Community in Hambak Village, South Korea: A Qualitative Study ISSN: 2759-7571 – The Korean Conference on Arts & Humanities 2024 Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 159-170) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2759-7571.2024.15
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2759-7571.2024.15
Comments
Powered by WP LinkPress