identity
Most of the participants in this study showed a tendency to explain their identities divided into the two dimensions of nationality and ethnicity. Instead of a single perception that they are Korean, many of them referred to a dual identity of foreigners living in Korea. Also, many of them sensed difficulty and discrimination in adapting to Korean society due to such dual identities. In particular, it was found that the participants experienced a confused feeling about their ethnic identity. So some participants referred to themselves as Chinese during the interview process and for some of them, the fact that their families remained in China was an important condition for defining their state identity. However, this didn’t mean they received treatment as Chinese people and they were aware of discrimination as a minority group.
People around me treat me as a foreigner, a Chinese living in Korea. Some people think of me as a Korean, but most people think of me as a foreigner. (participant 6) I have never been treated well in Vietnam. For example, even when taking a certification exam, there are restrictions on the identity system. Many policies make the nobility more comfortable or superior. Politicians say they will create a system for the common people, but what they say is a lie. However, my situation is similar in Korea as well. (participant 7)
At the same time, almost all participants considered themselves Korean. This national identity may be the result of receiving history education at a Korean cultural center or the fact that one’s children have grown up in Korea and embraced it. Participants also noted that they wanted to maintain cultural homogeneity with Koreans. For this purpose, he emphasized the importance of respect for each other for all Koreans, including myself and other immigrants in Korea.
Ummm. Even though they have different roots, they are all Korean now. (omitted) If you meet South Koreans, you can say ’we are all Korean’. It’s not just Koreans. When I meet other migrants, I think I can say, ’We are Koreans’. Because I was born in China, I want to say that my ethnicity is Chinese, but I want to say that my country is Korea, no matter what city I live in. (participant 3) Currently, the immigrant population is growing and many immigrant schools have disappeared. And it seems that the natives living in Korea are still wary of migrants. In particular, most migrants like us live in or around large cities but feel very alienated because of Korea’s single ethnicity. (participant 9)
It was found that migrant women feel sorry for being classified as foreigners in society, even though they consider themselves to be like Koreans. So they pointed out that they want to enjoy various benefits as Koreans, but they are experiencing the reality of living within the limits of migrants. Some participants also report experiences of being ill-treated because of their immigrant status.
When my friends go to Korea, they often say that there is a lot of discrimination against immigrants, but I think that’s the case. I seldom thought of that while living in Japan, but living here often stimulates cultural emotions. In particular, it was a very unpleasant experience for me to swear in Japanese just because I was a migrant from Japan. (participant 10)