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)