Exploring factors on identity of Korean diaspora in the CIS countries

Abstract

Korean diasporas in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, also called as ‘Koryo-in’ or ‘Koryo-saram,’ are uniquely situated people groups, who maintain strong national identity despite being displaced from homeland for over 150 years. They embody strong adaptive strength as they have experienced the traumatic separation from homeland and radical transformation of political and economic systems in the turmoil of modern history. With their adaptive strength, they suggest great potential for rich and productive population and focal point of global Korean network against the backdrop of rapid decrease in productive population in Korea. Their importance, especially the Millennials, as global economic and cultural network possessing bicultural and bilingual strengths, deserves more academic and political attention. With the objective to help them construct identities that could more positively define their diasporic lives and their relationship with homeland, this study explores the factors affecting the development of national identity with a focus on the Millennials, and attempts to suggest relevant policy considerations.