South Korea is a country with a developed economy, a prosperous culture and advanced education, and was once known as one of the four Asian tigers, creating the "Miracle of the Han River" that has attracted the attention of the world. However, in such a country, more and more people choose to emigrate overseas in search of a better life and development. What did they leave for?Will they be able to find what they are looking for in a foreign land?
The history and current situation of immigrants in Korea.
The history of Korean immigration dates back to the last century and there are three main phases. The first stage was from the 50s to the 70s of the 20th century, mainly because of the Korean war and poverty, and a large number of Koreans emigrated to the United States, Japan, Brazil and other countries in search of political asylum and economic opportunities. The second stage was in the 80s and 90s, mainly because of the rapid development of South Korea's economy and the popularization of education, a large number of Koreans immigrated to the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries in search of higher education and career development. The third stage is from the 21st century to the present, mainly because of the involution and competitive pressure of Korean society, a large number of Koreans have immigrated to Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and other countries in search of a better quality of life and happiness.
According to Statistics Korea, the total number of overseas immigrants in South Korea reached 7.27 million at the end of 2020, accounting for 14 percent of South Korea's total population2%。Among them, the United States is the number one destination for South Korean immigrants, with about 2.3 million people, accounting for 31 percent of the total number of South Korean immigrants6%。This is followed by China, with about 2.1 million people, accounting for 289%。Again, there is Japan, with about 600,000 people, accounting for 82%。The number of Korean immigrants from other countries and regions is: Canada (180,000, accounting for 2.).5%), Australia (160,000 people, 22%), the Philippines (130,000, 18%), Vietnam (120,000 people, 17%), Germany (100,000 people, 14%), the United Kingdom (90,000 people, 12%), New Zealand (60,000, 08%), France (50,000, 07%), Thailand (50,000, 07%), Brazil (40,000, 0.).6%), Russia (40,000 people, 06%), India (30,000, 0.).4%), Singapore (30,000, 0.).4%), Spain (30,000, 04%), Argentina (20,000, 03%), Italy (20,000, 0.).3%), Mexico (20,000, 03%), Indonesia (20,000, 03%), South Africa (20,000, 03%), Malaysia (10,000, 0.).2%), Turkey (10,000 people, 0.).2%), Saudi Arabia (10,000 people, 02%), Switzerland (10,000 people, 0.).2%), Egypt (10,000 people, 02%), other countries and regions (80,000 people, accounting for 11%）。
The motivations and dilemmas of immigrants in South Korea.
The motivations of Korean immigrants are multifaceted, mainly including the following:
Education: South Korea's education system is considered highly competitive and test-oriented, placing a huge pressure and burden on students and parents. Many Koreans choose to emigrate overseas in order to allow themselves or their children to receive a more diversified and open education and improve their international competitiveness and vision.
Careers: The job market in South Korea is considered to be highly saturated and rigid, creating significant challenges and dissatisfaction for job seekers and employees. Many Koreans choose to emigrate overseas in search of more career opportunities and development space, as well as to improve their income and benefits.
Life: The standard of living in South Korea is considered to be highly expensive and stressful, placing a huge burden and depression on residents. Many Koreans choose to emigrate overseas in search of a better quality of life and happiness, and to enjoy more freedom and diversity.
Culture: Korean cultural values are considered to be highly conservative and monolithic, creating great constraints and conflicts for individuals. Many Koreans choose to emigrate overseas in search of more cultural identity and exchange, and to experience more innovation and tolerance.
However, immigrating overseas is not an easy task, and it does not necessarily fulfill the expectations and dreams of Koreans. Korean immigrants also face various dilemmas and challenges overseas, mainly including the following:
Language: Language is the most basic obstacle and need for immigrating overseas, and it is also the most important ability and capital for immigrating overseas. However, many Korean immigrants have language deficiencies and difficulties, which affect their communication and integration overseas.
Law: Law is the most important guarantee and norm for immigration overseas, and it is also the most complex issue and risk of immigration overseas. However, many Korean immigrants are ignorant and violate the law, which affects their rights and security overseas.
Culture: Culture is the most interesting experience and opportunity for immigrating overseas, and it is also the biggest challenge and conflict of immigrating overseas. However, many Korean immigrants have cultural barriers and discomforts, which affect their identity and communication overseas.
Psychology: Psychology is the most critical factor and motivation for immigrating overseas, and it is also the most difficult adjustment and balance for immigrating overseas. However, many Korean immigrants have psychological confusion and stress, which affects their happiness and development overseas.
Summary. The Koreans who were rolling up and dying began to flee, what did they want?What they want is a better education, a career, a life, and a culture, and they want more opportunities.