Minorities in South Korea explained

Minorities in South Korea have grown since the mid-20th century. South Korea remains one of the world's most ethnically homogeneous nations, i.e. those with majority of the population of one ethnicity, although much less so than North Korea.[1] Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, South Korea has been far more open to foreign influence, especially American.

There were 1,741,919 total foreign residents in Korea in 2015,[2] compared to 1,576,034 in 2013.[3] As of September 2015, according to the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs, the foreign population in South Korea, including migrant workers, increased to 1.8 million, accounting for 3.4% of the total population.[4] in 2022, the percent of foreigners in South Korea has risen to 4.37%, or 2,245,912 people.[5] Half of this population was Chinese (849,804), followed by Vietnamese (235,007), Thais (201,681) and Americans (156,562).[4] [6]

Ethnic minorities

Chinese

See main article: Chinese people in Korea. The biggest group of foreigners in Korea are the Chinese.[7] In 1970, an estimated 120,000 Chinese resided in South Korea. However, due to economic restrictions by the South Korean government, the number may have fallen to as low as 21,000. In the 10-year period starting in the late 1990s, the number of Chinese in Korea exploded. In the mid-2000s it was estimated that there are at least 300,000[8] and possibly more than 1,000,000[9] In 2009 it was estimated there are about 450,000 Chinese Koreans. Chinese citizens living in South Korea as permanent residents or illegal immigrants, including Joseonjok (Chinese citizens of Korean descent) and Han Chinese. There is a large Chinese community in Seoul's southwestern area (Daerim/Namguro) and a smaller but established a community in Seongnam. Ethnic Chinese in Korea are known as Hwagyo by the Koreans.

As of 2016, there were 710,000 Chinese nationals living in Korea, of which ethnic Koreans from China accounted for 500,000, Chinese 190,000 and Taiwanese 20,000. Together, they accounted for 51.6 percent of all foreigners in Korea.[10]

Other

The second-biggest group of foreigners in South Korea are migrant workers from Southeast Asia and increasingly from Central Asia (notably Uzbekistan, mostly ethnic Koreans from there, and Mongolians), and in the main cities, particularly Seoul, there is a small but growing number of foreigners related to business and education. The number of expatriate English teachers hailing from English-speaking nations has increased from less than 1,000 in 1988 to over 20,000 in 2002,[11] and stood at more than 22,000 in 2010.[12] There are 28,500 United States military personnel and civilian employees throughout the country,[13] an increasing number of whom are also accompanied by family members.

Mixed families

See also: Multicultural family in South Korea. The number of marriages between Koreans and foreigners has risen steadily in the past few years. In 2005, 14% of all marriages in South Korea were marriages to foreigners (about 26,000 marriages); most were rural Korean men marrying other Asian women from poor backgrounds. Korean men in age brackets up to their 40s outnumber slightly younger Korean women, both due to a high sex ratio and the drop in the birth rate since the 1960s, leading to a huge demand for wives. Many Korean agencies encourage 'international' marriages to Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipina, Indonesian, and Thai women, adding a new degree of complexity to the issue of ethnicity (see also mail-order bride).[14]

Influence in entertainment and the arts

South Korean media is widely influenced by expatriate entertainers. Performers, often residing with controversial E6 visas[15] provide several assets: a desirable native English language factor - though many are famously bilingual,[16] and contribution to Korea's desire for cultural diversity, image, and English proficiency. English media is available through major broadcasting entities.[17] Though highly unregulated, the expat presence in Korea is[18] encouraged by the prevalence of the Korean wave.

South Korea is home to the headquarters of several major players in gaming and dub-overs.[19] Due to the globalization of popular media, expats are the driving force behind many productions and the competition is described as being harsh due to the popularity of K-dramas. TV personalities such as Americans Carson Allen,[20] Daniel Joey Albright,[21] Khalid Tapia;[22] South African Bronwyn Mullen[23] and Australian actor[24] Sam Hammington are well known to viewers, often appearing in popular variety shows.

Some performers have reached household name status. Veteran Isaac Durst, an American actor, is well known for his extensive work catering to kids, family friendly TV and radio especially he appeared in Superkids replacing Matthew Readman since the latter episode.[25] Broadcasters such as kyopo[26] Lisa Kelley,[27] Ghana-born Sam Okyere,[28] Canadian sports commentator Jason Lee,[29] and popular advertisement voice actor Richard Kim who hails from America[30] [31] have been formally recognized for their influence on the Korean media industry. So frequent are their contributions that their voices are considered staples in Korean media, particularly in TV and radio.

On the practical side of entertainment in Asia, a booming voice industry is lucrative.[32] Recognized voiceover actors such as American born Jennifer Clyde,[33] who has been dubbed "the voice of Korea in 'English' reach millions through commercials, games and dubbing. Multi-genre performers such as Canadian Jesse Day,[34] Kelly Frances,[35] [36] Stephen Revere, Belgian DJ-actor Julian Quintart,[37] and French performer-model-MC Fabien Yoon contribute through content, voice and live performances.[38] Singer-actress Samia Mounts is credited for her role in Pokémon and American-Korean voice acting, having spent her youth in Korea.[39] [40] In the classical music genre, Dr. Ryan Goessl has built the Camarata Music Company, one of the world's most diverse music organizations, in Seoul. The organization, which boasts members from 101 different countries, can be seen in concert up to 40 times per year. Dr. Goessl can also be seen performing on Korea's national stages as both a choral/orchestral conductor, as well as a classical vocal soloist, in addition to coaching Korea's classical, rock, and KPOP singers, along with voice actors.[41] [42]

The foodie scene has its own prolific expat: Joe McPherson, author, resteraunteer and tour guide, whose work reached the New York times and landed him a consultant role during Anthony Bourdain's visit to Seoul.[43] [44] Additionally, Daniel Gray is an adoptee from the United States who made a brand for himself as a local foodie and author.[45]

Joe McPherson also operates the Dark Side of Seoul dark tour with Shawn Morrissey.[46] [47] Both also co-host the Dark Side of Seoul podcast.[48] Morrissey is a heritage researcher and folklorist who wrote a comic book based on the Dark Side of Seoul tour.[49] [50]

Radio in English is considered essential for ESL learners, and one of Korea's best known hosts, veteran Stephen Hatherly, runs a long-standing show - named after himself at English station TBSeFM. American Dorothy Nam is a celebrated host and well known Korean-American personality.[51]

The DJ scene is gaining global respect, and with it, expat professionals.[52] Bellydancing is popular and led by expats such as Australian veteran[53] Belynda Azhaar, PhD., often tying performance to social causes. British DJ Oli Fenn (DJ Fenner) is recognized as a local and multinational professional DJ.

As Seoul continues to develop its fashion presence, Expat models are common. Among them, Brazilian veteran Jane Aquino is known as a successful foreign model, posing alongside K-pop idols and working for the likes of high-profile fashion houses such as Hermes.[54] Veteran (former military) designer and model Julian Woodhouse is famous for dominating the fashion scene in Seoul and making his way to prominence in the American fashion industry.[55]

YouTube has gained popularity, with American veteran David Levene being the most recognizable for his success with half a million subscribers.[56]

Statistics

Number of foreign residents in South Korea up to 2022[5] [6] [57] [58]

YearForeign resident population
198040,519
1990100,000
1995269,000
1998308,339
2000491,234
2002629,006
2005747,476
20071,066,273
20101,261,415
20111,395,077
20121,445,103
20131,576,034
20141,797,618
20151,899,519
20162,034,878
20172,180,498
20182,367,607
20192,524,656
20202,036,075
20211,956,781
20222,245,912
Nationalities of legal foreign residents in South Korea as of 2019.[59]
Country2021 (Aug.)[60] 2019
China851,6151,101,782
209,839224,518
Thailand174,052209,909
United States145,724156,982
Uzbekistan66,18175,320
48,51161,427
Philippines47,59262,398
Cambodia41,23947,565
Mongolia37,96348,185
Nepal37,09242,781
Indonesia34,51448,854
Kazakhstan30,38934,638
Japan28,63186,196
42,767
Myanmar29,294
Canada26,789
Sri Lanka25,064
Hong Kong20,018
Bangladesh18,340
Australia15,222
Malaysia14,790
Pakistan13,990
India12,929
Others104,898
Total1,976,0002,524,656

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: 2 August 2006 . Korea's ethnic nationalism is a source of both pride and prejudice, according to Gi-Wook Shin . Korea Herald. https://web.archive.org/web/20110720053258/http://aparc.stanford.edu/news/koreas_ethnic_nationalism_is_a_source_of_both_pride_and_prejudice_according_to_giwook_shin_20060802 . 20 July 2011.
  2. News: Number of foreign residents in S. Korea triples over ten years . live . 21 November 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161104211008/http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/699034.html . 4 November 2016.
  3. Web site: 2013 Immigration Statistics Annual Report . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090730/http://www.immigration.go.kr/HP/COM/bbs_003/ListShowData.do?strNbodCd=noti0096&strWrtNo=126&strAnsNo=A&strOrgGbnCd=104000&strRtnURL=IMM_6050&strAllOrgYn=N&strThisPage=1&strFilePath=imm%2F . 27 March 2019 . 16 February 2015 . Korea Immigration Service . Foreigner Policy Division.
  4. Web site: 김강한 . 28 August 2015 . 외국인 주민이 5% 넘는 '다문화 도시' 전국 12곳 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20150923060639/http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2015/08/28/2015082800276.html?Dep0=twitter&d=2015082800276 . 23 September 2015 . 4 September 2015 . The Chosun Ilbo.
  5. Web site: 경기도 과천시 관문로 위치. 전자민원, 준법 운동, 여성포럼, 인권 광장 .
  6. Web site: K2WebWizard . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180716111950/http://www.moj.go.kr/doc_html/viewer/skin/doc.html?fn=82b1c994fb7b0a79aacb531ff4ff397f&rs=%2Fdoc_html%2Fviewer%2Fresult%2F201806%2F . 16 July 2018 . 2 March 2021.
  7. Web site: More Than 1 Million Foreigners Live in Korea . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20090909061931/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/08/06/2009080600243.html . 9 September 2009 . 21 November 2016.
  8. [Yonhap News]
  9. http://www.tsinghua.co.kr/introduce/board_view_form.html?cpage=4&uid=193&board_id=2&keyfield=&search_text= Tsinghua University
  10. Web site: Cho Si-young . 8 September 2016 . Foreign national population in Korea up more than 40% in 5 yrs . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210125010618/https://m.pulsenews.co.kr/view.php?no=638478&year=2016 . 25 January 2021 . 10 May 2018 . Maeil Business News Korea.
  11. Web site: 막가는 원어민 강사 골치 . 16 August 2006 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20110720133148/http://www.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20060816008011 . 20 July 2011 . 20 December 2010.
  12. Web site: Lee . Jiyeon . 3 February 2010 . Animosity against English teachers in Seoul . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20110124150129/http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/south-korea/100122/english-teachers-seoul-racism . 24 January 2011 . 27 December 2010 . GlobalPost.
  13. Web site: 17 October 2008 . Briefing by Defense Secretary Gates and ROK Minister Lee: U.S. troop levels in South Korea will remain at 28,500 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130406040253/http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-english/2008/October/20081020121847eaifas0.7119104.html . 6 April 2013 . 27 December 2010 . U.S. Department of State.
  14. News: Onishi . Norimitsu . 21 February 2007 . Marriage brokers in Vietnam cater to S. Korean bachelors . . https://web.archive.org/web/20070223015936/http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/02/21/news/brides.php . 23 February 2007.
  15. News: 26 February 2016 . South Korea's Entertainment Visas Pose Risk of Human Trafficking: Policy Forum . International Organization for Migration . live . 15 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715094208/https://www.iom.int/news/south-koreas-entertainment-visas-pose-risk-human-trafficking-policy-forum . 15 July 2018.
  16. News: 4 February 2018 . Foreigners return to small screen, targeting Korea's national pride . . live . 15 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715094114/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20180204000165 . 15 July 2018.
  17. Web site: English-language Media in South Korea SmartExpat . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715094456/https://smartexpat.com/south-korea/how-to-guides/lifestyle/activities-days-out/english-language-media . 15 July 2018 . 15 July 2018 . smartexpat.com.
  18. Web site: In dubbing industry, talk is cheap for voice actors . 15 July 2018 . Korea JoongAng Daily.
  19. Web site: In dubbing industry, talk is cheap for voice actors . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715093724/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2988755 . 15 July 2018 . 15 July 2018 . Korea JoongAng Daily. 6 May 2014 .
  20. Web site: Carson Allen . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210302042517/https://m.imdb.com/name/nm7219340/ . 2 March 2021 . 4 January 2020 . IMDB.
  21. Web site: Daniel Joey Albright . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20191223185409/https://m.imdb.com/name/nm7052088/ . 23 December 2019 . 4 January 2020 . IMDB.
  22. Web site: Khalid Elijah Tapia . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200309172627/https://m.imdb.com/name/nm4620303/ . 9 March 2020 . 4 January 2020 . IMDB.
  23. News: The South African Girl Who Captured Korea . live . 15 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715093805/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/09/14/2007091461015.html . 15 July 2018.
  24. Web site: In dubbing industry, talk is cheap for voice actors . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210302042519/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Farts%2Freview%2Fkorea-opportunity-for-aussie-entertainer-sam-hammington%2Fnews-story%2Fc2370dc9f699671a80314eedb70b1f24&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=9681af1db7948f4893c856ce04b7dbfc-1614659119 . 2 March 2021 . 15 July 2018 . Korea JoongAng Daily.
  25. Web site: In dubbing industry, talk is cheap for voice actors . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715093804/http://www.arirang.co.kr/Tv2/Tv_About_Content.asp?PROG_CODE=TVCR0251&MENU_CODE=100546&code=Po3&sys_lang=Eng . 15 July 2018 . 15 July 2018 . Korea JoongAng Daily.
  26. News: The Voice of Korea in English: Jennifer Clyde . live . 15 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180713074351/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/08/28/2007082861011.html . 13 July 2018.
  27. Web site: Lisa Kelley, 리사 켈리, Seoul, South Korea Stevie Awards Asia Pacific . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715064456/http://asia.stevieawards.com/lisa-kelley-%EB%A6%AC%EC%82%AC-%EC%BC%88%EB%A6%AC-seoul-south-korea . 15 July 2018 . 15 July 2018 . asia.stevieawards.com.
  28. Web site: 30 May 2017 . Meet the Most Famous Black Man in Korea . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715094532/https://nextshark.com/sam-okyere-most-famous-black-man-korea/ . 15 July 2018 . 15 July 2018 . nextshark.com.
  29. Web site: 22 June 2010 . Soccer fans cheer for both teams on Korean peninsula . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715064532/https://www.dw.com/en/soccer-fans-cheer-for-both-teams-on-korean-peninsula/a-5719902 . 15 July 2018 . 15 July 2018 . Deutsche Welle.
  30. Web site: Richard K. Kim (리차드 김, Korean actor, voice actor/actress, producer, director, scriptwriter) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715093734/https://www.hancinema.net/korean_Richard_K_p__Kim.php . 15 July 2018 . 15 July 2018 . HanCinema.
  31. News: migration . 6 November 2014 . K-Foreign Stars: 3 foreigners who are making audiences laugh on Korean TV . The Straits Times . live . 15 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161426/https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/k-foreign-stars-3-foreigners-who-are-making-audiences-laugh-on-korean-tv . 25 June 2018.
  32. News: 24 January 2017 . Q&A With Voice Artist on Why Dubbing Will Never Die China Film Insider . China Film Insider . live . 15 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715064520/http://chinafilminsider.com/qa-voice-artist-dubbing-will-never-die/ . 15 July 2018.
  33. Web site: The Voice of Korea in English: Jennifer Clyde . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715064456/https://article.wn.com/view/2007/08/28/The_Voice_of_Korea_in_English_Jennifer_Clyde/ . 15 July 2018 . 15 July 2018 . article.wn.com.
  34. Web site: 14 March 2014 . Jesse Day is Here to Stay . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20181209165321/http://groovekorea.com/article/jesse-day-here-stay/ . 9 December 2018 . 8 December 2018 . Groove.
  35. News: 26 June 2014 . Finding the joy in work . . live . 15 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715093641/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140626001215 . 15 July 2018.
  36. Web site: Kelly Frances McKenna on Saving Korea's Moon Bears . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715093609/http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/program/program_seoulreport_detail.htm?No=2826&current_page=39 . 15 July 2018 . 15 July 2018 . world.kbs.co.kr.
  37. News: 25 November 2012 . Jack of all trades . . live . 15 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715094558/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20121125000183 . 15 July 2018.
  38. Book: Korea), Korean Culture and Information Service (South . Discoveries of Korea, 20 Expats' Tales: real anecdotes on south korean everyday life . 16 January 2013 . 길잡이미디어 . 9788973751655 . 15 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210302042516/https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=cntoBgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&pg=GBS.PA19 . 2 March 2021 . live.
  39. Web site: mounts . Samia . The backstage . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210302042518/https://www.backstage.com/u/SamiaMounts/ . 2 March 2021 . 15 September 2018 . backstage.com.
  40. Web site: Samia Mounts Stripes Korea . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180921115102/https://korea.stripes.com/spotlight/samia-mounts . 21 September 2018 . 21 September 2018 . korea.stripes.com.
  41. Web site: Home Camarata Music Company . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180923162709/https://camaratamusic.com/ . 23 September 2018 . 23 September 2018 . camaratamusic.com.
  42. News: 5 May 2016 . The Camarata Music Company . Groove . 23 September 2018.
  43. Web site: Anthony Bourdain with guide Joe McPherson (Dark Side, BBQ) - Picture of ZenKimchi Korean Food Tours, Seoul - TripAdvisor . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715123019/https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g294197-d3257032-i125253381-ZenKimchi_Korean_Food_Tours-Seoul.html . 15 July 2018 . 15 July 2018 . tripadvisor.com.ph.
  44. News: Moskin . Julia . Koreans Share Their Secret for Chicken With a Crunch . The New York Times . 7 February 2007 . live . 15 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210302042518/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/07/dining/07fried.html . 2 March 2021.
  45. News: xxxxx . Seoul Eats: Steve Hatherly from TBS efm radio eats Bundaeggi 번데기 . Seoul Eats . live . 21 September 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180921114611/http://www.seouleats.com/2009/03/steve-hatherly-from-tbs-efm-radio-eats.html?showComment=1238560440000 . 21 September 2018.
  46. Web site: 2013-09-24 . The Dark Side of Seoul . 2022-05-01 . Asia Society.
  47. Web site: Pickering . Christine . 2015-10-18 . The ghosts of Seoul | Stripes Korea . 2022-05-01 . Korea.stripes.com.
  48. Web site: 5 January 2021 . 15 Best Korean History, Travel and Culture Podcasts You Must Follow in 2022 .
  49. Web site: 18 August 2020 . Dark Side of Seoul releases comic book . 2022-05-01 . The Korea Times.
  50. Web site: The Dark Side of Seoul - Weird Tales of Korean Lore (Review) . 14 September 2020 .
  51. Web site: Dorothy Nam Never Runs out of Energy . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20181109211023/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/04/20/2012042000478.html . 9 November 2018 . 8 December 2018 . The Chosun Ilbo.
  52. Web site: 9 February 2018 . Follow These Clubs To Catch The Hottest DJs In Seoul . 15 July 2018 . 10 Magazine.
  53. News: 22 February 2011 . Bellydance Dinner in Seoul on Saturday . . live . 15 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715094553/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20110222000640 . 15 July 2018.
  54. Web site: (KOCIS) . Korean Culture and Information Service . Jane Aquino on modeling, posing with a K-pop idol for Hermes : Korea.net : The official website of the Republic of Korea . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210302042524/https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/HonoraryReporters/view?articleId=147697 . 2 March 2021 . 21 September 2018.
  55. Web site: Montero . Roytel . How This Designer Went From Serving In The U.S. Military To Creating Menswear For A New Army . 8 December 2018 . Forbes.
  56. News: 26 April 2016 . 10 Korean YouTube Channels You Need to Know . 10 Magazine . live . 21 September 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210302042526/https://10mag.com/10-best-korean-youtube-channels/ . 2 March 2021.
  57. Web site: Official Korean Website . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180716111748/https://www.immigration.go.kr/HP/COM/bbs_003/ListShowData.do?strNbodCd=noti0097&strWrtNo=253&strAnsNo=A&strOrgGbnCd=104000&strRtnURL=IMM_6070&strAllOrgYn=N&strThisPage=1&strFilePath=imm%2F . 16 July 2018 . 19 June 2018.
  58. News: Foreign population jumps to 2.18 million . live . 25 January 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180125091403/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2018/01/177_243054.html . 25 January 2018.
  59. http://www.immigration.go.kr/bbs/immigration/228/412967/synapView.do Immigration
  60. Yon-se, Kim (26 September 2021). "Number of foreigners in Korea up for 1st time in 20 months". The Korea Herald.

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