Social Dynamism in the Korean Diaspora (Koryo-saram) in Contemporary Kazakhstan

Research background

　　After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan, as a newly independent nation-state, has made great efforts for the national integration of its multiethnic populace. It is the most important issue for the nation, which could pursue two incompatible methods of national integration: multiethnicism or, Kazakh-ethnocentrism.

Research purpose

　　The purpose of this study is to investigate how Kazakhstan Koryo-saram (Koreans), who became Kazakhstani citizens once the nation gained independence, have responded to the two methods of the integration and how their society has changed. In my fieldwork, I conducted interviews with representatives of the main institutions of Kazakhstani Korean society, such as the Association of Koreans in Kazakhstan, the editorial office of the Koryo Ilbo (a Korean-language newspaper), the Korean television and Korean radio station, the Korean Cultural Center, and the Almaty branch of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan.

Results/Achievements

　　My research yielded two findings. The first is that the current activities of the Koryo-saram provided insight into the direction of their activities in the past, present, and future. The second is about identity of the Kazakhstan Koryo-saram. By examining trends within the community, we can see that the Kazakhstani Koryo-saram are building their identity as a part of the Kazakhstani nation, while at the same times as one of the minority groups in a multiethnic Kazakhstan. The community can be compared to Koryo-saram societies in other former Soviet areas where Koreans moved to seek a better environment.

Plans for further research

　　It would be necessary to examine the factors that make up the identity of the Kazakhstani Koryo-saram and to compare them to those of the Koryo-saram in other former Soviet areas.