A Study of Korean‐Chinese Ethnic Cluster and Living Space Expansion - Focused on the case of Daelim-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul -

Abstract

This article aimed at understanding the reason, the characteristics, and the problems caused by the ethnic cluster residence of the Korean‐Chinese (Chaoxianzu), focused on the example of Daelim‐dong, Yeongdeungpo‐gu, which was the representative area of the Korean‐Chinese. For the purpose of the study, a field survey and in‐depth interviews were combined. Whereas the spatial characters of Daelim‐dong were found in an on‐the‐spot survey, the understanding of various social relations of the Korean‐Chinese was shown primarily by the in‐depth interviews of those living in Daelim‐dong. The results are as follows: First, the biggest reason of their clustering in Daelim‐dong is comfortable living conditions, including convenient traffic facilities. They live in this area due to its perception as a place of convenient traffic, relatively cheaper prices, familiar food markets, and as a meeting place of familiar relatives and friends. The second reason is its strong migration network among the ethnic grouop, which allows them to buy their houses, and improve the condition of job employment and inappropriate discrimination by Koreans. Next, Daelim‐dong changes physically into a space of cultural hybridity as Daelim‐dong Chinatown, where Korean‐Chinese migrators and Korean residents influence one another. Finally, with its concentrated population of Korean‐Chinese, Daelim‐dong is placed at a crossroad between degrading into an urban underclass residential place or emerging as a new center of culture and economic activities.